In the aftermath of Prime Minister Sanae Koichi’s comments on the Taiwan contingency, a number of performances in China by Japanese artists have been canceled. At a November 7 meeting of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Takaichi stated that the Taiwan contingency “could be an ‘existential crisis situation’ if it involves the use of warships and the use of military force. In response, the Chinese side has reacted violently, refraining from travel to Japan and suspending imports of Japanese marine products. The impact of this has also affected cultural exchange.” (Political Affairs Reporter) On January 17, boy group JO1 announced the cancellation of a fan event that was scheduled to be held in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, on March 28. Guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka also announced on his official website on January 20 that his Beijing concert would be postponed. On the 19th, a concert by Japanese singer-songwriter Kokia was scheduled to take place in Beijing, but it was suddenly canceled just before the show began. According to the ticket sales company, the cancellation was due to a malfunction of the venue’s equipment, but the truth is unknown. Singer-songwriter Tabito Nanao sent out the following message on his X page updated on January 20: “Mr. Takaichi’s thoughtless and self-serving decision to cancel the concert was not a good thing. Mr. Takaichi’s thoughtless self-promotion has greatly undermined the stability of East Asia. The aftermath has also affected cultural exchanges, and permits for Japanese musicians to perform in China have been cancelled one after another. I am sorry to my friends in the neighboring country who have shown me affection while overcoming history. Don’t be silent, be angry, protest. Don’t let the government’s shitty politicians take away the possibility of your music meeting someone somewhere in this world. In the same post, Haru also mentioned that “while musicians play nonpolitical, cynical, ignore, or remain silent, the opportunities for performance and cultural exchange are being lost. A major-label artist has difficulty speaking out directly on political matters such as these, because of the influence on China and the sponsors. This is because of the influence on China and the sponsors’ companies. On the other hand, independent artists, who are not bound by their affiliation, may be able to speak out directly on their own ideas and the current situation. However, even if it started with Mr. Koichi’s comments, the Japanese government does not prohibit performances in China. I would like to see the Japanese government allow at least musical activities. ……
