Maki Otsuki Pulled Off Stage in Shanghai | One Piece Concert Cancelled Amid China

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🎤 Concert Interrupted: What Happened to Maki Otsuki

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According to video shared widely online — including by Al Jazeera English — Maki Otsuki was performing on stage in Shanghai when the show was abruptly stopped. The lights and sound were cut mid-song, and two staff members came on stage and escorted her off.(Free Press Journal)
The audience was reportedly shocked and confused; many had already invested in tickets and come to enjoy what promised to be a celebration of Japanese anime and music culture.(The Straits Times)
After her removal, organisers announced cancellation of the rest of the event — Bandai Namco Festival 2025 — which had featured booths and performances related to major anime franchises.(The Japan Times)

Otsuki’s concert isn’t an isolated case. Following comments by Sanae Takaichi — the Japanese Prime Minister — about a potential military response if China attacked Taiwan, authorities in China appear to be targeting Japanese cultural exports and events.(The Star)
As part of what analysts describe as retaliatory measures, other Japanese music acts and pop-culture events have also been cancelled or disrupted.(The Straits Times)
Youth exchange programs and student visas between China and Japan reportedly have been frozen, indicating that the diplomatic strife is affecting not just entertainment, but broader cultural and educational ties.(South China Morning Post)

Fans — especially within China — are reportedly frustrated and disappointed. Many feel the sudden shutdown reflects how deeply political tensions now influence cultural expression and arts events.(Bandwagon Music)
Organisers and artists are now reassessing the feasibility of future concerts or anime-linked events in China. Some fear this might become a long-term barrier for Japanese pop culture in the region.(The Straits Times)
Cultural analysts warn that this could signal a broader decline in cross-border cultural exchange, which historically helped bridge fans across nations — especially in Asia where anime and J-pop have wide appeal.(The Straits Times)

Whether other scheduled Japanese concerts or cultural events in China will face cancellations or disruptions.
How governments in Tokyo and Beijing respond diplomatically — any de-escalation might ease the cultural restrictions, but continued tension could further impact arts, tourism, youth exchange, and entertainment.
The reaction from fans worldwide: social media, public calls for cultural freedom, or possible rallying around artists affected by the crackdown.