A growing series of abrupt cancellations has swept through Japanese cultural events and performances scheduled in China, following recent remarks on Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which Beijing viewed as challenging its claim of sovereignty over the self-ruled island.
The Bandai Namco Festival 2025, initially slated to take place in Shanghai, was among the high-profile events called off, with organizers confirming the cancellation and exhibition booths at the venue already being dismantled. Notices were posted at the entrance, and security staff turned away anime and gaming fans, most of whom, though disappointed, expressed understanding over the decision.
Several Japanese artists, including singer Otsuki Maki, Ayumi Hamasaki, and jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara, have also seen their concerts and public engagements in China canceled or postponed. Stage productions such as the musical adaptation of “Sailor Moon” and comedy performances by Yoshimoto Kogyo have likewise been halted.
These cancellations come as part of a broader pattern of retaliatory measures adopted by China against Japan, which include travel warnings, flight cuts, and bans on seafood imports.
In a separate development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing many categories of Chinese citizens visa-free access to Russia for up to 30 days. This applies to tourists, business travelers, academics, artists, and athletes.
The move reciprocates a similar decision by Beijing earlier this year, which permits short-term visa-free travel for Russian citizens visiting China.
The policy, which will be in effect until September 14, 2026, does not extend to Chinese migrant workers, long-term students, or logistics and transport sector employees. The deepening ties between Moscow and Beijing have grown since the signing of a “no limits” partnership in February 2022, a relationship that has become increasingly important for Russia amid Western sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine.
