Photo/Illutration A Chinese performer greets a young fan in Sagamihara on Nov. 22. (Wataru Sekita)

In China, the absurdity of Japanese singers not being able to perform due to worsening relations between Japan and China is occurring. 

A show on Nov. 28 in Shanghai by the singer Maki Otsuki, known for her rendition of the “One Piece” anime theme song, was abruptly halted as the sound and lighting were turned off while she was singing.

The group Momoiro Clover Z was scheduled to appear at the same event the following day but that was canceled as well.

A concert scheduled to be held by Ayumi Hamasaki in Shanghai on the same day was also canceled.

A large number of other Japan-related shows and events have been suspended.

All this reflects the policy set by the government of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Chinese government is increasing pressure on Japan after it viewed as highly problematic a statement by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Diet about a military contingency related to Taiwan.

The view of many experts is that various Chinese government agencies as well as local governments implemented measures within their range of authority to demonstrate loyalty to the administration.

Some drastic actions, such as the unfathomable act of disrupting a show in progress, have occurred as a result.

This is a negative effect from one-party rule and a bureaucratic organization.

What is regrettable is that the valuable opportunity for cultural exchanges has been lost.

There were many Chinese looking forward to seeing the Japanese artists perform.

In fact, there were posts on social media in China criticizing such cancellations and the sudden ending of shows.

Airlines have greatly reduced the number of flights to Japan after the Chinese government called for restraint in travel. 

The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo has posted information with an unclear basis about the worsening law-and-order situation in Japan.

Such moves have had a serious effect on private-sector exchanges, with a number of Chinese participants deciding not to participate in exchange events scheduled in various parts of Japan.

On the other hand, it is noteworthy that there has so far been no reports about anti-Japan demonstrations and boycotts of Japanese products as were witnessed in the past.

Reporting from China by Japanese media has noted a relatively calm response by the Chinese public, with some saying they are different from the government.

Not only will the inflexible response of the Chinese government damage its image overseas, but it might also become a risk.

It is difficult to believe that Chinese citizens will be convinced by the argument that cancellation of concerts is all Takaichi’s fault because of the government criticism of the prime minister's comment.

Discussions between governments should be held to address the issues.

Involving the private sector in such a confrontation and acting foolishly to affect exchanges and travel should be stopped at once.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 2

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