Photo/Illutration A Pokemon trading card game tournament in Shenzhen drew more than 26,000 attendees during its two-day run on Dec. 6-7. (Nen Satomi)

SHANGHAI–Even beloved Japanese icons such as Studio Ghibli, Pokemon and Hatsune Miku aren't immune to the growing chill in Japan-China relations, with several high-profile pop culture events postponed across China. 

The latest casualty came on Dec. 10 when organizers announced that a major Pokemon trading card game tournament scheduled for January here would be delayed.

The official website stated the decision was made after “careful consideration,” but offered no explanation.

The postponement follows a successful Pokemon event earlier this month in Shenzhen, which drew more than 26,000 attendees.

In Guangzhou, a major Studio Ghibli exhibition originally set to open later this month has also been postponed.

The exhibition, covering 3,000 square meters and featuring displays inspired by classics such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Princess Mononoke,” was expected to run until October next year.

The announcement, made via the official Weibo account on Dec. 8, avoided citing reasons, instead promising updates through official channels and expressing hope to “meet again in the near future.”

Meanwhile, fans of the virtual pop star Hatsune Miku were disappointed to learn that her exhibition in Shanghai, scheduled to run from December through March, has likewise been delayed.

These disruptions come in the wake of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s parliamentary remarks last month regarding a potential Japanese response to a Taiwan contingency involving China.

Angry reactions from Chinese officials have heightened diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

Cultural exchanges have since been increasingly affected. At the end of November, the Bandai Namco Festival 2025 was abruptly canceled midway through its run here.

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