Japanese artists have problems amid Japan-China crisis – level 3

Japanese artists have problems amid Japan-China crisis

08-12-2025 07:00

Escalating tensions between Japan and China have resulted in the abrupt cancellation of numerous Japanese cultural events in China, including concerts by Maki Otsuki, Ayumi Hamasaki, and Yuzu.

These halts have caused frustration among fans and promoters.

The diplomatic rift intensified following recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested that Japan could potentially intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan, an island Beijing regards as its own territory. China immediately demanded that the Prime Minister retract her comments; however, Japan refused to do that. In response, Beijing has imposed several strict measures. These include a ban on Japanese seafood imports, the suspension of numerous flights, the freezing of youth exchange programs, and the indefinite delay of Japanese film releases in Chinese cinemas.

Analysts are warning that if the political dispute deepens, Japanese cultural exports may face long-term damage, similar to what occurred with South Korean entertainment following a 2016 diplomatic row.

Difficult words: abrupt (sudden and unexpected), rift (a serious break in friendly relations or an open disagreement between two groups or people), retract (to take back a statement or an offer).

You can watch the video news lower on this page.

What suggestion by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prompted China to demand a retraction and impose bans on Japanese seafood imports, suspend flights, freeze youth exchange programs, and indefinitely delay Japanese film releases?

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