China’s Mad at Japan, and Pop Stars Are Paying for It
China is retaliating against Japan for its support of Taiwan by curbing Japanese cultural exports, including movies, music, and anime. These actions follow Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion of potential Japanese military intervention if China attacks Taiwan.
The story so far
- Nov 30
- Dec 1
- Dec 2
- Dec 5
- Dec 6
How outlets cover it
4 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
Hamasaki posted that entertainment should be a bridge that connects us.
Organizers cited 'force majeure' for Hamasaki's concert cancellation.
Otsuki's management attributed the interruption to 'unavoidable circumstances'.
Takaichi said her comments had been misinterpreted and she had no intention of encouraging people to overwork.
“There’s nothing we can do,” said Yu Sasayama, who manages Magmaz.
This has been the unofficial position of Japan, but prime ministers just don’t say it out loud.
Maki Otsuki was forced to halt her performance in Shanghai.
Maki Otsuki's performance was stopped mid-song in Shanghai.
Who and where
Related stories over time
same people and places- Nov 30, 2025 – Dec 6, 2025◆ This story
- Dec 7, 2025 – Dec 9, 2025 laterChina sharpens confrontation with Japan following reported radar run-in6 articles · 5 outlets
- Jan 14 – Jan 23 laterJapan PM Takaichi dissolves parliament, paving way for snap election10 articles · 6 outlets
- Feb 4 – Feb 18 laterJapan’s Sanae Takaichi reappointed as PM42 articles · 7 outlets
- Feb 17 – Feb 19 laterTokyo defence involvement in Taiwan would amount to aggression against Beijing: UN envoy5 articles · 2 outlets
- Mar 11 – Mar 22 laterTrump’s biggest cheerleader? Why Japan’s Takaichi is making waves in China26 articles · 6 outlets
- May 2 – May 6 laterAnxious Australia and jittery Japan deepen ‘quasi-alliance’ for an uneasy age5 articles · 3 outlets
- Jun 13 – Jun 14 laterUK and Japan agree £18bn investment deal3 articles · 3 outlets
- Aug 11 – Aug 12 later