Popular Japanese anime singer pulled off stage in Shanghai amid rising Tokyo–Beijing tensions

Japanese singer Maki Otsuki was abruptly removed from the stage during a concert in Shanghai amid growing diplomatic tensions between Japan and China. The Bandai Namco Festival 2025 was cancelled after Otsuki's performance was cut short, affecting other performers like Momoiro Clover Z. Diplomatic tensions have led to cancellations of performances by Japanese artists in China, reflecting cautious engagement by Chinese authorities.