Shanghai: A Japanese anime event that kicked off in Shanghai on Friday with a three-day schedule was canceled following an incident where a Japanese singer's performance was forcibly interrupted at the event venue, according to Japanese entertainment firm Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc., the event's organizer.

According to Philippines News Agency, experience-oriented attraction booths featuring popular Japanese anime, such as "One Piece" and "Mobile Suit Gundam," were set up at the venue, drawing many local anime fans on the first day. However, during a performance by singer Maki Otsuki, known for the theme song of "One Piece," the lights and sound were unexpectedly cut off, forcing the performance to end abruptly.

On Otsuki's official website, her agency stated that the performance had to be halted "due to unavoidable circumstances." This incident occurs amid growing backlash in China over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks regarding a potential Taiwan contingency. Consequently, Japan-related events in the country, such as music performances, have been increasingly canceled, indicating a broader move to exclude Japanese cultural content.

Additionally, a concert by renowned Japanese singer Ayumi Hamasaki, scheduled for Saturday in Shanghai, was also abruptly canceled on Friday. Final preparations were underway when China requested the performance be called off on Friday morning, as reported by people familiar with the matter.