Japanese pop star Ayumi Hamasaki performs to empty Shanghai arena after show cancelled in China, wins praise

Japanese pop idol Ayumi Hamasaki went ahead and performed a full-scale concert to an empty arena in Shanghai after the authorities in China abruptly cancelled her Saturday, Nov. 29 show, just a day before it was slated to happen.

The concert organiser cited "force majeure" as the reason.

The eventual performance, at a venue devoid of concert goers, apparently went ahead, as speculation was rife that the show was recorded and could possibly be released at a later date.

Empty venue, full performance

The 47-year-old beloved pop star posted photos of the empty venue on Instagram on Nov. 30, noting that the 14,000-seater theatre was empty, but she was able to feel "so much love" from around the world.

She thanked her 200-strong Japanese and Chinese crew who had spent five days setting up the stage.

Her steadfastness in proceeding with the concert was widely praised in the comments section.

When news of the cancellation first broke, Hamasaki wrote: "I still firmly believe entertainment should be a bridge that connects people, and I want to continue building that bridge."

Hamasaki's Asia tour started in Hong Kong in 2025.

Background

Japanese artistes and performers have had their concerts and entertainment events cancelled or postponed in China.

This was after Japan prime minister Takaichi Sanae made a remark on Nov. 7, hinting that Japan could get involved in Taiwan militarily.

China reacted with harsh criticism for days, but Takaichi said she did not intend to retract her comments.

Top photos via Ayumi Hamasaki