Pokémon event to be held at shrine for war dead in Japan cancelled following backlash from China

A Pokémon card game event planned for Jan. 31 at a shrine dedicated to Japan's war dead has been cancelled following backlash.

The event was originally announced on the Pokémon Company's website to be held at Yasukuni Shrine, which honours those who fought for the country.

The shrine has been viewed by many, especially China, North Korea, and South Korea, as controversial as their existence has been taken to show a lack of remorse for Japan's wartime past.

The event reportedly attracted backlash in China, with Chinese state media citing angry comments trending on social media, reported Japan Today.

China’s state media and social media environment are highly regulated.

“Brands that disregard history and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will ultimately be abandoned by the market,” China's state media People’s Daily reportedly said on Weibo, according to Japan Today.

“The relevant enterprises must accordingly take social responsibility and not make light of the heavy weight of history in the name of entertainment,” it added.

Pokemon Company apologised

The Pokémon Company, an affiliate of Japanese game maker Nintendo, issued an apology in both Japanese and Chinese.

The event has since been removed from its website.

The company explained that the event had been privately planned by a certified Pokémon card player for children, but it was shared on the website due to a "lack of... understanding”.

“It was an event that should not have been held to begin with," it said.

The company then cited its motto of “connecting the world with Pokémon" and pledged to be considerate to everyone.

Escalating tensions

Tensions between Japan and China have been escalating since Japan prime minister Sanae Takaichi took office and made remarks in November 2025 suggesting that Japan could become involved if China takes military action against Taiwan.

The remark sparked China to retaliate with travel warnings and seafood import suspensions.

China has urged Takaichi to retract her comments.

According to Japan Today, Takaichi used to be a regular at the Yasukuni Shrine, although she has not prayed at the shrine since taking office.

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