How Japan-China feud over Taiwan is entering the cultural space – Firstpost

The Sino-Japan dispute has begun to have a cultural impact on Taiwan after Chinese authorities canceled many concerts and performances by Japanese artists and Chinese cruise operators began avoiding Japanese ports.

The development comes as a diplomatic spat between China and Japan continues after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made comments on Taiwan that are seen as interference by China as it considers the island-nation as part of its territory.

China and Japan are major trading partners, but regional rivalry and historical mistrust and friction over military spending often test those relations.

Takaichi, a conservative and pro-China, has toned down his rhetoric since taking office last month.

Japanese concerts go out of tune

According to a report by reutersChinese revelers began canceling their bookings for a long-awaited concert by Japanese jazz legend Yoshio Suzuki. Yuzuki’s concert was stopped after plainclothes police arrived at the venue, reports said.

Christian Petersen-Clausen, a Norwegian concert promoter and documentary filmmaker based in China, said, “Less than a minute later, the owner of the venue came to me and said that the police had told them that all concerts with Japanese people were canceled – and there had been no discussion.”

Dozens of performances by Japanese singers and musicians have been canceled in major cities across China after PM Takachi’s comments sparked tension in the country, he said.

Reports indicate that venues in China have been advised that concerts by Japanese artists may be canceled until 2025, as well as being instructed not to apply for new bookings involving Japanese acts. Promoters have also been asked to avoid sending text messages advertising upcoming performances by Japanese artists.

damage to japanese tourism

Japanese tourism is expected to suffer a loss of $1.2 billion due to the increasing dispute over Taiwan.

Last week, China advised its citizens not to travel to Japan and offered full refunds to those who had already booked their tickets to fly to the country.

So far, about 30 percent of the 1.44 million trips from China to Japan planned for next month have been cancelled, according to China Trading Desk data. About 70 percent of this decline comes from near-term departures being canceled or delayed.

Subramaniam Bhatt, chief executive of China Trading Desk, estimates that the change will cut Japan’s spending by at least $500 million, with losses likely to reach $1.2 billion. Their assessment is based on data that shows Chinese tourists typically spend more than $900 million each month, as well as overseas spending data from UnionPay and other financial services providers.

ban on seafood

China also announced a complete suspension of all Japanese seafood imports earlier this week.

according to kyodo newsChina told Japan the renewed restrictions were needed because further monitoring of the Fukushima drain was needed.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning reiterated the country’s commitment to strict food safety measures, saying China will continue both international monitoring and its own independent sampling of Japanese aquatic products.