Two concerts by Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK have been cancelled in Hong Kong due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
The cancellation comes as Japanese artists find their events axed across China amid diplomatic tensions, yet coincides with the local government’s push to sell Hong Kong as an events capital.
According to a post on the Instagram account of organisers Live Nation, the “decision was made because of reasons that were outside the control of the artist and the organizer.”
“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, these issues could not be resolved, and the shows can no longer go ahead.”
Live Nation Hong Kong apologised and shared details of ticket refunds.
The shows were set to take place on May 2 and May 3 at Central Harbourfront Event Space.
The rock band’s Shanghai gig, originally scheduled for May 9, was also cancelled a month ago.
In November, around a dozen concerts involving Japanese musicians in major Chinese cities were axed within the space of a week, according to Reuters. Artists, including Ayumi Hamasaki, Maki Otsuki, and Hiromi Uehara, were impacted, with some events being halted abruptly during sound checks.
Ties between Tokyo and Beijing became frayed after new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that Japan could respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan.
The Republic of China (ROC) government has ruled Taiwan since 1945 after Japan was defeated in World War II, ending 50 years of occupation. The ROC authorities fully retreated to the island in 1949 after being defeated by the Chinese Communist Party in the Civil War. Beijing has since claimed democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, threatening to unify it by force if necessary.
See also: Explainer – Is Taiwan a country? The self-ruled island’s disputed status
This year, around 40 per cent of flights between China and Japan were cancelled by Chinese carriers. Beijing has also restricted trade with Japan and boosted military operations as a result of the spat.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website describes the city as “the ‘Events Capital of Asia’ and the ‘World’s Meeting Place’… home to some of the world’s greatest mega events and festivities throughout the year.”
HKFP has reached out to the band and Live Nation Hong Kong.
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