Chinese idols in Shanghai urged not to sing Japanese songs

Shanghai authorities have cautioned Chinese amateur idol groups against singing Japanese songs, amid rising tensions with Japan over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan, according to entertainment insiders. Since July, officials in various Shanghai districts have warned music venues that performances featuring Japanese lyrics should not take place, the sources revealed.

In China, musicians must submit song titles and lyrics to authorities for approval before any public performance. In July, several concerts featuring Japanese idol music and anime theme songs were canceled when organizers failed to secure the necessary permissions. As of last year, there were over 250 underground idol groups in China, with many amateur performers donning Lolita-style outfits and singing Japanese songs while addressing audiences in Japanese at smaller concert venues.

A Shanghai idol group member said the authorities' instructions have prompted adjustments in their shows, with performers swapping planned Japanese songs for Chinese ones. An industry source suggested the local authorities were acting in accordance with Beijing's stance toward Japan. Since Takaichi's parliamentary comments last November, Beijing has increased pressure on Tokyo across sectors like tourism, trade, education, and entertainment.

The dispute stems from her suggestion that Japan might deploy its defense forces if conflict arises over Taiwan, an island claimed in its entirety by Beijing. The diplomatic fallout has resulted in postponed or canceled movie screenings, concerts, artist performances, and animation events throughout China. Chinese musicians who sing in Japanese have replaced canceled Japanese singers, but they can no longer do so.