TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mayors from Taipei and Kaohsiung invited J-pop star Hamasaki Ayumi to perform after her Shanghai concert was abruptly canceled amid escalating China–Japan tensions.

Hamasaki was scheduled to hold a concert at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center on Saturday, but it was canceled one day before the show, with organizers citing "force majeure." The move was seen as retaliation for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on a potential Taiwan contingency, per Mirror Media. 

Despite the snub, she took the stage and performed in an empty arena. On Sunday evening, Hamasaki posted photos on Instagram, saying, “With 14,000 empty seats but felt so much love of TAs from all over the world, it was one of the most unforgettable (shows) ever to me.”

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) said concerts and cultural events should not be subject to political interference, calling China’s approach unacceptable. Responding to online calls for Hamasaki to hold a concert in Kaohsiung, Chen said he admires her unique style and large fan base in Taiwan.

Concerts need an atmosphere of freedom to thrive, he added. Chen expressed his hope that Hamasaki could perform in Kaohsiung, schedule permitting, stressing, “We absolutely welcome her to come.”

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) also weighed in. “Not long ago, when Hamasaki Ayumi performed in Taipei, we presented her with xiaolongbao and pineapple cakes. I even wrote her a card and gave her an EasyCard featuring her beloved Hello Kitty,” he said. 

Chiang said Taipei eagerly anticipates her next visit and “we will continue to surprise her.” When asked whether he would continue inviting Hamasaki, he responded, “We would very much welcome her.”