Since Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan in a recent parliamentary debate, Sino-Japanese relations have seen a steady decline. This political tension has led to many Japanese artists being boycotted from performing in mainland China as well as its Special Administrative Regions. Unfortunately for fans of Japanese pop idol Ayumi Hamasaki, the cancellation of her upcoming Macau concert will mark the second axed performance in her 2025 ‘I am ayu’ Asia tour.
The J-pop sensation announced the cancellation on Instagram, expressing her regret about the decision following discussions with event organisers. Scheduled to take place in Macau on January 10, 2026, the concert was originally planned to be the finale of Hamasaki’s 2025 Asia tour, which began in Hong Kong with an electric performance at AsiaWorld-Arena in June.
Since her Hong Kong appearance, Hamasaki has shown her love and appreciation for her supporters in our city through fan-interactions and social media presence. Notably, before the singer’s Shanghai concert was scheduled to take place, Hamasaki announced in an Instagram post that, in light of Hong Kong’s devastating Tai Po fire, she would be nixing red-coloured costumes, cancelling crimson special effects, and urged fans not to wear red to the show. Nonetheless, the performance was axed one day before it was scheduled to take place on November 29, leading to the singer performing to an empty stadium instead.
Fans who have purchased tickets for the Shanghai and Macau shows will receive priority access to Hamasaki’s 2026 tour.
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