Japanese pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki had no choice but to cancel her concert in Shanghai at the last minute, a move that her mentor and Avex president Masato Matsuura described as a political “warning shot”, a chilling example of “killing the chicken to scare the monkeys”.
Despite the show’s sudden cancellation, Ayumi made headlines for choosing to sing her entire setlist in an empty arena, an act of quiet defiance that resonated strongly with fans. The concert was reportedly stopped due to rising political tensions between China and Japan, and the decision was made without prior discussion.
Matsuura, who was also Hamasaki’s ex-partner, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his frustration. “Everything fell silent the night before the Shanghai show. The phrase ‘how to kill the chicken to scare the monkey’ keeps echoing in my head. It was terrifying,” he wrote.
The statement paints a picture of helplessness and shock as over 200 crew members stood ready, with the stage fully constructed, only to see the entire event forcibly disrupted. “It felt like watching adults cornered. The heaviness was overwhelming, like a scene straight out of a movie,” he added.
The sudden nature of the closure sparked a backlash online, with some netizens questioning the decision to proceed with the event despite the apparent risks. “Why hold the concert if you knew there was a risk of cancellation? And what about ticket refunds and vendor payments?” one user asked.
Matsuura responded candidly: “The local organizers assured us that action would be taken. Then suddenly, on the day of the event, we received a ‘forced dismissal’ order.’ There was absolutely no room for negotiation.”
He also admitted he was surprised by the public’s misinterpretation of his emotional post, adding that he took time to reflect on the consequences.
Ayumi Hamasaki, a legendary figure in J-pop, has long been known for her resilience and unwavering professionalism. His silent but symbolic performance in an empty venue may be remembered as one of the most touching moments of his career, proof that even when silenced, his message still resonates loudly.
Sources: ETtoday Starlight Cloud
