China's Outrage Has Knock-on Effect on Japanese Artistes

Japanese artistes are not spared from China's raging outrage with their country as their shows in China get called off and their performances cancelled. 

Both countries have been locked in an escalating row, sparked by Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi's hostile suggestion on November 07 that Japan could respond militarily if China reclaims Taiwan by force. 

Artistes who have been scrapped include J-pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki, jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara, singer-songwriter Kokia, female idol group Momoiro Clover Z, and Maki Otsuki, whose songs have featured in the popular anime One Piece. And aborted productions include the musical Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon and a three-day comedy festival in Shanghai featuring a dozen Japanese comics. 

Journalist Soichiro Matsutani, an expert in Asian pop culture, said the latest development comes at an unfortunate time as the Japanese government is stepping up efforts to pitch video games, anime and other content overseas.

Sivasangari Subramaniam celebrated her career-best world ranking of No. 6 by reaching the second round of the $224,500 Hong Kong Open yesterday. 

The 26-year-old Malaysian climbed one ranking higher after finishing runner-up at last week's Hong Kong Football Club Open. 

Sivasangari defeated world No. 31 Lucy Turmel of England 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 in just 23 minutes. She will next face world No. 19 Melissa Alves of France today for a place in the quarter-finals.