Chinese media question Ayumi Hamasaki’s “empty stadium performance,” sparking heated online debate between two opposing camps.

Beijing, Dec 2 — The controversy surrounding Japanese pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki’s alleged “empty-stadium performance” in Shanghai continues to escalate. Several Chinese media outlets on Monday cited a report from The Paper, clarifying that the widely circulated claim — that Hamasaki performed a full concert in an empty arena — is not accurate. They stressed that the leaked footage was actually from a rehearsal, which was taken out of context and subsequently triggered a wave of online debate. The report was also reposted by Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of Global Times, further intensifying discussions and fueling conflict between two opposing groups of internet users.

According to the report, the incident originated from Lai Zonglong, a staff member responsible for photography at the Shanghai show. Posting on Weibo under the username “煙火瀕海,” he issued an apology, admitting that he violated regulations by privately filming the stage during rehearsal. On November 28, he uploaded the footage on Douyin and falsely described it as “Ayumi Hamasaki recording a one-person concert in an empty venue.”

He emphasized that many social-media accounts reposted the video without verification and exaggerated the narrative into claims such as “Hamasaki performed an entire concert to an empty arena,” causing the situation to spiral and creating difficulties for the organizers and production team. He stated he deeply regretted his actions and would take responsibility, promising not to repeat the mistake.

Following the clarification, some Chinese netizens argued that the incident highlighted “the danger of online rumors.” Some criticized the way information had been sensationalized, while others framed the controversy as a matter of “mutual trust in cultural exchange.” There were also voices questioning the motives of the original poster, suggesting the controversy was “self-staged.”

However, another group of fans and netizens expressed the opposite view. They pointed out that Hamasaki herself stated on her official Instagram that after the concert was abruptly canceled, she and her entire team decided to perform the full show regardless, and she even posted photos from the venue. They questioned the rebuttal:
“If the concert was canceled right before, then why was there still a ‘rehearsal’?”
“Isn’t this the actual performance, not a rehearsal?”
“With the artist herself speaking out, how can this still be called false?”
Some accused certain media outlets of intentionally misleading the public.

Earlier reports indicated that Hamasaki’s Shanghai concert was canceled the day before the event due to “force majeure,” according to the organizers. Hamasaki later revealed on social media that she chose to perform the entire setlist in the 14,000-seat empty arena to honor her staff and fans who had traveled from overseas. She described it as “one of the most unforgettable performances” of her life.

In recent months, China–Japan relations have chilled following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remark that “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency.” Many Japanese artists have had their China-related events canceled as a result. Hamasaki’s concert was no exception; after the cancellation, organizers announced full refunds within 30 days. Hamasaki said the saddest part was being unable to apologize to fans in person.