Hong Kong entertainer Ekin Cheng, who is known for his prowess in both acting and singing, had planned to hold his concert “EKIN CHENG LIVE IN TOKYO 2025” in Tokyo, Japan on December 5, 2025. However, on November 25, the organizers abruptly announced the cancellation of the event citing “unforeseeable circumstances,” leaving many puzzled.
Originally set to take place at the Yokohama Pacific Convention Plaza Main Hall, the concert venue was later changed to The Garden Hall in Tokyo’s Ebisu district. After several changes in the venue, the organizers announced the official cancellation of the concert on November 25.
The organizing entities, “G Music (HK) Ltd” and Lam & Lamb Entertainment Ltd. under Emperor Entertainment Group, expressed their gratitude to fans for their continuous support towards Ekin Cheng. They apologized for any inconvenience caused to the audience who were looking forward to the event and thanked everyone for their understanding and support. Information regarding ticket refunds will be announced soon, and ticket holders are advised to stay tuned to official announcements.
Some netizens speculated that the cancellation of the concert might be related to the recent tension between China and Japan, as well as the controversial remarks in the Japanese political arena regarding Taiwan. However, the organizers only cited “unforeseeable circumstances” as the reason for the cancellation without disclosing further details.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takai expressed on November 7 during parliamentary questioning that a crisis in Taiwan could potentially pose an existential threat to Japan, leading to considerations of using the Self-Defense Forces to defend national security. Following these remarks, China reacted strongly by launching a series of media, diplomatic, and economic attacks against Japan, including warning Chinese tourists against visiting Japan, suspending the resumption of imported Japanese seafood products, and halting the approval of new Japanese films in retaliation. China’s actions aimed to pressure Japan and force Takai to apologize and step down.
Despite facing pressure from China, Takai did not retract her statements, and her public support continued to rise. According to the latest survey by Japan’s leading newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun, Takai’s cabinet maintained a high approval rating of 72%, with 56% of Japanese citizens approving of her tough stance against China, indicating that more than half of the Japanese population supported Takai’s firm position. Even individuals in the entertainment industry who are usually apolitical, like Matsumura Sayuri of the popular girl group “Nogizaka46,” praised Takai during a recent interview on the show “Miyanen no Ie.”
In recent years, many Hong Kong entertainers have shifted their focus towards mainland China, but Ekin Cheng has chosen not to participate, sparking discussions. The upcoming concert in Japan was a long-awaited opportunity for Ekin Cheng to perform for his fans in the country. Many fans had already purchased tickets and made travel and accommodation arrangements in anticipation of the event. The sudden cancellation of the concert has left numerous fans disappointed and dissatisfied with the organizers.