One of China’s largest comic conventions has removed Japanese-themed content days before opening, reflecting worsening relations between Beijing and Tokyo, according to the South China Morning Post.
Organizers of the Comicup 32 “Pre” event in Hangzhou said the show would shift to a “new Chinese style” theme due to the current social environment.
China CP comic fan event stripped of Japanese content, dozens of booths affected
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While Japan was not named, dozens of exhibitors said booths featuring Japanese anime and manga were abruptly canceled. Content tied to the United States and Europe appeared unaffected.
Artists said the move caused financial losses after months of preparation, including printing costs and travel bookings.
The Hangzhou event is expected to host about 7,000 booths and follows a major Shanghai edition that drew hundreds of thousands of visitors earlier this year.
The decision comes amid a broader freeze in China-Japan cultural exchanges. Japanese concerts, exhibitions, and travel have been disrupted in recent weeks following diplomatic tensions over Taiwan and security issues.
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TIPP Staff
