Sands China has cancelled Japanese pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki’s concert scheduled for January 10th, 2026, at The Venetian Macao, becoming the latest disruption to the singer’s Asia Tour as China–Japan political tensions continue to escalate.
Cotai Ticketing, the ticketing arm of Sands China, announced the cancellation on December 9th, stating that “Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025 – Macao” would no longer take place. The notice offered no explanation for the decision, but confirmed that all purchases made through Cotai Ticketing would be automatically refunded, while customers who bought tickets via Macau Ticketing or Damai must contact their original ticketing platforms for refunds.
The Macau leg of the tour was originally announced on October 16th, with Sands China promoting a full-scale production featuring an upgraded four-sided stage, new costumes, and a 7:30 p.m. showtime at The Venetian Arena. Tickets were priced between HK$770 ($96) and HK$2,230 ($278) across five categories, including a VIP tier.
The cancellation follows the abrupt shutdown of Hamasaki’s November 29th Shanghai concert, which authorities halted the day before the performance. Hamasaki later recorded a “no-audience concert” at the venue and shared the footage online, sparking widespread discussion and sympathy on Chinese social media.
The disruptions come amid heightened diplomatic strain, following comments by Japanese political figures that have drawn strong criticism from Beijing. Multiple Japanese entertainers have since had mainland China appearances postponed or cancelled.
Hamasaki addressed fans on Instagram after the Macau cancellation, apologizing to those who had planned to attend and adding that she would continue with future plans, writing, “Our bond is eternal.
