The Pokémon Company has canceled a planned card game event at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine after facing severe criticism from China, apologizing for the incident amid heightened tensions between the two countries. The event, scheduled for Saturday, was promoted on the company’s official website but was swiftly removed following a backlash that highlighted the shrine’s controversial history.
Yasukuni Shrine honors Japan’s war dead, including over 2.5 million individuals, but the enshrinement of more than 1,000 convicted war criminals has long made it a sensitive site for nations like China and Korea, which suffered under Japanese occupation. The shrine is viewed by these countries as a symbol of Japan’s unrepentant wartime past, and any activities there are often met with diplomatic protests and public outcry.
Chinese state media, including the People’s Daily, condemned the Pokémon event, stating that brands disregarding history and hurting Chinese sentiments would be abandoned by the market. Social media platforms in China saw a surge of angry comments, with the Global Times praising netizens for their criticism and calling the event an affront to historical truth, especially since it targeted children.
In response, the Pokémon Company issued apologies in both Japanese and Chinese, explaining that the event was organized by a certified third party and was mistakenly posted on their website due to a lack of due diligence. The company admitted that the event should not have been held in the first place and has committed to strengthening its approval processes to prevent similar occurrences.
The cancellation comes against a backdrop of worsening Japan-China relations, particularly after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks suggesting Tokyo could intervene if China attacks Taiwan. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has imposed economic and diplomatic measures in retaliation, further straining bilateral ties.
This incident underscores the challenges international companies face when navigating historical and political sensitivities in global markets. The Pokémon franchise, known for its family-friendly image, now must balance its commercial interests with cultural and diplomatic considerations, as missteps can lead to significant reputational damage and consumer backlash.
Moving forward, the Pokémon Company’s review of its processes may set a precedent for other firms operating in politically charged environments. The event highlights how entertainment and business activities can become entangled in international disputes, requiring greater awareness and sensitivity to historical contexts to maintain global harmony and market success.
