RIIZE member Shotaro will not be participating in the group’s upcoming concerts in Macau, the production company confirmed on Friday. The shows, part of the “RIIZING LOUD” tour, are scheduled for February 7 and 8 at the Galaxy Arena.
According to I Am Macau, all preparations were made for the full group to perform, but unforeseen circumstances prevented Shotaro from participating. The company apologized for the change and asked fans for understanding.
The 25-year-old Japanese K-pop star was set to travel with the other members on the morning of February 6. However, he was the only member to withdraw at the last minute. While the official statement did not specify a reason, fans believe it may be related to recent tensions between China and Japan.
In recent months, several K-pop events in Chinese-speaking regions have been altered or canceled when Japanese members were involved. In December last year, LE SSERAFIM’s fan meeting for “Spaghetti” in China was canceled as the group has two Japanese members, Sakura and Kazuha.
The group Close Your Eyes held a Hangzhou event without its Japanese member, Kenshin. Other artists, including Japanese performers Mika Nakashima and Ayumi Hamasaki, have also faced canceled shows in Macau.
Shotaro’s labelmate Ningning, who is Chinese, faced similar restrictions in Japan and opted out of year-end group performance due to the conflict.
These disruptions were influenced by comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November last year. regarding Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory. These remarks appear to have triggered an unofficial “anti-Japan cultural restriction.”
For RIIZE, the Macau concerts are part of their first world tour. The group debuted in 2023 under SM Entertainment and has been actively promoting internationally. With Shotaro absent, the concerts will go on with the remaining five members.
Other K-pop acts with Japanese members who have upcoming concerts in Macau are also under scrutiny. TREASURE, with four Japanese members, is scheduled to perform on March 6, 2026. NCT WISH, also with four Japanese members, has shows planned in March. On the other hand, IVE, including member Rei, is scheduled for May 23-24.
