Japanese City Pop music event held in China amid tensions

An event featuring Japanese City Pop music from the 1970s and 1980s has been held in Beijing, China, despite the sour relations between the two countries.

The event took place at the Japanese Embassy on Tuesday, and it attracted about 150 people.

The minister at the embassy, Sonoda Yo, sang a City Pop song. He told the participants that he hoped they would become familiar with the music genre and immerse themselves in its charm.

People from China's music industry then introduced the attendees to the works and backgrounds of leading artists from the genre, including Eiichi Ohtaki and Tatsuro Yamashita.

The participants also enjoyed listening to City Pop music played on vinyl records.

The embassy says that Japanese City Pop music has gained popularity in China through social media and other online channels. Interest in the event was so strong that registration slots were filled within just a few hours.

One visitor in his 20s said that he came because he loves City Pop music. He noted that culture has the power to resonate. He also said that he believes great cultural works can be enjoyed by people around the world together.

But music concerts by Japanese artists and other cultural exchanges are being held less often in China due to the strained relations between the nations.