Pokémon Event Canceled Amid China Backlash Over Yasukuni Shrine

A Pokémon card game event scheduled for January 31, 2026, at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine has been canceled following significant backlash from China. The Pokémon Company, an affiliate of Nintendo, issued an apology after the event drew criticism for its location, which is seen as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past. The Yasukuni Shrine honors approximately 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including individuals convicted as war criminals, and is viewed negatively by countries that suffered under Japanese aggression, particularly China and the Koreas.

Pokemon card event at controversial shrine to Japanese war dead canceledPokemon event at Yasukuni shrine in Japan cancelled after drawing China’s ire‘Pokemon’ event at Yasukuni canceled after China protestsPokémon event to be held at shrine for war dead in Japan cancelled following backlash from ChinaPokémon apologises after Chinese anger over plan for game at Japanese shrine

The Pokémon Company stated that the event was organized by a certified Pokémon card player and was intended for children. However, the company acknowledged that the event's details were mistakenly shared on its official website without proper vetting. In its apology, the company emphasized, “It was an event that should not have been held to begin with,” and pledged to be more considerate in the future, aligning with its motto of “connecting the world with Pokémon.”

Pokemon card event at controversial shrine to Japanese war dead canceled

Chinese state media reacted swiftly to the announcement, with editorials condemning the event. The People's Daily, the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party, warned that “brands that disregard history and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will ultimately be abandoned by the market.” The publication urged companies to take social responsibility and not trivialize historical grievances in the name of entertainment. This sentiment reflects a broader concern in China regarding perceived insensitivity to historical issues related to Japan's wartime actions.

‘Pokemon’ event at Yasukuni canceled after China protests

The cancellation of the Pokémon event occurs against a backdrop of rising tensions between Japan and China. In November 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan might intervene if China took military action against Taiwan, a statement that provoked a strong response from Beijing, including economic and diplomatic repercussions. Takaichi, who has a history of visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, has not prayed there since taking office, indicating a potential shift in her public stance.

Pokemon card event at controversial shrine to Japanese war dead canceledPokémon event to be held at shrine for war dead in Japan cancelled following backlash from ChinaPokémon apologises after Chinese anger over plan for game at Japanese shrinePokemon event at Yasukuni shrine in Japan cancelled after drawing China’s ire

Critics of the Pokémon event have highlighted the insensitivity of holding a recreational activity at a site that is deeply controversial and associated with Japan's wartime history. The backlash underscores the delicate nature of Japan-China relations, where historical grievances continue to influence contemporary interactions.

Pokémon event to be held at shrine for war dead in Japan cancelled following backlash from China

Following the cancellation, it remains to be seen how the Pokémon Company will navigate its relationship with Chinese consumers and whether further actions will be taken to address historical sensitivities in its marketing strategies. The incident may also prompt broader discussions about cultural events held at historically significant sites in Japan.

‘Pokemon’ event at Yasukuni canceled after China protests

• “Brands that disregard history and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will ultimately be abandoned by the market.” — People's Daily, Chinese State Media

Pokémon apologises after Chinese anger over plan for game at Japanese shrine

• “It was an event that should not have been held to begin with,” — Pokémon Company

Pokemon card event at controversial shrine to Japanese war dead canceled