The Pokémon Company has issued a formal apology and cancelled a scheduled trading card game event at Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine, following significant backlash from Chinese media and public opinion. The incident highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding historical memory in East Asia and the challenges global brands face when navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
Event Planned at Controversial Memorial Site
The event was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Yasukuni Shrine, a Tokyo memorial that honours Japan's 2.5 million war dead, including individuals convicted as war criminals by international tribunals. For neighbouring countries that suffered under Japanese military aggression during the first half of the 20th century, particularly China and both North and South Korea, visits to the shrine are viewed as demonstrating a lack of proper remorse for historical atrocities.
Swift Condemnation from Chinese Authorities
Chinese state media was quick to criticise the choice of venue. The People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, published a strongly worded editorial stating: "Brands that disregard history and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will ultimately be abandoned by the market. The relevant enterprises must accordingly take social responsibility and not make light of the heavy weight of history in the name of entertainment."
This response reflects China's consistent position on matters perceived as challenging its historical narrative or national dignity, particularly regarding Japan's wartime conduct.
Pokémon's Response and Cancellation
Facing mounting criticism, The Pokémon Company, an affiliate of Japanese gaming giant Nintendo, issued apologies in both Japanese and Chinese languages. The company sought to distance itself from the event, explaining that it had been privately organised by a certified Pokémon card player for children, but that information about it had been mistakenly shared on the company's official website due to "a lack of our understanding."
"It was an event that should not have been held to begin with," the company stated in its apology. The event has now been completely cancelled, and all related information has been removed from the Pokémon website.
Broader Context of Regional Tensions
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Japan and China. In November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan could become involved if China takes military action against Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing claims as part of its territory. Such statements have further strained diplomatic relations between the two Asian powers.
The Pokémon Company, citing its corporate motto of "connecting the world with Pokémon," pledged in its apology to be more considerate to everyone in its future activities. This episode serves as a reminder of how entertainment brands operating internationally must carefully consider historical and political sensitivities, particularly in regions with unresolved historical grievances.
