The project ‘AniLoca Fes in Shiga‘ has announced the cancellation of its event scheduled for December 22, 2023 in Shiga Prefecture, citing death threats that endangered the safety of attendees, artists and staff. Takahiro Yamada (山田高弘)Japanese organizer and composer known for his contributions to “GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri“, “Shuumatsu no Harem” and “LoveLive!“He apologized to the fans, expressing the difficulty of guaranteeing everyone’s safety.
The threats detailed alarming plans, including violence at a nearby station, fires inside the venue, and harm to specific performers linked to AniLoca. The severity increased when the person responsible opened a blog to recruit accomplices. The decision to cancel was made after discussions with the local police, the venue and the organizing committee, concluding that it was not feasible to guarantee security.
Despite frustration at giving in to threats, Yamada stressed the priority of security and assured that the police are actively investigating. Tickets will be refunded. “I am deeply angered by these criminal acts. The AniLoca team does not give up; we will come up with countermeasures and hold the AniLoca FES in the future“Yamada stated.
The news sparked outrage among Japanese idol fans hoping to support the artists, marking another event marred by death threats in this area:
- «Oh no, the anti-Love Live! fans have gathered again, why so much hate?».
- «Canceled due to the number of people who have gone crazy in recent years, and whose number continues to increase».
- «If they made a blog, they’ll probably catch it soon, but it made me wonder what the fuck is going on with people nowadays.».
- «Don’t these people think about the risk of being caught, arrested, and having their lives ruined? Do you think that the committees that plan these events do not make complaints to the police?».
- «Maybe the guy thinks he won’t get caught because he uses IP cloaking browsers, or maybe he feels invincible enough to never get caught.».
- «The methods are quite similar, it seems that they are always the same people. They must be eradicated from Japan!».
- «Is it always the same criminal or are his methods being copied by others?».
- «It’s no laughing matter. I definitely want him arrested and taken to prison. I no longer speak as a fan of the Love Live! franchise, but as a fan of idols in general».
- «If the event is canceled, the person responsible also has to respond for economic damages. And even if the event takes place, the person responsible must pay the costs of increasing security at the facilities.».
Fountain: Yaraon!
