Chinese actor Zhang Zhehan dropped by 25 companies in China after controversial photos surfaced online

China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine. Photo: Zhang Zhehan/Weibo

China's Association of Performing Arts on Sunday (Aug 15) called for a boycott of Chinese actor Zhang Zhehan (Word Of Honor) after photos of him at Japan's controversial Yasukuni Shrine taken in 2018 and 2019 circulated online and sparked outrage among Chinese netizens and media.

The Yasukuni Shrine is seen by Japan's neighbouring countries as a symbol of that country's past militarism, and remains a flashpoint for tension with China.