Kanye West, now known as Ye, has reportedly lost a $20 million contract in Japan due to the controversy surrounding his appearance at the 2025 Grammys.
The 47-year-old rapper, who attended the awards ceremony in Los Angeles on February 2 with his wife, Bianca Censori, was set to perform two shows at the Tokyo Dome in May. However, the event organizers in Japan have reconsidered their decision in light of recent events.
Censori’s choice to wear a semi-transparent outfit on the red carpet has reportedly caused a cultural stir, as Japan is experiencing a cultural awakening surrounding women’s rights and the MeToo movement. A source told that West’s actions were viewed as an act of coercive control, which is deemed unacceptable in Japan. “He completely misjudged the cultural sensitivities here,” the insider added.
The incident escalated when West and Censori were reportedly escorted out of the event shortly after their red carpet moment, which some speculated was a nod to the cover of West’s latest album, Vultures 1.
According to lipreader Nicola Hickling, Kanye might have planned Censori’s provocative display. Hickling interpreted their conversation just before Censori removed her coat, with West saying, “I’ll tell ‘em you’re on fire tonight, babe,” and encouraging her to “make a scene.”
Following the red carpet moment, Censori agreed, and the couple posed for pictures before leaving, as described by Hickling.
The fallout from this controversy appears to have cost West a significant business opportunity, highlighting the cultural misstep in Japan.
