The releases of at least two popular Japanese films have been postponed in China as the countries are locked in a dispute over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about Taiwan.
The delayed releases include Cells at Work! and Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers, Chinese state media CCTV reported.
Although tickets for the hit Japanese animation Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle remain available, sales have reportedly dropped due to the ongoing diplomatic row. Takaichi has been openly critical of China's activities in the region, suggesting military action could be taken if China targeted Taiwan.
Film distributors in China decided to postpone these releases after considering the overall market conditions and audience sentiment towards Japanese films, CCTV reported.
The animated movie Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers, depicting the fun adventures of a young boy and his friends, was set to debut soon. Meanwhile, Cells at Work! is a live-action adaptation based on a manga about blood cells combating viruses.
CCTV did not provide specifics on how long these films’ releases would be delayed.
There are indications that diplomatic tensions have negatively impacted reception of Japanese films in China, with dissatisfaction among audiences following Takaichi's comments.
On November 7, Takaichi was quoted saying, If there are battleships and the use of force, it could constitute a survival-threatening situation, which has raised concerns about rising tensions in the region.
In response, Beijing has advised citizens against traveling to Japan and cautioned students about studying there, citing perceived safety risks.
These political developments have also had repercussions for Japan's tourism and retail sectors, with significant drops in stock values anticipated as the situation evolves. Almost 7.5 million Chinese tourists visited Japan in the first nine months of the year, highlighting China's critical role as a source of inbound tourists.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually reunite with the mainland, although many in Taiwan consider themselves a separate nation, supporting the current status quo rather than advocating for independence.
