Film distributors in China have suspended the release of at least two Japanese movies amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. State broadcaster CCTV described the decision as “prudent,” citing declining domestic audience sentiment.
The postponements come two weeks after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan sparked a strong reaction from China, marking one of the most serious clashes between the two nations in recent years.
Among the films affected are the animated Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers and the manga adaptation Cells at Work!, which were scheduled for release in the coming weeks. CCTV reported that the animated film Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, which had initially performed well at the box office, has also seen a decline following Takaichi’s remarks due to “strong dissatisfaction from Chinese audiences.”
Film importers and distributors said they were postponing releases in response to market sentiment and audience concerns.
Japan has moved to ease tensions after Takaichi suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatening Japan could provoke a military response. In retaliation, Beijing urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang has declined to meet Takaichi at this week’s G20 summit in South Africa.
In Japan, the heads of three major business federations met with Takaichi, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve tensions. Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of Japan’s largest business lobby Keidanren, said, “Political stability is a prerequisite for economic exchange.”
