In brief
Japanese films, 'Cells at Work!' and 'Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers', have been delayed in China following a diplomatic dispute over Taiwan. This situation arises from remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested a robust military stance in response to Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. The controversy is reflected in cinema attendance patterns, notably impacting sales of other films like 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle'.
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', according to Chinese state media CCTV. Despite these delays, cinema tickets remain available for the hit Japanese animation 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle', although sales have reportedly decreased since the diplomatic tensions intensified. Takaichi, known for her critical stance on China's activities, had implied that Japan might consider military action against Beijing if it were to attack Taiwan. Film distributors have chosen to postpone the releases in light of the negative sentiment among Chinese audiences. Neither CCTV nor the film distributors have specified how long the delays will last. The misunderstanding stems from Takaichi's declaration in the Japanese parliament that any acts of violence in the region could lead to heightened threats to Japan's security. In retaliation, Beijing has advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan and has recommended Chinese students reconsider studying there, prompting a significant decline in Japanese tourism stocks.
