Japan's Film Releases Delayed in China Amid Taiwan Tensions

Tue Nov 18 2025 10:22:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following a diplomatic dispute over comments made by Japan's Prime Minister regarding Taiwan, China has postponed the release of multiple Japanese films, including fan favorites like 'Crayon Shin-chan' and 'Cells at Work!'.

The ongoing tensions between Japan and China over Taiwan have led to significant disruptions in the film industry, with at least two major Japanese movie releases being postponed. This decision comes in the wake of remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has expressed strong opinions about military action concerning Taiwan. Meanwhile, the popularity of other Japanese films in China, such as 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle', faces challenges as audience sentiment shifts amidst the rising conflicts.

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.

While tickets for the hit Japanese animation Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle remain available in China, CCTV noted a downturn in sales as tensions further escalated.

Takaichi's remarks earlier this month suggested military action could be considered if Beijing attacked Taiwan, raising concerns in China.

Film distributors and importers decided to postpone these releases after evaluating the outlook of Japanese films in China and current audience sentiment, per CCTV.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers, an animated comedy about young boy adventures, was scheduled for release in the coming weeks. Similarly, Cells at Work!, a live-action adaptation about human blood cells combating viruses, has also seen its release postponed.

CCTV did not specify the duration of the delays.

The state media reported there's been growing dissatisfaction among Chinese audiences towards Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle in light of Takaichi's statements.

Takaichi emphasized in the Japanese parliament on November 7 that any military engagement from China could be regarded as a serious threat to Japan's survival.

In response, Beijing has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan and advised students reconsider their studies there due to safety concerns.

Additionally, Japanese tourism stocks have declined as investors assess the repercussions of China's response.

With nearly 7.5 million visitors from China to Japan in the first nine months of this year, the relationship is crucial for Japan’s tourism sector.

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, while many in Taiwan view themselves as an independent nation. The situation remains delicate as both sides navigate their complex political relationship.

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