Japanese Film Releases Delayed in China Amid Taiwan Tensions

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

The release of prominent Japanese films, including Crayon Shin-chan the Movie, has been postponed in China following diplomatic tensions stemming from Japanese officials' remarks on Taiwan. This incident highlights the ongoing cultural and political friction between the two nations.

Japanese film distributors have delayed the releases of at least two highly anticipated titles in China, citing the ongoing diplomatic dispute over Taiwan. This was triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments suggesting potential military action against China concerning Taiwan. The postponement affects films like Crayon Shin-chan the Movie and Cells at Work!, while other popular Japanese animations like Demon Slayer face declining ticket sales amid rising tensions.

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.

While cinema tickets remain available for the hit Japanese animation Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, there have been reports of a significant drop in sales concurrent with the diplomatic unrest.

Takaichi, who has been an outspoken critic of China, indicated earlier this month that Japan might consider military responses if Beijing were to engage in aggression towards Taiwan.

The decision to postpone film releases comes after distributors assessed the overall outlook and sentiment among Chinese audiences towards Japanese films in light of Takaichi's comments. CCTV noted that the postponement of Crayon Shin-chan and Cells at Work! reflects an anticipated negative reception.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie, an animated comedy that follows the escapades of a young boy and his friends, was set for imminent release, while Cells at Work! is a live-action adaptation based on a manga detailing the immune system's function.

Although CCTV did not provide a new release date, the situation continues to develop. Chinese audiences have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current discourse of Takaichi's comments, which may complicate the reception of Japanese cinema in China.

Authorities in Beijing have also encouraged Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan and reconsider studying there, citing safety concerns stemming from heightened tensions.

The impact of Takaichi's remarks has ripple effects on Japanese tourism and business investments, as nearly 7.5 million tourists from China visited Japan in the first nine months of this year.

Given that Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and hasn't excluded the possibility of using military action to reclaim it, the relationship between China and Japan is under increasing strain.

Many in Taiwan see themselves as separate from China, though the prevailing attitude leans toward maintaining the status quo of non-independence.