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China delays Japanese film releases amid Taiwan dispute with Tokyo
China has postponed the release of at least two high-profile Japanese films-Cells at Work! and Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers-amid escalating tensions over remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, state broadcaster CCTV reported Monday.
The move follows Takaichi's suggestion earlier this month that Japan could intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan, a self-governed island Beijing claims as its own. While tickets remain available for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, CCTV noted a decline in sales as public sentiment sours.
Films caught in political crossfire
Distributors cited a reassessment of Japanese cinema's reception in China, according to CCTV. Crayon Shin-chan the Movie, a comedy about a mischievous boy's adventures, and Cells at Work!, a live-action adaptation of a manga about anthropomorphized blood cells battling viruses, had been scheduled for release in the coming weeks. No new dates were announced.
The state outlet reported that Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle-a blockbuster anime-has faced "strong dissatisfaction among Chinese audiences" since Takaichi's comments. The BBC confirmed tickets are still on sale but noted reduced demand.
Takaichi's remarks and Beijing's response
On 7 November, Takaichi told Japan's parliament that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could trigger a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, implying potential intervention. Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, retaliated by advising citizens to avoid travel to Japan and warning students about studying there, citing safety concerns.
China's Foreign Ministry has repeatedly asserted its right to use force to "reunify" Taiwan, though most Taiwanese favor maintaining the status quo-neither declaring independence nor submitting to Beijing's rule.
Economic ripple effects
Japanese tourism, airline, and retail stocks plunged as investors braced for fallout from China's measures. Nearly 7.5 million Chinese visitors traveled to Japan in the first nine months of 2025, making China a critical market for the sector.
The BBC has reached out to distributors, including Toho, for comment. No immediate response was reported.
