Cultural Tensions Impact Japanese Film Releases in China

Tue Nov 18 2025 11:25:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The ongoing diplomatic rift between Japan and China over remarks regarding Taiwan has led to the postponement of several popular Japanese film releases, highlighting the intersection of culture and geopolitics.

Investment in animation and film reflects broader cultural ties, but strained diplomatic relations have led to the postponement of major releases like 'Cells at Work!' and 'Crayon Shin-chan the Movie' in China. The situation underscores the complex relationship between media, government policies, and public sentiment amidst political 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, as reported by Chinese state media CCTV.

While cinema tickets remain available for the successful Japanese animation Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, sales have fallen in recent days amidst rising tensions.

Takaichi has openly criticized China, previously indicating that Tokyo might consider military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan. This, coupled with Chinese discontent over Japanese films, has led distributors to rethink screening plans.

CCTV noted that the postponements were a result of an overall assessment of audience sentiment toward Japanese films in China.

Crayon Shin-chan the Movie, expected to attract family audiences, was scheduled for imminent release. Meanwhile, Cells at Work!, a live-action adaptation of a manga exploring human immune systems, also faced delays.

There is no official timeline for when these films may be rescheduled for release.

Public opinion in China has turned sour toward Japanese media, attributed to Takaichi's inflammatory comments. Furthermore, the popularity of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is faced with notable criticism among Chinese viewers.

China has called for its citizens to avoid travel to Japan and advised students reconsider studying there due to perceived safety risks, which has had profound implications for the Japanese tourism sector.

The relationship between Taiwan, Japan, and China remains fraught, as Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, while many Taiwanese view their region as an independent nation.