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.
Cinema tickets are still available in China for the hit Japanese animation Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, but reports indicate sales have been declining as tensions rise.
In recent comments, Takaichi criticized China and suggested Japan might consider military action if China attempted to attack Taiwan, which has inflamed sentiment in China against Japanese media.
Due to the diplomatic climate, film distributors have opted to delay these releases after evaluating the current landscape and audience sentiment, according to CCTV.
The delay encompasses Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot!, an animated comedy that follows a young boy and his friends, and Cells at Work!, a live-action film based on a manga depicting blood cells combating viruses.
While CCTV did not specify how long the delays would last, the déjà vu of political commentary affecting cinema sales has drawn attention across both nations.
Additionally, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has reportedly faced strong backlash from Chinese audiences following Takaichi's remarks, reflecting a cooling reception for Japanese media in China.
Amidst this political strife, Takaichi's warnings of potential military confrontation have prompted Beijing to advise its citizens against travel to Japan and suggested reconsidering studies there due to safety concerns.
This ongoing dispute could have long-term implications on Japanese tourism and retail, both vital for Japan's economy, with China being a significant contributor to Japan's visitor numbers.
As diplomatic relations deteriorate, both nations now face the prospect of economic repercussions within the entertainment industry and beyond.
