China halts release of two Japanese Anime Films amid Taiwan tension
Film Releases Suspended
Chinese distributors have put the release of two Japanese anime films—Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers and Cells at Work!—on hold due to rising political tensions between China and Japan, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Tuesday. Both titles had been scheduled for theatrical release in mainland China.
Backdrop: Diplomatic Strain over Taiwan
Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have reached a significant low following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks suggesting Japan might consider military involvement should China attempt to take control of Taiwan. The comments provoked strong criticism from Beijing.
Audience Sentiment Cited
According to CCTV, film distributors described the postponement as a “prudent” move reflecting the current market performance of Japanese films and “Chinese audience sentiment.” Takaichi’s “provocative remarks” were expected to negatively influence Chinese viewers’ reception of Japanese cinema, prompting companies to delay releases in line with “market principles” and “audience preferences.”
Analyst: Move Fits China’s Economic Pressure Strategy
Naoise McDonagh, an expert on economic coercion at Edith Cowan University, said the decision aligns with long-standing Chinese statecraft.
China, he noted, typically targets non-essential imports that minimize domestic impact but impose economic and symbolic pressure on foreign companies. Such actions serve as a warning that crossing China’s political “red lines” can lead to tangible consequences, potentially shaping other countries’ policy decisions.
