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 are still available for the hit Japanese animation Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, CCTV noted a decline in sales as the diplomatic row intensified.
Takaichi, known for her vocal criticisms of China, suggested earlier this month potential military action by Japan in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.
Film distributors have opted to postpone the releases after evaluating the overall outlook and sentiments among Chinese audiences.
Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot!, a comedic animated film about a young boy's adventures, was due for release shortly. Similarly, Cells at Work!, a live-action adaptation concerning human blood cells battling viruses, has also seen its release put on hold.
CCTV has not provided details on how long the films will be delayed.
Despite Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle still being accessible, audience dissatisfaction has reportedly grown in light of Takaichi's comments. Moreover, as Beijing stresses the need for vigilance regarding safety when traveling to Japan, stocks related to Japanese tourism have plummeted.
China views Taiwan as a renegade province and has not dismissed the use of force to unify it with the mainland. However, many in Taiwan identify as a separate nation, advocating for maintaining the current state of affairs without any formal declaration of independence.
