Chinese film distributors have pressed pause on several Japanese releases this month – including Crayon Shin-chan and Cells at Work movies – after audience reactions turned frosty amid diplomatic tensions. ❄️🎬
The decision comes despite Demon Slayer: Infinite Castle – Part 1 initially slaying box office records with a $15M opening weekend. But when Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi made controversial remarks last week, Chinese moviegoers quickly canceled their theater plans. The film's earnings dropped 72% within 3 days – faster than popcorn disappears at a Marvel premiere. 🍿💸
"We respect audience sentiment as the ultimate market force," a distributor told CMG. Three other Japanese films scheduled for December have now been postponed indefinitely.
Meanwhile, China's domestic film industry keeps breaking records: ¥45.5B ($6.4B) in total 2025 earnings, with local productions claiming nearly 90% of tickets sold. This marks the third time Chinese movies have crossed the ¥40B milestone – proving homegrown stories like The Battle at Lake Changjin III and Ne Zha Reborn continue to resonate. 🎥🏆
Industry analysts suggest streaming platforms might become temporary homes for the delayed Japanese films, but warn: "In today's climate, cultural products can't be separated from political context."
