Audio By Carbonatix
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 said.
Cinema tickets are still available in China for the hit Japanese animation Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, the BBC has confirmed, but CCTV said sales had fallen in recent days as the row deepened.
Takaichi, who has been a vocal critic of China and its activities in the region, suggested earlier this month that Tokyo could take military action if Beijing attacked Taiwan.
Film distributors and importers have decided to postpone the releases after assessing the overall outlook of Japanese films in China and the sentiment among Chinese audiences, said CCTV on Monday.
Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers, which is an animated comedy about the adventures of a young boy and his friends, was due to be released in the coming weeks.
Cells at Work! - which has also seen its release postponed - is a live-action movie based on a manga about human blood cells fighting off viruses.
CCTV did not say how long the films' releases will be delayed for.

The state-controlled media outlet said Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has faced "strong dissatisfaction among Chinese audiences" in the wake Takaichi's remarks.
The BBC has contacted the films' distributors, including Japanese media giant Toho.
Takaichi said in the Japanese parliament on 7 November: "If there are battleships and the use of force, no matter how you think about it, it could constitute a survival-threatening situation."
Beijing has since urged its citizens to avoid travel to Japan and told students to reconsider studying there, citing safety risks.
Japanese tourism, airline and retail stocks fell sharply as investors weighed the impact of China's response.
China is a key source of tourists travelling to Japan, with almost 7.5m visitors in the first nine months of this year.
Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that will, in time, be part of the country. China has not ruled out the use of force to achieve this goal.
But many Taiwanese consider themselves to be part of a separate nation - although most are in support of keeping the status quo in which Taiwan neither declares independence from China nor unites with it.
Latest Stories
-
Gideon Boako to sponsor eye surgery for 35 Tano North constituents
3 minutes -
Ayawaso East by-election: ‘Certified International Election Observer’ Koku Anyidoho applauds voting arrangements
22 minutes -
Gideon Boako organises free eye screening and surgery for Tano North constituents
34 minutes -
Today’s Front Pages: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
1 hour -
Gov’t to issue long-dated domestic bonds following expiration of DDEP restrictions – Dep Finance Minister
2 hours -
From communities to classrooms: Hearing care for all children-2026
2 hours -
Buffer Stock CEO tours schools and warehouses in Eastern Region
2 hours -
Are we tying down growth? – Finance professor flags on gold reserve policy
2 hours -
Lands Minister endorses Petroleum Hub Project to generate sustainable employment opportunities
2 hours -
Government to build 600 new basic schools to end ‘Schools Under Trees’
2 hours -
Kumasi Mayor vows to keep Kejetia Market free from highly inflammable materials
2 hours -
Gov’t to open enrolment for affordable homes under National Homeownership Fund
3 hours -
Cashew farmers remind Mahama to fulfil promise to establish Cashew Development Board
3 hours -
National Ambulance Service moves to acquire 400 new ambulances and 500 motorbikes
3 hours -
Gov’t urges Ghanaian pilgrims to defer travel over Middle East tensions
3 hours
