Japanese movie releases postponed in China: state media

The screenings of at least two Japanese movies will be postponed in China, state media reported, as a diplomatic spat between Beijing and Tokyo escalates.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had suggested that Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan, sparking a row that has prompted ambassador summonings and travel warnings.

Beijing has advised Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan, while Japan warned its citizens in China to be careful of their surroundings and to avoid big crowds.

The release of imported Japanese movies "Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers" and "Cells at Work!" will be postponed, China Film News said late Monday.

The media outlet is supervised by the state-backed China Film Administration.

The two animated movies were originally expected to be released on December 6 and November 22 respectively, according to review site Douban.

"The adjustment was a prudent decision based on an overall assessment of the market performance of Japanese imports and the sentiments of Chinese audiences," China Film News said in an article posted on WeChat, citing film importers and distributors.

"Japan's provocative comments will inevitably affect Chinese audiences' perception of Japanese movies," it added.

Beijing summoned Japan's ambassador last week while Tokyo said it had summoned China's ambassador after an "inappropriate" and now-removed online post. 

AFP