Sanae Takaichi’s recent Taiwan remarks sent shockwaves through the Japanese anime scene in the Chinese mainland 😳. What started as a political comment has now halted major releases and shaken an industry that just weeks ago was riding high.
Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers and Cells at Work have scrapped their releases in the Chinese mainland, and every other pending Japanese anime project is on ice 🚫🎥.
Just five days ago, on November 14, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinite Castle – Part 1: Akaza Returns smashed opening-day records in the Chinese mainland—but ticket sales plunged soon after as the fallout spread.
Earlier this year, anime hits like Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved and Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time saw smooth launches, fueling merch partnerships and fan events. The Chinese mainland market was a key win for studios and fans alike.
Now, with screenings on pause, the ripple effect is real—from merch stalls and commercial collaborations to theme exhibitions, the entire industrial chain feels the chill. Confidence is wobbling across Japan's anime community 🤔.
This isn't just a one-market story. In South Asia and Southeast Asia, where anime fanbases in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines are booming, studios are watching closely. Will they pivot to digital-first releases or wait out the storm? 🌏📲
For now, fans on platforms like Bilibili, TikTok, and Weibo are buzzing about what’s next. We’ll keep you posted on how and when Japanese anime will make its next move in the Chinese mainland 🎬🍿.
Reference(s):
Sanae Takaichi's remarks crash Japan's anime box office in China
cgtn.com
