In a move that has sparked curiosity and concern, Beijing cinemas have abruptly postponed the release of two highly anticipated Japanese animated films, leaving fans and industry watchers alike wondering about the reasons behind this decision. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this be a subtle response to broader geopolitical tensions, or simply a scheduling hiccup? Let’s dive into the details.
Earlier this week, several cinemas in Beijing confirmed receiving notices to delay the release of two popular Japanese anime films, as first reported by CZ News of Zhejiang Media Group and later verified by the Global Times. The affected titles are Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers, originally slated for December 6, and Cells at Work!, which was set to debut on November 22 and had already begun pre-sales. And this is the part most people miss: Cells at Work! had already generated 80,000 yuan ($11,268) in pre-sale tickets by Monday, according to the Chinese ticketing platform Maoyan, highlighting the financial stakes involved.
While the rescheduled release dates remain undisclosed, the sudden change has raised questions. Some cinema staff contacted by the Global Times claimed they hadn’t received official notices, noting that such announcements typically arrive via email or on-site notifications from distributors. However, employees from other theater chains confirmed the postponement, explaining that the films were unavailable for download on the dedicated server website used for upcoming releases. Pre-sale ticket holders, they assured, would receive automatic refunds through their original payment methods.
This development has shifted focus to the fate of other Japanese films scheduled for release in mainland China. As of now, 1st Kiss and Happyend are still set to hit theaters on December 5, according to ticketing platforms. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that the ongoing screening of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle might end earlier than planned. However, staff at five Beijing theaters surveyed by the Global Times denied receiving such notices, stating the film is continuing its run as scheduled.
For the tech-savvy, it’s worth noting that Demon Slayer’s distribution uses a segmented encryption key system for theatrical screenings, divided into six stages. The first three stages ran from November 14 to 23, with additional stages likely to follow.
Is this postponement a minor logistical issue or a reflection of deeper cultural or political tensions? While no official explanation has been provided, the move has undoubtedly left fans disappointed and industry observers speculating. What do you think? Could this be a temporary setback, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!