• China suspends upcoming releases of major Japanese films due to diplomatic tensions.
• This decision follows remarks by Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan's security.
• Films "Crayon Shin-chan the Movie" and "Cells at Work!" are notably affected.
• Box office receipts for "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" have declined amid the crisis.
• Japan's business leaders are urging dialogue to ease tensions with China.

In a significant diplomatic fallout, China has suspended the screening of at least two anticipated Japanese films amid rising tensions over remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. State broadcaster CCTV described the film distributors' decision as a "prudent decision," citing a growing discontent among Chinese audiences. The films affected include the animated features "Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! Scorching Kasukabe Dancers" and "Cells at Work!", which were slated for release in the coming weeks, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The postponement comes just weeks after Takaichi suggested that Japan could respond militarily to a Chinese threat to Taiwan, which sparked outrage in China. This has escalated into the most serious diplomatic clash between the two nations in years. The response has led not only to the suspension of the film releases but also to a decline in ticket sales for the previously successful animated film "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle." CCTV noted that the film had experienced "strong dissatisfaction" among Chinese audiences in light of Takaichi's statements, as reported by BBC and Reuters.

In response to the diplomatic strains, Beijing has encouraged its citizens to suspend travel to Japan and reconsider studying there, reflecting broader concerns about safety. Additionally, Premier Li Qiang of China has no intention of meeting Takaichi during the upcoming G20 summit, indicating the complexity of current relations. Japanese business leaders view political stability as essential for economic exchanges and have voiced the need for dialogue to address these escalating tensions, highlighting the sentiment from Channel News Asia and BBC.