Japan-China Relations at Their Worst... 'Slam Dunk' Gaining Popularity in China

Record High for Chinese Imported Animation
Experts Question Whether It Will Help Improve Bilateral Relations

In China, where relations with Japan are deteriorating, the Japanese animation "The First Slam Dunk" continues to perform well at the box office.

According to Chinese online ticket sales platform Maoyan on the 21st, "The First Slam Dunk" recorded box office revenue of 98.65 million yuan (approximately 19 billion KRW) on its opening day, the 20th.

"The First Slam Dunk" also achieved 115 million yuan (approximately 22.1 billion KRW) in advance ticket sales before its release. This is the highest record among animated films in China's history.

"The First Slam Dunk" is a theatrical version of the popular 1990s Japanese manga "Slam Dunk," which is centered around basketball. It was released in Korea in January this year, stirring nostalgia and emotions among middle-aged and older audiences, and enjoyed explosive popularity with a cumulative audience exceeding 4 million.

Animation 'The First Slam Dunk'
[Image source=Naver Movie]

The state-run Global Times reported on the success of "The First Slam Dunk," emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange. However, it also stated, "It is uncertain what role cultural exchange can play in improving bilateral relations."

Professor Zhang Yiwu of Peking University pointed out to the Global Times that "the influence of Japanese cultural products is declining." Although Japanese cultural products have recently secured many fans in China, as China opens up, young people are increasingly exposed to other cultures.

He added, "Due to the Taiwan issue, relations between Japan and China have become the most serious since the normalization of diplomatic relations 51 years ago," and "In this situation, it remains questionable whether cultural exchange can advance bilateral relations."

Recently, Japan has maintained close ties with Taiwan, provoking strong backlash from China. In June last year, Japan dispatched an active-duty Self-Defense Forces officer to its representative office in Taiwan for the first time and also forward-deployed missiles about 230 km from Taiwan. In response, Chinese state media warned, "Japan needs to be hit once to come to its senses."

Meanwhile, Takehiko Inoue, the author of Slam Dunk, expressed his feelings on Twitter the day before, saying, "I am very happy that 'The First Slam Dunk' has been released in China," and "Thank you for the support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.