"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

The total global box office for the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2", including presales, exceeded 13.5 billion yuan (about 1.86 billion U.S. dollars) as of Sunday morning, according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan.

Data from Maoyan showed that the very Chinese animated blockbuster had grossed 13.525 billion yuan (about 1.87 billion U.S. dollars) as of 11:44 Sunday Beijing Time, or 03:44 GMT.

Since its release on the Chinese mainland on the Chinese New Year Day of Jan 29, the film has shattered multiple records, and on Feb 18, it became the highest-grossing animation movie of all time after surpassing the U.S. animated hit "Inside Out 2".

In addition, "Ne Zha 2" has become the first film to earn over one billion U.S. dollars in a single market and the first non-Hollywood title to join the coveted billion-dollar club.

As a sequel to the 2019 animated hit "Ne Zha", the latest installment continues the tale of a rebellious boy-god based on Chinese mythology, which has proven popular among movie-goers globally.

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

"Ne Zha 2" box office surpasses 13.5 billion yuan globally

Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.

Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.

Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.

Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.

"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.

Tokyo residents urge PM Takaichi to uphold pacifist constitution