The Japanese subtitled edition of the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" opened in theaters nationwide across Japan on Friday.
A special screening took place at a theater in Ikebukuro, Tokyo on Wednesday, attracting a large audience of Japanese viewers who came to enjoy the film.
Over 500 viewers attended the screening, with many expressing delight at experiencing the film in a fresh and unique way. "This movie is truly innovative and stands out from previous Chinese films. It's new and thrilling. The smooth action created by computer-generated animation, along with the stunning landscapes shown in the film, left a huge impression on me and was very striking," said a moviegoer.
"At first, I thought it was just an action animated film, but it later introduced elements of love. The overall storyline is quite profound, and the visuals are very captivating. This movie is impressive and highlights compelling storytelling," said another moviegoer.
Based on a 16th-century Chinese mythology with a bold reinterpretation, "Ne Zha 2" has captivated global audiences with its stunning visuals, well-crafted storytelling, and profound cultural heritage.
The film has broken box office records since its late January debut, becoming the first non-Hollywood production to surpass 2 billion U.S. dollars in global earnings, according to data.
"Ne Zha 2" with Japanese subtitles debuts in theaters across Japan
"Ne Zha 2" with Japanese subtitles debuts in theaters across Japan
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
