Jul 30, 2025 (News On Japan) - A Chinese film depicting the wartime activities of Japan’s notorious Unit 731 has had its release suddenly postponed, likely out of consideration for diplomatic relations with Japan.
The movie centers on Unit 731, a covert division of the former Japanese military that developed biological weapons and conducted human experiments in the former region of Manchuria—present-day northeastern China—during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
According to Chinese media, the film has been in production since 2017 by a director from Jilin Province. It tells the story of an individual whose turbulent fate exposes the atrocities committed by Unit 731. The film was initially scheduled for release on July 31st—a date chosen to reflect the title "731."
A reporter at the scene noted, "Previously, the promotional material listed 'July 31st release,' but that date has now been removed."
Despite the abrupt delay, the film continued to rank first in interest on ticketing platforms as of today.
The sudden postponement has sparked confusion and disappointment online.
One user wrote, "It was scheduled just a few days ago. I tried to buy tickets today, and it was gone."
Another commented, "Why was it postponed? I’ve waited an entire year for this."
This year marks the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the war against Japan, with commemorative events being held nationwide. The decision to delay the film is seen as an effort to avoid stirring anti-Japanese sentiment and further straining diplomatic ties.
Source: TBS
