dexinwin TOKYO, Sept. 18, 2026— Chinese film“Once Upon a Time in the Middle East”, starring popular actor Shen Teng and directed by Wen Muye, officially opens in Japanese cinemas on Friday as the film begins its international theatrical release.
The film, whose Chinese title isWelcome to Long Restaurant(《欢迎来龙餐馆》), was released in mainland China on Aug. 11. Its Japanese release is part of a broader overseas rollout covering Asia-Pacific markets and, later, North America, Europe and other regions.
A Story Set Around a Chinese Restaurant
The film follows Xu Fu, played by Shen Teng, a Chinese chef who travels to the Middle East to earn money and repay debts. He eventually works at a Chinese restaurant called Long Restaurant, where he meets restaurant manager Ma Junsheng, played by Jiang Qiming.
The restaurant gradually becomes popular as the characters introduce Chinese food to local customers. However, the situation changes dramatically when war breaks out, disrupting the lives of ordinary people and forcing the restaurant workers to confront circumstances far beyond their control.
Rather than focusing solely on the battlefield, the film uses the restaurant and everyday meals as a way to portray the impact of war on ordinary people.
From China to International Screens
The Japanese release follows the film's overseas rollout in several markets.
The film opened in Hong Kong, Macao, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia on Sept. 11, followed by Singapore on Sept. 17. Japan followed on Sept. 18, with screenings in additional Southeast Asian markets scheduled from October onward. The production team has also announced plans for subsequent releases in North America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
The international release gives audiences outside China an opportunity to see a Chinese-language film that combines food, family, migration and the consequences of conflict.
The Significance of Sept. 18
The Japanese release date has attracted particular attention because Sept. 18 marks the anniversary of the 1931 Mukden Incident, known in China as the beginning of the September 18 Incident.
The date has prompted discussion among Chinese audiences about the film's arrival in Japan. Some commentators have interpreted the scheduling as particularly meaningful given the movie's anti-war themes. However, there has been no official statement establishing that the Japanese release date was selected specifically because of the historical anniversary.
The film itself focuses on the human consequences of war rather than presenting a conventional military narrative. Its central theme is the desire of ordinary people to maintain family, work and everyday life despite violence and instability.
Wen Muye and Shen Teng Team Up
“Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” is directed by Wen Muye, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Lang Qunli and Zhong Wei. Ning Hao serves as producer, while Shen Teng leads the cast alongside Jiang Qiming and Omar Sharif, with Li Zhiting appearing in a special role.
The project also represents a departure from Shen Teng's familiar comedy image. In the film, he plays a character whose attitude toward survival changes as the war affects people around him.
A Film About War Through Everyday Life
The production has been described as a realistic drama that uses the atmosphere of a Chinese restaurant to contrast ordinary life with the sudden arrival of war.
Food serves as a recurring element throughout the story. The restaurant becomes not only a workplace but also a meeting point for people from different cultural backgrounds.
As the film moves from domestic comedy and restaurant life toward a wartime drama, the characters are forced to reconsider what it means to protect themselves and others.
Continuing Its Overseas Journey
By late August, the film had already surpassed 1.7 billion yuan in Chinese box-office revenue, according to The Paper. Its overseas release was subsequently announced as part of a broader international distribution strategy.
With its Japanese theatrical debut on Sept. 18, “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East” is taking its story of food, friendship and ordinary people caught in war to a new audience.
The film's international journey will continue in the coming months as it expands into more Asian markets and other regions around the world.
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