Hello Kitty maker ends collab with Japanese spy drama after backlash in China
Sanrio has apologized and terminated its merchandise collaboration with the Japanese television series Vivant following a fierce backlash in China. Chinese state media and internet users strongly criticized the spy drama, condemning its depiction of ruthless Chinese agents and torture scenes as a deliberate smear and a way to stoke hostility. The controversy highlights the commercial risks foreign brands navigate in the Chinese market. Sanrio quickly scrapped the deal after receiving intense public pressure online.
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- ✓ Sanrio has ended its collaboration with the Japanese television drama Vivant after facing a backlash in China.
- ✓ The company apologized for the merchandise line linked to the show.
- ✓ Chinese state media and commentators accused the show of portraying ruthless agents and using torture scenes to stoke hostility.
What changed
Sanrio officially ended its merchandise partnership and issued an apology following the public outcry in China.
Live updates
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Sanrio Drops Japan Spy Show Ties Over China Backlash
Sanrio has apologized and terminated its merchandise collaboration with the Japanese television series Vivant following a fierce backlash in China. Chinese state media and internet users strongly criticized the spy drama, condemning its depiction of ruthless Chinese agents and torture scenes as a deliberate smear and a way to stoke hostility. The controversy highlights the commercial risks foreign brands navigate in the Chinese market. Sanrio quickly scrapped the deal after receiving intense public pressure online.
Why it matters
The cancellation underscores the delicate balance foreign companies must maintain to protect their business interests in China. This incident follows closely behind another fallout where Chinese sponsors severed ties with French soccer star Kylian Mbappé over remarks regarding former leader Mao Zedong. Cultural products and corporate partnerships face immediate scrutiny in the region when perceived to conflict with national sensitivities.
What is confirmed
- Sanrio has ended its collaboration with the Japanese television drama Vivant after facing a backlash in China.
- The company apologized for the merchandise line linked to the show.
- Chinese state media and commentators accused the show of portraying ruthless agents and using torture scenes to stoke hostility.
What to watch next
- Further statements from Sanrio regarding its commercial operations in the Chinese market
- Reactions from Chinese consumers and state media to Sanrio's apology and cancellation
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.bbc.com — BBC Home - Breaking News, World News, US News, Sports, Business...
- BBC — Hello Kitty maker ends collab with Japanese spy drama after backlash in China
- Bloomberg — Hello Kitty Owner Sanrio Axes Japan Show Ties After China Furor
- South China Morning Post — Hello Kitty owner Sanrio scraps Japanese TV show Vivant deal over China backlash
- Global Times — Hello Kitty should not dance with Japan’s right wing: Global Times editorial
- Nikkei Asia — Chinese media say Japan TV show 'Vivant' torture scenes 'stoke hostility'
- www.bbc.co.uk — Hello Kitty maker cuts ties with Japanese spy drama after China backlash - BBC News
- www.nbcnews.com — Hello Kitty maker Sanrio cuts ties with TV spy show after ...
- www.theguardian.com — Hello Kitty company cuts ties with Japanese spy show after ...
- www.asahi.com — Hello Kitty maker cuts ties with show after China backlash
- www.france24.com — Hello Kitty firm apologises, cuts ties with Japanese spy show ...
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