Hello Kitty maker ends collab with Japanese spy drama after backlash in China
Summary
Sanrio apologized and ended its merchandise collaboration with the Japanese spy drama Vivant after criticism in China. The backlash focused on scenes in the show’s second season depicting Chinese agents torturing a Japanese spy, amid strained relations between China and Japan.Key Facts
- Sanrio said it ended the collaboration because the project contained elements inconsistent with its core values.
- Hello Kitty, My Melody and Cinnamoroll appeared in merchandise dressed as characters from Vivant.
- Vivant’s second season premiered in July and depicts Chinese agents cutting a Japanese spy’s fingers and stabbing his abdomen.
- Chinese state media and social media users criticized the show’s portrayal of Chinese agents.
- Sanrio said it would strengthen reviews of future collaborations.
- TBS president Masamine Ryuho said the drama was fictional and was not intended to disparage any country.
- China-Japan relations have been strained since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments about Taiwan last November.
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