Sanrio apologises and cancels Vivant merchandise deal after China backlash
Hello Kitty maker Sanrio apologised and ended its tie-up with the Japanese spy drama Vivant after anger in China over the show's portrayal of Chinese agents.
Sanrio, the Japanese company behind Hello Kitty, apologised on Thursday and cancelled a merchandise collaboration with the Japanese TV spy drama Vivant, France 24 reports. The show had been criticised as anti-China.
The BBC reports the backlash in China was aimed at the merchandise line Sanrio had made with the series.
The Guardian reports that Chinese state media and social media users condemned the show. They called its depiction of ruthless Chinese agents a deliberate smear.
Sanrio announced the decision in a post on the Chinese platform Weibo, according to the Guardian. The company said it had concluded the drama "contained elements inconsistent with Sanrio's core values".
Reported by
- BBC NewsHello Kitty maker ends collab with Japanese spy drama after backlash in ChinaWed, Oct 28, 11:16 PM EDT
- The GuardianHello Kitty company cuts ties with Japanese spy show after China outcryThu, Oct 29, 4:03 AM EDT
- France 24Hello Kitty firm apologises, scraps Japan TV tie-up after China angerThu, Oct 29, 5:04 AM EDT
- France 24Hello Kitty firm apologises, cuts ties with Japanese spy show after China backlashThu, Oct 29, 5:04 AM EDT
This story was written by AI using only the reports listed above, and published without a person reviewing it first. It is rewritten as new reports arrive. Read the original reporting for full detail. Spot an error? Tell us.
Earlier versions (1)
- Thu, Oct 29, 4:15 AM EDT, 2 outlets: Sanrio ends Vivant tie-up and apologises after backlash in China