Hello Kitty maker cuts ties with Japanese spy drama after China backlash
Japanese company Sanrio, which makes Hello Kitty merchandise, has apologised and ended its partnership with the spy series Vivant after strong criticism in China. The case comes amid tense China-Japan relations.
Sanrio, the Japanese company behind Hello Kitty merchandise, has apologised and ended its partnership with the Japanese television spy thriller Vivant. The decision followed widespread criticism in China, where state-run media and social media users have condemned the series. It comes as relations between China and Japan are at their lowest in years.
Why the show drew criticism
In China, the series is criticised for showing Chinese agents using brutal torture against a Japanese operative. The anger also reached Sanrio's characters, including Hello Kitty, My Melody and Cinnamoroll, which appeared in merchandise dressed as characters from the show.
Sanrio said it ended the collaboration because it contained elements inconsistent with the company's core values. It said its characters have always conveyed care and connection, and that it remains committed to fostering harmony among all people. The company promised to take the feedback very seriously and to strengthen review processes for future collaborative projects. The statement was published late on Wednesday.
Political background
China-Japan relations deteriorated sharply last November, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, answering a question in parliament, suggested Japan would activate its self-defence force if China attacked Taiwan. Beijing has since increased pressure on Tokyo by restricting rare earth exports, curbing tourism and even reclaiming its pandas.
Earlier this month, Takaichi told parliament she had recorded episodes of Vivant and planned to watch them over the year-end holidays.
China's state-run Global Times said on Wednesday that the hugely popular cat character "should not dance with Japan's right wing". It argued that by working with "anti-China content", Sanrio stands to lose far more than short-term sales. On Thursday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the incident should serve as a warning to the international community and to discerning people in Japan.
