Hello Kitty maker ends collab with Japanese spy drama after backlash in China
Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, has apologised and ended its merchandise partnership with a controversial Japanese TV show after drawing backlash in China.
TL;DR
- Sanrio has terminated its merchandise partnership with the Japanese TV show "Vivant" after facing backlash in China.
- The criticism stemmed from "Vivant's" depiction of Chinese agents employing brutal torture tactics on a Japanese operative.
- Sanrio stated the collaboration contained elements inconsistent with its core values and pledged to strengthen review processes for future projects.
- The controversy is occurring against a backdrop of strained China-Japan relations.
- Chinese state media, including the Global Times, criticized Sanrio for collaborating with content deemed anti-China.