Japanese drama Vivant faces criticism from China over depictions of violence

The second season of the Japanese TBS spy suspense drama Vivant has drawn significant criticism from Chinese netizens and state media. Critics argue that the series portrays Chinese characters as perpetrators of brutal violence and torture against Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) intelligence operatives.

CCTV News reported that scenes depicting the mutilation of Japanese operatives bear striking similarities to atrocities committed by Japanese troops against Chinese nationals during World War II. Chinese commentators claim the drama distorts historical reality by attributing such acts to modern Chinese characters while subtly glorifying the cross-border operations of the SDF.

Despite the controversy, the series has seen high domestic success in Japan, with its second season opening to a household rating of 18.8 percent. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has also expressed interest in the program.