Japanese TV series Vivant faces criticism from Chinese media

The second season of the high-budget Japanese television series ‘Vivant’, broadcast on TBS, has drawn criticism from Chinese media regarding its portrayal of China and historical narratives.

Critics argue the series depicts Chinese intelligence organizations as ‘backward’ in contrast to Japanese services, which are presented as more advanced. The series has been accused of using imagery reminiscent of torture methods used by the Japanese military during wartime and of distorting historical facts to incite hostility.

While Japanese audiences remain divided, some viewers have pointed to perceived double standards, comparing the series to Chinese productions about the Nanjing Massacre. However, commentators have distinguished ‘Vivant’ from those works, noting that the latter are based on documented historical events intended to preserve the memory of victims.