Sanrio cancels Hello Kitty collaboration with VIVANT drama

Sanrio Hello Kitty VIVANT TBS China-Japan relations

Sanrio, the Japanese company behind Hello Kitty, has announced the total cancellation of its collaboration with the TBS spy drama “VIVANT”. The decision follows intense criticism from Chinese state media and social media users regarding the show’s depiction of a fictional Chinese intelligence organization.

Chinese outlets, including the Global Times and CCTV, accused the series of smearing China by portraying Chinese agents engaging in brutal torture methods, such as finger amputation. Critics argued these scenes mirrored historical atrocities committed by the Japanese military during the Second World War, thereby creating a false narrative of modern Chinese aggression.

Sanrio stated that the collaboration contained expressions inconsistent with its corporate philosophy of promoting “harmony,” “care,” and “connection” among all people. The company apologized for the concern caused and pledged to strengthen its review processes for future partnerships.

TBS, the broadcaster behind the series, maintained that the show is a work of fiction and has no intention of disparaging any specific nation. The controversy highlights the significant pressure foreign companies face in the Chinese market, where Sanrio has seen substantial recent revenue growth.

Entities

CCTV · China · Global Times · Hello Kitty · Sanrio · TBS · TBS Television · VIVANT

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The backlash in China was triggered by the series' depiction of Chinese intelligence agents using torture on Japanese spies. novini247.com · www.devdiscourse.com · fakti.bg
[○ 1 SOURCE] TBS President Masamine Ryuho stated the drama is entirely fictional. www.devdiscourse.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Sanrio terminated its partnership with the Japanese TV series ‘VIVANT’. novini247.com · www.devdiscourse.com · fakti.bg
[● 3 SOURCES] Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated Japan would use self-defense forces if China attacked Taiwan. novini247.com · www.devdiscourse.com · fakti.bg
[● 3 SOURCES] Sanrio stated the collaboration contained details inconsistent with its corporate philosophy. novini247.com · www.devdiscourse.com · fakti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] Sanrio will accelerate review procedures for future collaborative plans. novini247.com · fakti.bg
[● 3 SOURCES] Sanrio included Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll in the promotional line for the show. novini247.com · www.devdiscourse.com · fakti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] China has imposed restrictions on rare earth exports to Japan. www.devdiscourse.com · fakti.bg