VIVANT drama sparks diplomatic tension between Japan and China

VIVANT TBS Japan-China relations spy drama CCTV

The popular Japanese spy drama ‘VIVANT’ has triggered significant controversy and diplomatic friction following the release of its second season. Chinese state media, including CCTV, has heavily criticized the series, accusing it of ‘cognitive poisoning’ and portraying Chinese intelligence organizations as brutal villains.

CCTV reports that the show depicts torture methods—such as cutting fingers and stabbing the abdomen—that closely resemble those used by the Imperial Japanese Army against Chinese resistance fighters during wartime. Critics argue the series effectively transfers historical Japanese atrocities onto modern Chinese characters while glorifying the actions of the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

In Japan, the controversy has drawn mixed reactions. While some viewers view the show as purely fictional entertainment, others have expressed discomfort with the explicit depiction of China as a hostile entity. The drama, which follows the secret intelligence organization ‘Beppan,’ continues to see high viewership despite the international backlash.

Entities

CCTV · China · Hiroshi Abe · Japan · Japan Self-Defense Forces · Kazunari Ninomiya · Masato Sakai · Nogi Yusuke · Ryo Ryusei · Sakai Masato · TBS · VIVANT

Claims

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

[○ 1 SOURCE] The episode will reveal the truth behind the ‘Miracle Child’ mystery.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Masato Sakai's character, Liu Mingxuan, is shown aiming a gun with an expression of intense anger.
[● 3 SOURCES] Kazunari Ninomiya's character, Nokoru, is depicted with a tearful and distressed expression in preview images. news.cube-soft.jp
[● 4 SOURCES] The broadcast time may be delayed due to the SMBC Japan Series 2026 baseball coverage.
[● 3 SOURCES] Episode 22 of ‘VIVANT’ is scheduled to broadcast on October 25.
[● 2 SOURCES] A special program leading into the final episode is scheduled for November 8. www.thefirsttimes.jp
[● 4 SOURCES] CCTV criticized the drama for depicting torture methods similar to those used by the Imperial Japanese Army. news.nextapple.com · star.ettoday.net · www.stheadline.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The drama features a fictional intelligence organization called ‘Beppan’. news.nextapple.com · news.cube-soft.jp · www.stheadline.com