2 outlets covering this story
Sanrio Apologizes and Cuts Merchandise Ties With Japanese Spy Drama Vivant
By Rhyter Times Desk · 14h ago
Automated write-up built from 2 independent outlets' reporting. Not reviewed by a person.
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| Outlet | Headline as published | When |
|---|---|---|
| BBCCenter | Hello Kitty maker cuts ties with Japanese spy drama after China backlash | first |
| The GuardianLeft | Hello Kitty company cuts ties with Japanese spy show after China outcry | +3 h |
Lean labels for 2 of 2 outlets; 0 not rated. Times come from each outlet's own feed and show when we saw its headline, not necessarily when it first published elsewhere.
Japanese company Sanrio, the creator of Hello Kitty, has issued an apology and terminated its commercial tie-up with the Japanese television drama series Vivant, according to reports from the BBC and The Guardian, following intense criticism from China.
As reported by The Guardian, the show—which streams on Netflix—faced sharp backlash from both Chinese state media and internet users over its depiction of ruthless Chinese agents, which state outlets condemned as a "deliberate smear" against the country. In response to the outcry, Sanrio withdrew its merchandise line connected to the espionage series.
How outlets are covering this
Sanrio has issued an apology and ended its promotional merchandise partnership with the Japanese spy drama Vivant following a wave of criticism from China.
Shared reporting
- Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, issued an apology regarding its partnership with the Japanese television series Vivant.
- Sanrio severed its commercial and merchandise ties with the drama.
- The decision followed criticism and outcry originating from China.
Different framing
- The Guardian provided specific details regarding the nature of the controversy, reporting that Chinese state media and netizens objected to depictions of ruthless Chinese agents as a "deliberate smear" and noting that the series streams on Netflix, whereas the BBC summary referred more generally to criticism from China.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the tightrope global entertainment brands must walk when merchandise partnerships intersect with contentious geopolitical portrayals in East Asia.
Sources
Written by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below.
Last updated 14h ago.