Sanrio Cuts Ties With Vivant After Chinese Backlash
Sanrio terminated its collaboration with the Japanese spy drama Vivant after Chinese state media accused the series of distorting history and smearing Beijing.
Sanrio, the corporate owner of Hello Kitty, terminated its collaboration with the Japanese spy drama Vivant on Wednesday. The company announced it is ceasing all current partnerships, future projects, and promotional campaigns related to the series, stating that the show's content does not align with its corporate philosophy.
The decision follows significant backlash in China regarding scenes that depict Chinese intelligence agents torturing Japanese operatives. China Central Television, the state broadcaster, accused the series of deliberately smearing Beijing and distorting history.
Vivant premiered in 2023 and began airing its second season in July. Sanrio's withdrawal marks a complete severance of ties with the production following the diplomatic and corporate friction caused by the show's narrative.
