Hello Kitty company cuts ties with Japanese spy show after China outcry
Sanrio has severed its commercial ties with the Japanese TV drama 'Vivant' following backlash from Chinese state media and netizens. The criticism centered on the show's portrayal of Chinese agents, which was perceived as a deliberate smear and reminiscent of historical atrocities.
Why it matters
This incident illustrates the growing influence of Chinese public and state sentiment on international corporate branding and media production.
The company behind the successful Hello Kitty franchise has apologised and ended its commercial tie-up with a Japanese TV drama after backlash from China. The company behind the successful Hello Kitty franchise has apologised and ended its commercial tie-up with a Japanese TV drama after backlash from China. China Hello Kitty company cuts ties with Japanese spy show after China outcry Sanrio ends association with TV drama Vivant after China says portrayal of ruthless Chinese agents is ‘deliberate smear’
Prefer the Guardian on Google The company behind the successful Hello Kitty franchise has apologised and ended its commercial tie-up with a Japanese TV drama after Chinese state media and netizens condemned the show’s “deliberate smears” against China.
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