Chinese state-run media criticized the Sunday Theatre drama VIVANT, framing it as a political issue from the perspective of Japan-China cognitive warfare. They have been particularly critical of the torture scenes in the second season.
Chinese state-run media criticized the Japanese drama VIVANT in the context of Japan-China cognitive warfare. Several outlets, including China Central Television-affiliated media and the People's Daily-affiliated Environmental Times, criticized the drama by linking it to Japan's political and military stance.
The main focus of the criticism was the depiction of torture in the drama, with repeated claims that the torture depicted on the Chinese side closely resembles acts committed by the Japanese military in history. Based on this, it has been argued that the drama distorts the historical interpretations of Japan and China.
VIVANT's first season aired in 2023, and the second season began in July 2026. It has also been noted that the story concerns a conflict between secret intelligence organizations in the present day, rather than a depiction of wartime history.
The article treats the criticism of the drama as political criticism and develops its discussion by linking it to Japan's defense policy and the stance of its leaders, while also including statements that emphasize the fictional nature of the drama itself.