Sanrio announced that it would cancel its collaboration with the popular drama VIVANT. Criticism of the drama’s portrayal in China has intensified, and the decision came amid heightened tensions between Japan and China.
On the 29th, Sanrio announced and apologized for cancelling its collaboration with the popular television drama VIVANT in China. It cited criticism of torture scenes in the drama by China’s state-run media and on social media.
The criticism also extended to Sanrio character products featuring Hello Kitty, My Melody and Cinnamoroll, including related merchandise depicting characters wearing costumes from the drama.
In a statement, Sanrio explained that it had decided to cancel the collaboration after determining that expressions related to VIVANT were inconsistent with the company’s corporate philosophy. Amid worsening Japan-China relations, Chinese state-run media criticized Sanrio and expressed concern about future cooperation.
Regarding the drama VIVANT itself, Chinese state-run media pointed to similarities in the methods of torture depicted, while TBS representatives explained that the work was entirely fictional. Reports of other brands terminating contracts with celebrities in China have also emerged, as tensions between Japan and China flare up again.