China is stepping up its criticism of the collaboration involving French soccer star Mbappé and Japan’s Sanrio character Hello Kitty. Comments from China’s Foreign Ministry and related reports have followed one after another.
Reports have emerged of a backlash from China over the collaboration between French soccer star Kylian Mbappé and Sanrio, the Japanese company behind the popular character “Hello Kitty.” The article, based primarily on CNN’s Japanese-language reporting, covers developments in China and the substance of the criticism.
China’s Foreign Ministry reportedly criticized the collaboration involving VIVANT, stating that people should “remain vigilant against moves to disparage China.” In connection with this, it has been suggested that some reactions to the collaboration could spread within China.
The sources cited include information reported by Reuters on 30 October and related coverage reported by AFP-Jiji Press on 29 October. The article traces the course of China’s response to the collaboration by citing information from these and other overseas media outlets.
The focus of this matter is the collaboration itself between Mbappé and Sanrio. Attention is now on how China’s response will develop, as well as any future action or additional official announcements.