Sanrio Ends VIVANT Merchandise Deal After China Criticism

Sanrio has apologized and ended its merchandise collaboration with the Japanese television drama VIVANT after the project drew criticism in China over the show’s depiction of Chinese agents. The company also said it would stop subsequent related projects and promotional campaigns, citing inconsistency with its corporate philosophy. The collaboration featured Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters, including My Melody and Cinnamoroll, dressed as characters from the spy drama. The criticism focused on scenes in which Chinese agents torture a Japanese operative. Chinese state media and social media users said the portrayal was hostile toward China. Sanrio said it had received feedback about the merchandise and apologized for concern it caused. It said the project contained expressions inconsistent with the group’s philosophy. The company also said it would strengthen its review process for future collaborations. TBS, the broadcaster behind VIVANT, said the series is fictional and was not intended to disparage any particular nation or hurt public sentiment. TBS president Masamine Ryuho also said the network does not promote conflict between nations or condone violence. Chinese...