Sanrio ends Vivant collaboration after backlash in China

Sanrio says it has ended its merchandise partnership with the Japanese drama Vivant after criticism in China over the show’s depiction of a Chinese agent using torture. The company apologized and said it would strengthen reviews of future collaborations. (1dc974ed-ac43-4d75-afce-df12984feed5)

• Sanrio ended its collaboration with Vivant, saying the show contained elements inconsistent with its values. (1dc974ed-ac43-4d75-afce-df12984feed5)· 1 source
• The partnership featured Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty, My Melody and Cinnamoroll dressed as characters from the drama. (1dc974ed-ac43-4d75-afce-df12984feed5)· 1 source
• Chinese state media and social media users criticized Vivant over its depiction of a Chinese agent using brutal torture tactics on a Japanese operative. (1dc974ed-ac43-4d75-afce-df12984feed5)· 1 source
• Sanrio said it takes the feedback seriously and will strengthen its review process for future collaborations. (1dc974ed-ac43-4d75-afce-df12984feed5)· 1 source
• The BBC reports that the dispute comes amid strained China-Japan ties following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan. (1dc974ed-ac43-4d75-afce-df12984feed5)· 1 source