Sanrio Drops VIVANT Collaboration After Japanese TV Series Sparks Outrage in China Over Historical Distortion
A major controversy surrounding the popular Japanese television drama VIVANT has led to immediate corporate distancing and swift official condemnation. The show, which previously achieved massive financial success in the Chinese market by grossing approximately 1.5 billion yuan, recently found itself at the center of a severe backlash after featuring a collaboration that many viewers and critics perceived as distorting historical facts.
The core of the dispute involves a promotional partnership between the series and Sanrio, the globally recognized Japanese lifestyle brand. As part of a cross-promotion, the iconic character Hello Kitty was outfitted in espionage-themed attire associated with the controversial broadcast. This marketing move quickly ignited fierce criticism across Chinese social media platforms, with netizens accusing the production of promoting a false and provocative historical narrative that whitewashes past conflicts and shifts blame regarding wartime atrocities.
Facing mounting consumer anger and the threat of a widespread boycott, Sanrio acted swiftly to contain the damage. The company issued a formal apology and announced the immediate termination of its merchandise partnership with the television program, effectively withdrawing the controversial Hello Kitty imagery overnight in an effort to distance itself from the political fallout.
The controversy has also drawn a sharp response from government authorities. Representatives from China’s Ministry of Defense publicly denounced the program, emphasizing that historical realities cannot be substituted or rewritten, and that wartime crimes must not be deflected or transferred onto others. Media analysts and commentators have further framed the incident within a broader context, warning the public to remain vigilant against what they describe as a modern form of cognitive warfare and manipulative storytelling by Japanese right-wing elements intended to fuel bilateral tensions and create societal division.
Sources: 手机网易网
Aggregated summary. Original: 手机网易网