Hello Kitty maker cuts ties with Japanese spy drama after China backlash

October 29, 2026 · 3:16 am 3 sources

Image: BBC News

Coverage

Wires & papers of record

• Hello Kitty maker cuts ties with Japanese spy drama after China backlash
  BBC News · October 29, 2026 03:16
  Sanrio has apologised after its merchandise line with Japanese TV series Vivant drew criticism.
• Hello Kitty company cuts ties with Japanese spy show after China outcry
  The Guardian · October 29, 2026 08:03
  Sanrio ends association with TV drama Vivant after China says portrayal of ruthless Chinese agents is ‘deliberate smear’ The company behind the successful Hello Kitty franchise has apologised and ended its commercial tie-up with a Japanese TV drama after Chinese state media and netizens condemned…
• How the Japanese Spy Drama ‘Vivant’ Became The Target of China’s Anger
  The New York Times · October 30, 2026 06:15
  “Vivant,” a Japanese thriller that features Chinese spies, has drawn intense criticism from Beijing. Its creators defend the show, saying it is “completely fictional.”