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Hello Kitty owner Sanrio scraps Japanese TV show Vivant deal over China backlash
29 Oct 2026, 03:16 UTC · 3 independent sources
🚨 SANRIO ENDS VIVANT COLLABORATION
Sanrio has terminated its planned collaboration with the TV drama Vivant after strong public criticism in China.
In a statement released late on Wednesday evening, the company said the drama contained content that “does not align with the Sanrio Group’s corporate philosophy”.
China’s Global Times accused the TBS drama series of vilifying the country.
Source: South China Morning Post, Japan Times #Sanrio #Vivant #China #HelloKitty
Sources
- South China Morning Post
Hello Kitty owner Sanrio scraps Japanese TV show Vivant deal over China backlash
- Japan Times
Sanrio’s China subsidiary ends ‘Vivant’ collaboration after state media protest
- BBC
Hello Kitty maker cuts ties with Japanese spy drama after China backlash
- Japan Times
Sanrio ends ‘Vivant’ collaboration after protest by China’s state media
