Japanese company Sanrio has issued a formal apology and terminated a merchandise partnership linked to the television drama series VIVANT. The decision follows public criticism regarding the show's content, which viewers perceived as anti-Chinese. Specifically, the controversy stemmed from an episode in the series that portrayed a China-affiliated group engaging in the torture of a Japanese military intelligence operative. Sanrio acknowledged receiving significant feedback concerning the collaboration and expressed regret for any distress caused by the association. This development occurs shortly after other high-profile incidents involving international figures facing backlash in China, such as the recent controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappe. Sanrio confirmed that the project included expressions that prompted this corrective action to address the concerns raised by the public.
Source : Hong Kong Free Press
Photo : Hong Kong Free Press
