Hello Kitty maker cuts ties with Japanese spy drama after China backlash
Sanrio has apologised after its merchandise line with Japanese TV series Vivant drew criticism.
Covered by 2 sources from United Kingdom. First reported by BBC News ·
How 2 newspapers cover this story
Hello Kitty maker cuts ties with Japanese spy drama after China backlash
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
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 the show’s…
Coverage details
2 outlets from United Kingdom are covering this story: BBC News and The Guardian. BBC News and The Guardian published it almost at the same time, on October 29, 2026.
Key names in the coverage: Hello Kitty, China, Japanese TV and Vivant.
