Hello Kitty owner Sanrio axes Japan show ties after China furor
State outlets accuse spy drama ‘Vivant’ of distorting wartime history, prompting a public apology and tighter partnership reviews.
Sanrio has halted all collaborations with TBS spy drama ‘Vivant’ after Chinese state media accused the show of distorting Japan’s wartime history. The retreat shows the stakes for the Hello Kitty owner, whose mainland China sales jumped 83% in the fiscal year to March 2026. Image: TBS
Sanrio has halted all collaborations with TBS spy drama ‘Vivant’ after Chinese state media accused the show of distorting Japan’s wartime history. The retreat shows the stakes for the Hello Kitty owner, whose mainland China sales jumped 83% in the fiscal year to March 2026. Image: TBS
