Sanrio Apologises and Scraps Japan TV Tie-Up After China Anger
Sanrio, the Japanese company behind Hello Kitty, has apologised over a tie-up with a TV spy drama that drew criticism, and it has scrapped its Japan TV tie-up after anger in China, according to AFP.
The criticism in China has centred on Vivant, a hit Japanese spy thriller drama broadcast by TBS, the TV network behind the show. State-run Chinese media objected to scenes showing Chinese intelligence agents. Chinese media said the show's torture scenes stoke hostility, and claimed it portrays Chinese agents using "ruthless" methods, as Kyodo News reported.
Beijing also criticised the drama's violent portrayal of Chinese agents, according to Mainichi.
TBS president Masamine Ryuho responded at a regular press conference on Wednesday. He said Vivant is entirely fictional, and that the drama has no intention of disparaging any specific country, as BBC News and Kyodo News reported.
The drama and the Sanrio decision have been reported together, and the company's apology and withdrawal are the most recent developments in the dispute.
