Hello Kitty’s spy drama lands in hot water: What went wrong with Sanrio in China

Sanrio has come under fire in China for its collaboration with the Japanese drama VIVANT, which many viewers found offensive. The show’s depiction of a fictional Chinese intelligence agency apprehending Japanese spies has ignited fierce online backlash. In response to the criticism from the public and state media, Sanrio’s Chinese branch announced it would end the partnership, highlighting the hurdles international companies endure due to ongoing Sino-Japanese tensions.