Hello Kitty firm apologises, cuts ties with Japanese spy show after China backlash

AI Summary

Sanrio apologized and ended its commercial partnership with a Japanese television drama after Chinese state media accused the show of disparaging China, triggering online backlash. The controversy highlights the commercial and political sensitivity surrounding portrayals of China.

Sanrio, the company behind the hugely successful Hello Kitty franchise, has apologised and ended its commercial tie-up with a Japanese TV drama after Chinese state media accused the show of "smearing China", sparking a social media backlash.