A Sanrio merchandise retailer in Shanghai, China, on October 29, 2026, the day the corporate introduced the cancellation of all collaborations with the Japanese tv drama VIVANT. /VCG
Japanese spy drama VIVANT has sparked backlash in China over scenes accused of distorting wartime historical past. Experts warn that such narratives might gas anti-China sentiment and strengthen help for Japan’s remilitarization.
The collection depicts Chinese intelligence brokers utilizing torture strategies harking back to these employed by Japan’s invading forces throughout World War II, drawing criticism for vilifying China and glorifying Japanese operatives.
The controversy has additionally drawn consideration in Japan. Japanese author Masahiro Yamazaki questioned the manufacturing as selling hostility towards China consistent with Japan’s nationwide coverage.
Sanrio, the Japanese character firm behind Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll and My Melody, introduced on Wednesday that it was ending its collaboration with the collection. The firm stated the associated content material doesn’t align with its company philosophy.
Whitewashing wartime aggression
Experts say the controversy raises broader questions on how leisure shapes public views of China and Japan’s wartime historical past.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Cao Weidong, a former researcher on the Naval Military Academic Research Institute, stated that the drama’s portrayal of China confirmed Japan’s failure to correctly acknowledge its historical past of aggression.
Cao linked such portrayals to makes an attempt to whitewash Japan’s previous aggression and crimes it dedicated in opposition to different nations. By presenting aggression as a supposedly simply enterprise, these tendencies threat taking Japan again down a harmful historic path.
Building help for navy enlargement
Su Xiaohui, director of the Department for Developing Countries Studies on the China Institute of International Studies, advised CMG that such narratives might assist justify adjustments in Japan’s safety coverage.
Su pointed to earlier remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about doable navy involvement within the Taiwan Strait. Portraying adjustments in Japan’s surrounding safety surroundings as threats helps justify stronger navy and safety measures, she added.
In Su’s evaluation, these narratives serve each home and exterior targets. At dwelling, they’ll make the general public extra accepting of navy enlargement and weaken opposition.
Abroad, portraying Japan as a defender of peace or a sufferer whereas focusing on China might assist strengthen navy ties with the United States.
China’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged the worldwide neighborhood and folks of perception in Japan to remain alert to forces in Japan searching for to smear China by way of cultural merchandise and unfold anti-China sentiment.
Source: CGTN