Hello Kitty Maker Sanrio Ends Vivant Tie-Up After China Criticism

Sanrio, the Japanese maker of Hello Kitty, has apologised and ended its commercial tie-up with Vivant, a Japanese TV spy drama, after criticism in China. Sanrio announced the decision on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, saying the drama contained elements inconsistent with its core values. It said it will strengthen review processes for future collaborations.