Hello Kitty has been drawn into the diplomatic stand-off between Beijing and Tokyo, as diplomats and analysts search for signs of détente in a row that has lasted a year, frozen relations and disrupted business ties.
Sanrio, the company behind the multibillion-dollar brand, said on Thursday it would end its collaboration with a Japanese television drama that had provoked fury in China over its portrayal of wartime history. The company, which had sold Hello Kitty versions in costumes inspired by the spy drama, apologised in a social media post, saying the series used "expressions inconsistent with Sanrio's corporate philosophy." China's state-owned tabloid Global Times warned in an editorial that "Hello Kitty should not dance with Japan's right wing."
The move followed hints that the two sides may be approaching an "off-ramp." Diplomats said the countries were considering a handshake between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the sidelines of the Apec forum in Shenzhen next month. The dispute began with Takaichi's comments in parliament last year that Japan could become militarily involved in a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, triggering a social media propaganda war and fraying ties with Japan's largest trading partner.
Many experts remain sceptical of a quick thaw. Analysts note that Beijing has accused Takaichi of steering Japan toward remilitarisation, while her refusal to retract the comments has kept her domestic approval ratings high. Some signs of softening have emerged, including a joint symposium in Beijing and a condolence message from Xi praising former prime minister Yasuo Fukuda's "correct view of history."
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing