Hello Kitty Maker Ends Link With Japanese Spy Drama
Listen to the story
Sanrio, the Japanese company famous for Hello Kitty, has apologised over a problem with one of its products.
The company had created a merchandise line connected to a Japanese TV series called Vivant.
Vivant is a spy drama that attracted strong criticism from people in China.
This led to a backlash online, with many Chinese users expressing anger about the show and Sanrio's connection to it.
In response, Sanrio has said sorry and decided to cut ties with the Vivant project.
The report does not explain exactly why the drama upset people in China.
However, Japanese entertainment and media have faced criticism in China before over sensitive topics.
China is an important market for Sanrio, which sells its popular characters and products worldwide.
Companies often respond quickly to public anger to protect their reputation and sales.
This case shows how a collaboration between a company and a TV show can create problems if the content becomes controversial.
Sanrio has not given more details about future plans for its Vivant-related products.
Vocabulary11 words
- Sanrio
- a Japanese company that owns Hello Kitty
- merchandise
- products made to promote a brand or show
- spy drama
- a TV series about secret agents
- backlash
- a strong negative reaction from many people
- cut ties
- to stop a business connection
- market
- a country or group of customers where a company sells goods
- reputation
- what people think about a company or person
- collaboration
- a project where two groups work together
- controversial
- causing strong disagreement
- criticism
- comments saying something is wrong or bad
- apologise
- to say sorry for a mistake
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Quiz
Answer key
1. A Japanese company known for Hello Kitty 2. Because of criticism over its Vivant merchandise 3. False
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Sanrio, the Japanese company famous for Hello Kitty, has _____ over a problem with one of its products.
The company had created a _____ line connected to a Japanese TV series called Vivant.
Vivant is a _____ drama that attracted strong criticism from people in China.
This led to a _____ online, with many Chinese users expressing anger.
In response, Sanrio has said sorry and decided to _____ with the Vivant project.
China is an important _____ for Sanrio, which sells its characters worldwide.
Companies often respond quickly to public anger to protect their _____ and sales.
This case shows how a _____ between a company and a TV show can create problems.
The report does not explain exactly why the drama upset people in _____.
Sanrio has not given more details about future plans for its Vivant-related _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think companies apologise quickly when customers are angry?
- Do you think TV shows can really cause business problems for companies? Why?
- Have you ever stopped buying a product because of controversy?
- How important do you think the Chinese market is for Japanese companies?
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