Japanese Hit DramaVIVANTFaces Backlash Over Alleged Anti-China Portrayal

The second season of Japanese espionage dramaVIVANT, broadcast by TBS, has sparked controversy in China over its portrayal of characters linked to a Chinese intelligence organization. On October 24 and 25, 2026, Chinese media outlets and social media users criticized the series, while a commentary published by CCTV’sWorld Newsprogram questioned whether the storyline portrayed Chinese characters as brutal aggressors while presenting Japanese military intelligence personnel as justified heroes.

The controversy centers on scenes depicting torture. Reports say the drama shows a fictional intelligence organization with Chinese connections cutting off the fingers of Japanese intelligence personnel and stabbing them in the abdomen. Critics argue that such scenes risk associating Chinese characters with cruelty and violence, while downplaying the controversy surrounding secret overseas operations carried out by Japanese intelligence personnel.

The series’ portrayal of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces’ fictional intelligence unit, known as “Bessan,” has also drawn scrutiny. Critics contend that by emphasizing the Japanese characters’ resistance and presenting their actions as justified, the drama may simplify the complexities of real-world military and intelligence operations. Some commentators have also compared the torture scenes with atrocities committed by Japanese forces during the invasion of China, arguing that the parallel creates an uncomfortable contrast between historical memory and contemporary national imagery.

VIVANTcombines espionage, international conspiracies and suspense, using fictional countries and secret organizations as part of its storyline. However, because some elements are explicitly associated with China, certain viewers argue that character portrayals in fictional entertainment can still influence perceptions of real countries and their people.

The debate has also raised broader questions about the boundaries of television storytelling. Supporters of creative freedom argue that espionage dramas rely on fictional conflict, antagonists and dramatic exaggeration, and that a character’s actions should not automatically be treated as a reflection of a real government’s policies. Critics counter that when a production repeatedly uses a recognizable national background to frame characters through violent or stereotypical portrayals, creators should consider the potential social impact of those narrative choices.

As of October 25, the controversy has largely taken the form of media commentary and public debate over the storyline. Whether the series deliberately seeks to malign China should be distinguished from the content of individual scenes and the way audiences interpret them. Controversial fictional depictions alone do not establish the creators’ intentions.

The dispute surroundingVIVANThighlights the influence entertainment can have on public perceptions of international affairs and national identity. As cross-border cultural exchanges expand, filmmakers face the challenge of preserving creative freedom while avoiding simplistic portrayals that may reinforce stereotypes about real countries and populations.