Over 20 brands reportedly drop Chinese actor Zhang Zhehan after visiting Yasukuni Shrine

Chinese actor Zhang Zhehan is being boycotted by brands and the China Association of Performing Arts (CAPA) after posting picture at Japan's Yasukuni Shrine as it is regarded by the Chinese authority as a symbol of militarism. 

According to multiple reports including two from Global Times, more than 20 companies with commercial ties with Zhang, including beverage brand Wahaha, food company Hsu Fu Chi had, jewellery manufacturer and retailer Pandora and fabrics brand Shanghai Mercury Home Textile. The report also said Zhang apologised on Weibo, saying that he was ashamed of his ignorance, and deeply apologised for his previous misbehaviour. He also acknowledged that his photos "seriously hurt the feelings of the Chinese people". A quick check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE found that his Weibo account was not searchable at time of writing. 

Apart from business collaborations, CAPA on Sunday also called for a boycott of Zhang after the incident. The association said it is a basic professional ethic for cultural-activities-engaging actors to know the history and ignorance is not an excuse. It added that Yasukuni Shrine is the symbol of Japanese militarism in launching its war of aggression and a place where right-wing Japanese deny history and beautify the war. CAPA said Zhang's highly improper behaviour not only harms national emotion, but also brings bad influence on youths who follow him as an influencer. As a result, CAPA reprimanded Zhang and urged a boycott of Zhang in the industry "in accordance with provisions of notice for the self-discipline of performers in the performance industry".

The association also reminded actors or actresses to learn more and raise the awareness, while they cannot be unclear and uncertain when it comes overall national interest. 

Music platform NetEase Cloud Music and QQ Music removed his songs, while streaming site Youku also deleted Zhang's name from the credits list of his TV drama. Video-sharing platform Douyin announced it cleared Zhang's account as "his behaviour is harmful and has a negative impact on the society especially the youths".

Zhang is one of the latest victims boycotted by brands in China. Previously, Chinese singer Kris Wu was accused of rape allegations, his presence on social media has also been wiped out from Chinese social media. His Weibo account and that of his studio are now non-existent. Weibo also shut 108 discussion threads and 789 groups to prevent "irrational behaviour" and "extreme speech" in light of Wu's arrest. Weibo was also reported to have shut down 990 accounts.

Photo Courtesy: Internet

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