The Guardian

Winnie the Pooh drawn into protests

Justin McCurry Tokyo

Years after he became a character non grata in China, Winnie the Pooh is exacting quiet revenge in the form of Disney souvenirs.

In what appears to be a case of incidental resistance, Disney stores in Japan are selling merchandise featuring Pooh frowning at a blank sheet of white paper – a symbol of protests in China against censorship and Covid-19 restrictions.

The range, designed by the Japanese illustrator Kanahei, shows the image – from a 2011 film – on mugs, tote bags, T-shirts and hoodies.

Although the items were launched in April 2021, according to the online store, social media users have given them political significance, with many disappointed that they are only available in Japan.

The bear, who was created by the author AA Milne, became the unlikely target of official anger in China after netizens noticed the its physical resemblance to the country’s president, Xi Jinping.

World

en-gb

2022-12-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-03T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://guardian.pressreader.com/article/282123525534233

Guardian/Observer