Key facts
- Lululemon has apologized and withdrawn a marketing video in China.
- The video featured a Japanese wadaiko drum at an event on the Great Wall.
- Critics stated the drum's use was culturally insensitive and evoked painful historical memories.
- The event was intended to promote a yoga-themed activity and salute Chinese culture.
Sportswear brand Lululemon has issued an apology and withdrawn a marketing video in China following controversy over the use of a Japanese drum during an event held on the Great Wall. The video, intended to promote a yoga-themed event on May 30, featured Chinese actor Zhu Yilong and the Fanxiang Drum Corp playing a large drum.
Experts and social media users pointed out that the drum was a Japanese wadaiko, not a traditional Chinese instrument. Critics argued that presenting a Japanese drum on a site as culturally symbolic as the Great Wall was insensitive and hurtful to Chinese people, particularly given the historical context of Japan's invasion of China during World War II.
Lululemon stated the event was designed to salute Chinese culture and has since apologized for the misstep.