Lululemon used a Japanese drum at the Great Wall of China — 50 million views of fury

In late May 2026, Lululemon held a yoga festival on the Great Wall of China near Beijing to mark its 10th anniversary in mainland China and launch its 2026 yoga festival series. Over 2,000 people attended. Chinese actor Zhu Yilong appeared at the event. During the performance, a Japanese taiko drum was used — a decision that sparked immediate and intense backlash on Chinese social media.

Chinese netizens accused Lululemon of cultural insensitivity, arguing that using a Japanese cultural symbol at China's most iconic national landmark was tone-deaf amid heightened China-Japan tensions over historical grievances and territorial disputes. The controversy drew over 50 million views on Weibo. On June 17, 2026, Lululemon issued a public apology on Weibo, stating the use of the drum was a mistake and expressing regret for causing offense.

The backlash was amplified by the brand's existing vulnerabilities in China. Lululemon had been working to expand its presence in the Chinese market, where it faced competition from local activewear brands. A cultural misstep at a high-profile national landmark threatened the goodwill the brand had built over a decade in the market.