Lululemon apologizes for using Japanese drums in Chinese yoga event

Lululemon has apologized for cultural misappropriation in a wellness event in China. 

As reported by The Guardian, the activewear brand mistakenly used a Japanese drum during a yoga festival event held on the Great Wall of China, causing online backlash. 

More than 2,000 individuals joined the occasion, including Chinese actor Zhu Yilong, in what was advertised as a promotion of Chinese culture and wellness according to Chinese state tabloid Global Times.

Zhu joined a drum group performance, described by the company as Chinese. From there, the actor also posted a photo with the controversial instrument bearing the Lululemon logo on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, leading to the backlash. 

Weibo users called out the moves as inappropriate and insulting, with some pointing out that the event should have used the Chinese dagu drum instead. 

Lululemon and Zhu have since apologized to the public over the incident.

"Due to limitations in our professional knowledge, we were unable to identify potential controversies initially, and we fully recognise that we should be more cautious and thorough in the early planning and review process of the drum performances," their statement read.

The company has since removed all related content online and promised to adopt "a more rigorous attitude" in the future.