Lululemon Controversy In China Threatens Growth In Key Market

BreakingBusinessLululemon Controversy In China Threatens Growth In Key MarketByMary Whitfill Roeloffs,Forbes Staff. Mary Roeloffs is a Forbes breaking news reporter covering pop culture.Follow AuthorJun 17, 2026, 10:07am EDTToplineAthletic wear company Lululemon has apologized for using a Japanese drum during a yoga event staged on China’s Great Wall amid heightened tension between the two countries, in a reputational stumble that threatens growth with Chinese consumers on which the brand is2 increasingly reliant. A pedestrian walks past a Lululemon retail store in Shenzhen, China.Getty ImagesKey FactsLululemon staged a yoga event on the Great Wall with well-known Chinese actor Zhu Yilong on May 30 and the event, attended by roughly 2,000 people, was advertised as promoting Chinese culture and wellness, according to the state-run tabloid Global Times. Yilong joined a musical group on stage for what was described as a traditional Chinese drum performance but after the actor posted a picture of himself with one of the instruments, with the Lululemon logo front and center, he and the company were swiftly hit with backlash because the drum resembled a Japanese taiko drum rather than a traditional Chinese instrument based on its barrel shape, red rope bindings and angled setup, critics argued. Commenters said using a Japanese drum at a Chinese cultural landmark was inappropriate and insulting, the Times reported, and Chinese percussionist Xu Yang reportedly told his social media followers the drums from the two countries "should never be confused.” The company apologized on Weibo, a social media platform popular in China, writing: “Due to limitations in our professional knowledge, we were unable to identify potential controversies." The Hiiko Drum Troupe that performed at the event also apologized and promised "use of the controversial drums have been suspended.”Lululemon said it “should have been more cautious and thorough” in its preparation, and said it...