BUSINESS

Lululemon Apologizes After Great Wall Yoga Event Sparks Drum Controversy

Published: Jun. 17, 2026 3:43 a.m. GMT+8

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Actor Zhu Yilong, a Lululemon brand ambassador, stretches into yoga poses in front of a large drum during the promotional event

Lululemon Athletica Inc. apologized and pulled promotional materials for a high-profile yoga event at the Great Wall after facing online backlash for featuring Japanese Taiko drums instead of the advertised traditional Chinese instruments.

The controversy erupted in mid-June over a flagship marketing campaign starring actor and brand ambassador Zhu Yilong, which Lululemon originally touted as a celebration of Chinese drumming.

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Lululemon apologized and pulled materials after backlash for using Japanese Taiko drums, not Chinese instruments, at a Great Wall yoga event.
Experts noted drum design and playing style were distinctively Japanese; event drew over 2,000 participants.
Hiiko drum group deleted social media and vacated studio; observers warned against nationalist overreactions.

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Lululemon Athletica Inc.: Lululemon Athletica Inc. apologized and pulled promotional materials for a Great Wall yoga event after backlash for featuring Japanese Taiko drums instead of traditional Chinese instruments. The June 16 apology cited a lack of professional oversight. The event had over 2,000 participants.

AI generated, for reference only