Yang Guofu Malatang's unauthorized use of Yuzuru Hanyu's name for flower baskets has drawn wide attention. On August 18, a newly opened Yang Guofu outlet in Japan privately borrowed the names of Japanese skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and others during its opening, making and displaying 'congratulatory flower baskets' bearing their names. After exposure, Hanyu personally clarified the matter, drawing wide attention. Yang Guofu's Japan side then issued an urgent statement apologizing to those impersonated.
Yang Guofu said the act was arranged by the store without headquarters' authorization, seriously violating the franchise contract and operating norms. The baskets have been removed, and the brand promised to severely handle those responsible and strengthen oversight of overseas stores.
