Oita Airport is going to become Oita Hello Kitty Airport on April 13, 2025! This is only a temporary change though, as the new name is only a feature until October 13 of this year.
The question is, why is Oita Airport changing its name for six months? It’s collaborating with none other than Harmonyland, a Sanrio theme park in the Oita prefecture, specifically in the town of Hiji.
Planning to travel to Japan soon? Visit the official website for Oita Airport to help you plan your trip!
What Changes Will Hello Kitty Make?
Throughout the airport, there are plans to include banners that feature Hello Kitty, as well as other popular characters, as well as photo opportunities such as a booth spot nearby to the arrival gate.
Between the months of August and October, there will be a bus that takes passengers directly from Hello Kitty Airport to Harmonyland.
The Reason For the Collaboration
There are only two major Sanrio theme parks in Japan, including Harmonyland in the Hayami District, and the world-famous Puroland in Tokyo.
The governor of Oita, Kiichiro Sato, wants to highlight Harmonyland and the Oita prefecture as a whole, hence the exciting collaboration.
While it’s a tourism project to encourage overseas travelers and those already residing in Japan, it’s also a great incentive for Sanrio fans to explore the prefecture and the charming town of Hiji as well as enjoy the sights and activities at Harmonyland.
What is Harmonyland?
The majority of Sanrio fans have heard of Puroland, but Harmonyland isn’t as well-known. It opened a few months after Puroland in 1991, marking its 36th anniversary next year.
It includes Harmony Village, Harmony Park, Whitebirds Aquare, and Carnival Square, alongside a variety of rides and attractions. While Puroland is an indoor park, Harmonyland is completely outdoors!
For more exciting collaboration news, McDonalds has worked with Kasane Teto to advertise a new burger!
