Japan’s Oita Airport has officially rebranded itself as Oita Hello Kitty Airport as part of a strategic effort to attract visitors during this year’s Osaka Expo.
The six-month rebrand, from now until October 13, seeks to offer an alternative destination as Japan grapples with record numbers of tourists – over 10,5 million in the first three months of 2025, reports CNN.
Upon arrival at the Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, travellers are greeted by Hello Kitty, who adorns the boarding bridge. Posters inside the terminal show the iconic character wheeling a suitcase and riding miniature aircraft.
Joining Hello Kitty at the airport are My Melody, Little Twin Stars and Pochacco – all characters from Sanrio, the merchandising company behind Hello Kitty.
The Oita Prefectural Government hopes the airport makeover will entice travellers from crowded Tokyo and Kyoto into Oita.
