「大分ハローキティ空港」万博終了後も延長　2026年3月まで　SNSで世界中に拡散　大きな反響

The hospitality of Sanrio characters will continue for a while longer. Oita Prefecture has announced that it will extend Oita Airport's nickname, "Oita Hello Kitty Airport," until the end of fiscal year 2025. ◆Governor Juichiro Sato "With the cooperation and approval of Sanrio, we would like to extend Oita Hello Kitty Airport until the end of this fiscal year and continue to attract visitors as 'the warmest airport in the world.'" Governor Sato responded to a question from Liberal Democratic Party member Masaomi Miura during a general question session at the prefectural assembly held on the 12th. Oita Airport will be nicknamed "Oita Hello Kitty Airport" for a limited time from April to October 13, 2025, to coincide with the Osaka-Kansai Expo. This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the prefecture and Sanrio Entertainment, operator of Harmonyland in Hiji Town. Popular Sanrio characters have been featured in various locations throughout the airport, entertaining airport users. The prefecture cited the huge response it received, including being featured on an American travel information site and being shared around the world on social media, as the reason for the decision to extend the event until the end of fiscal 2025. In addition, a survey of airport users conducted by the prefecture revealed that the name and airport decorations were well received, with many calling for their continuation. The prefecture plans to add new decorations in conjunction with the extension.