In a delightful fusion of travel and fandom, Japan's Oita Airport is embracing cuteness like never before and has rebranded itself as "Hello Kitty Airport".

This whimsical initiative comes as part of a broader strategy aimed at attracting a torrential influx of tourists for the World Expo in Osaka, currently taking place in the country.

According to reports from Kyodo News, Oita Prefecture, nestled in the picturesque island of Kyushu in the southwestern region of Japan, is strategically positioning itself to entice visitors with its unique offerings.

Japan is known as a destination for anime, manga and out-of-this-world theme parks.

Known for hosting a Sanrio character theme park, Harmonyland, the airport will don its new identity for a full six months, making it a focal point for those keen to explore more after arriving for the expo.

As visitors step through the gates of Oita Hello Kitty Airport, they will be greeted by a veritable celebration of the iconic character, created by Yuko Shimizu and now delightfully designed by Yuko Yamaguchi.

With her signature red bow and three whiskers, Hello Kitty has transcended her status as a fictional feline to become a global phenomenon beloved by millions.

hello kitty

Oita Airport becomes a Hello Kitty wonderland: where travel meets cuteness