Tokyo’s Hello Kitty theme park closed for ‘terrorist’ security alert

A theme park in Tokyo featuring the Hello Kitty character closed on Saturday due to a “terrorist alert” received via email, according to the operator. The Sanrio Puroland park stated on its website, “We will be temporarily closed today as we are unable to adequately ensure the safety of our customers, performers, and on-site staff at this time.” Hello Kitty, created by Sanrio Co and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is one of Japan’s most well-known cartoon characters. The mouthless cat-like figure is used to market a wide range of products, from plush toys to aircraft, and has even been utilized by Japan’s government to promote tourism and as a cute ambassador. Despite the police investigation at the theme park following the emailed warning, no suspicious objects were found, as reported by public broadcaster NHK, without disclosing the source of the information.