The Hello Kitty theme park in western Tokyo faced a challenging day as it received an email labeled as a ‘terrorist alert,’ prompting temporary closure on Saturday. Sanrio Puroland in Tama, communicating via its website, stated that the closure was necessary to ensure the safety of customers, performers, and staff.
Situated in Tama, Sanrio Puroland alerted the police at 9 am local time about the emailed warning, citing the presence of ‘hazardous’ objects within the park premises. Subsequent investigations by the police, as reported by public broadcaster NHK, revealed no suspicious findings after thorough searches. The identity of the email sender remains unknown.
Hello Kitty, an anthropomorphized white cat, is a widely recognized fictional character originally created by Yuko Shimizu. Sanrio, the Japanese entertainment company, owns the character as part of its creative portfolio.
Sanrio Puroland, also known as Hello Kitty Land, is an indoor Tokyo theme park located in the suburb of Tama. Established in 1990, the park features various exclusive characters, including My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Gudetama, Pochacco, Keroppi, and more. Similar to Disney theme parks, the Japanese attraction temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The park’s decision to close in response to the ‘terrorist alert’ email underscores the priority placed on safety. The incident highlights the challenges faced by popular attractions in managing security concerns, even in the absence of tangible threats. Authorities continue efforts to identify the source of the alarming email, emphasizing the need for vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors and staff at such iconic entertainment venues.
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