Hello Kitty asks fans to sponsor anniversary party amid Covid-19

Hello Kitty Land Tokyo is going ahead with its 30th anniversary celebration despite Covid-19 challenges. - Sanrio Entertainment

Hello Kitty Land Tokyo is going ahead with its 30th anniversary celebrations amid the Covid-19 pandemic and is urging fans to fund the event.

The theme park, also known as Sanrio Puroland, has created a crowdfunding platform appealing for donations to support the production of the special event on Dec 7.

Sanrio Entertainment spokesperson Yuya Makizato said the theme park has resorted to crowdfunding due to a challenging year.

“We had to re-evaluate our plans for the celebration of our 30th anniversary and after much thought decided to try to make the project happen through crowdfunding and with the support and cooperation of our Sanrio friends and followers, ” Makizato said.

Donations can start from as little as 1,000 yen (RM39.70). All sponsors will receive a special thank you gift, mostly in digital format.

These tokens include specially designed digital certificates to acknowledge the support and thank you videos.

Those who donate 10,000 yen (RM396.60) will receive a special backstage report of the anniversary event.

Hello Kitty Land Tokyo has been turned into a reservation-only facility since September. Entrance tickets have to be purchased online in advance of the visit.

Theme parks globally have adhered to strict guidelines amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Closer to home, Malaysian operators such as Resorts World Genting and Sunway Theme Parks have stepped up safety and hygiene measures.

Some measures include temperature checks at entrance points; social distancing at queue lines and rides; hand sanitisation stations; and cleaning and disinfecting rides after each ride cycle.