A popular Hello Kitty theme park in Japan closed for a day on Saturday after receiving a “terrorist threat email,” it announced on its website.
“We have decided to temporarily close for this day as the safety of visitors, artists and staff cannot be guaranteed at this time,” the Tokyo indoor amusement park said. “Today, Saturday, February 24, 2024, we received an email containing a terrorist threat,” he explained.
The park, called Sanrio Puroland, is known for its rides, shows and cartoon mascots, including the brand's iconic character, Hello Kitty.
The threat prompted police to search Sanrio Puroland for suspicious items – to no avail, public broadcaster NHK said.
Authorities are trying to identify the author of the email, NHK added, citing police sources.
Tokyo-based Sanrio founded the Hello Kitty brand in 1974 and opened the Sanrio Puroland theme park in 1990.