What this is
Hello Kitty Exhibition — I Change, Kitty Changes Too — is a dedicated exhibition celebrating Sanrio's iconic Hello Kitty character, tracing her evolution and cultural impact since her debut in 1974. The exhibition explores how the character has transformed across decades while remaining one of the world's most recognisable pop culture icons. Visitors can engage with displays that reflect Hello Kitty's changing designs, collaborations, and global reach. The Oita venue adds a regional dimension to what is a touring national exhibition, making it a rare opportunity for Kyushu residents to experience it locally. Exclusive merchandise and a limited acrylic stand ticket (available only via Ticket Pia) make this stop particularly collectible.
Who should go
This exhibition is ideal for Sanrio fans of all ages, from children experiencing Hello Kitty for the first time to adults who grew up with the character and want a nostalgic, immersive experience. Families with young children will find it engaging and accessible, while collectors and pop culture enthusiasts will appreciate the exclusive merchandise and limited ticket options. Tourists visiting Oita or the broader Kyushu region who want a fun, air-conditioned indoor cultural experience will also enjoy it. Arrive early in the day on weekdays to avoid school group crowds, especially during the school holiday period in late July.
Good to know
Tickets are available via pia.jp (Ticket Pia), which accepts foreign credit cards; convenience store pickup at Lawson is the most reliable option for visitors without a Japanese delivery address. The limited acrylic stand ticket (¥3,000) is exclusively sold through Ticket Pia and is likely to sell out, so book early if you want this collector's item. Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OpAm) is a modern, well-equipped venue in central Oita City with a mix of seated and open gallery-style spaces — comfortable for all ages. The museum typically has a bag check or coin locker area for larger bags. Arrive at opening time to beat crowds, particularly during the school summer holiday period (late July onwards) when family attendance peaks.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.