Sanrio created a space using a total of 23 characters covering a total of 395 square meters for the entire pediatric ward area of the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. A ceremony was held on July 9, 2026 to commemorate the completion.
This project used three new designs created by Sanrio designers. Based on the concept of ``walks and outings'', we aimed to create an environment where children can feel close to the outside world with characters and spend time in a hospital while alleviating their anxiety.
The Inspiration Behind the New Space
The treatment room has a bright, picnic-themed design to help patients feel at ease even in situations where they might feel anxious. The common areas are sprinkled with fun motifs, creating an environment that naturally sparks conversation.
The reception room is a place to receive explanations from the hospital, so characters are depicted walking hand in hand to help children and their families with their concerns.
Celebrating the Completion
At the ceremony to commemorate the completion, Hello Kitty also participated in the ribbon cutting, and the venue was filled with smiles.
Atsushi Nakajima, director of the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, who took the stage, said, ``For hospitalized children, hospitals are a place where they not only receive treatment but also live their daily lives. By having Sanrio's friendly characters come close to the children, we believe that we have created a warm environment in which they can ease their anxiety and tension, and spend time feeling smiles and hope. We hope that this space will illuminate the hearts of the children and give them the strength to recover as quickly as possible.''
This project was planned as an initiative that contributes to "fulfilling well-being," which is an important issue for Sanrio's materiality. As one of the activities of the "Sanrio Nakayoku Project", Hello Kitty will further develop the activities that have been carried out by visiting hospitals around the world, and aim to create a space where the character will be by the side of children on a daily basis, helping them to get close to children and bring smiles to their faces.
Sanrio will continue to promote sustainability initiatives based on its vision of "One World, Connecting Smiles" (to make as many people as possible smile and spread happiness around the world) in order to realize its corporate philosophy of "Everyone is friends."
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