Hello Kitty × Ryobi Group Project: The Hello Kitty Bus Makes Its Debut at Shin-Okayama Port on July 20 (Mon/Holiday)! Step Inside, Explore, and Capture the Magic of Hello Kitty's World

Ryobi Group (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City, CEO: Mitsunobu Kojima) has launched the 'Hello Kitty × Ryobi Group Project,' featuring Sanrio's popular character 'Hello Kitty' as a limited-time 'Smile Co-Creation Partner.' This collaboration spans across the group's diverse operations, including public transportation, commercial facilities, events, and recruitment activities.

The first initiative of this project, the 'Hello Kitty Bus,' has now been completed.

It will make its first public appearance on Monday, July 20, 2026 (a national holiday), at the 'Port Market & Vehicles Gathering' event held at Shin-Okayama Port. On that day, not only the exterior but also the interior of the bus will be open to the public. Visitors can step into a uniquely designed space where seats, ceilings, hand straps, and even the stop buttons are decorated with Hello Kitty's charming world, enjoying sightseeing and photo opportunities with family and friends.

Additionally, the first 300 visitors who view the Hello Kitty Bus and follow Ryobi Group's official Instagram account will receive a clear file featuring the project's key visual. (One per account.)

This is the day you can meet the Hello Kitty Bus for the first time.

Enjoy it alongside the 'Port Market,' featuring delicious gourmet food and various goods.

Event Overview: Port Market & Vehicles Gathering (Hello Kitty Bus Display)

In addition to the Hello Kitty Bus, various vehicles from the Ryobi Group will gather, including Fagiano Okayama's new official team bus, as well as buses, trucks, and taxis. The 'Port Market,' where you can enjoy gourmet food and goods, will feature 18 participating stores.

Event Date and Time: July 20, 2026 (Monday, national holiday), 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (rain or shine)

Venue: Shin-Okayama Port Ferry Terminal (9-1 Shinsuihama, Naka-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture)

※ The Hello Kitty Bus will be displayed in the 'Vehicles Gathering' area.

Event Information: https://ryobi-shodoshima.jp/news/news_4856/

Access:

By Bus: From Okayama Station Bus Terminal, Board Okayama Electric Bus bound for 'Shin-Okayama Port' at Platform 1, approximately 40 minutes

By Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Okayama Station (Free parking available)

Transforming Public Transportation into an Exciting Experience

The theme of the Hello Kitty Bus is 'Let's Have Fun in Okayama! ♥'

Born from the desire to turn travel time into a heart-fluttering, special experience alongside Hello Kitty—a character beloved across generations.

The bus body features a special wrap incorporating a pink version of the Ryobi Group logo and Hello Kitty's iconic world.

Inside, every detail—from seats and ceilings to hand straps and stop buttons—is filled with delightful surprises. The goal is to create a space where passengers feel as if they are spending time with Hello Kitty from the moment they board until they disembark.

Moving forward, the bus will travel through Okayama City, bringing small surprises and smiles to daily commutes.

Hello Kitty × Ryobi Group Project Overview

Hello Kitty has been appointed as the 'Ryobi Group Smile Co-Creation Partner.'

The project aims to gradually add more joy to everyday life in Okayama.

The key visual tells a story that begins when Hello Kitty visits Okayama and meets R-chan, Ryobi Group's official character, instantly becoming great friends.

'We want to add more happiness to Okayama's everyday life.'

United by this shared vision, the two characters color the city with motifs of sweets and toys, expressing the joyful events to come.

The project will showcase a new charm of Okayama, born from the fusion of Hello Kitty's 'KAWAII,' the city's streets, people, scenery, and Ryobi Group's diverse business operations.

Project Name: Ryobi Group × Hello Kitty Project

Concept: 'KAWAII OKAYAMA!'

Duration: Until March 1, 2027 (planned)

※ For future updates, please check Ryobi Group's official Instagram.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/groupryobi/

Company Overview

Ryobi Group

URL: https://ryobi.gr.jp/

Headquarters: 5F, Office Square, Mori no Mach Grace, 2-10-12 Shimoishii, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture (within Ryobi Holdings Co., Ltd.)

Representative: Mitsunobu Kojima, CEO of Ryobi Group

Major Group Companies: Ryobi Holdings Co., Ltd., Ryobi Systems Co., Ltd., Okayama Kotsu Co., Ltd., Wakayama Dentetsu Co., Ltd., Chugoku Bus Co., Ltd., and others