Japanese character goods company Sanrio, famous for Hello Kitty, will open a new museum in Kai City in the central prefecture of Yamanashi.



The company's founder, Tsuji Shintaro, was born in the prefecture.



The new facility in Ryuoshinmachi, Kai City, will be located on around 10,700 square meters of city-owned land. Sanrio plans to open the museum doors from the next fiscal year.



The city invited public applications for leasing the land, which includes two pre-existing buildings, in October last year. Sanrio applied, saying it wants to open a new museum featuring digital technology to showcase popular characters and also present materials related to the company's history.



The city says the plan has the potential to revitalize the local economy. The lease is for 20 years.



According to city officials, Sanrio cited the convenient location as one of the reasons for applying for the lease. The area is located near an interchange of the Chuo Expressway.



The officials expressed hope for the museum to become a new landmark for the city, and to contribute to boosting the local economy and bringing more people into the area.