Universal Studios Japan is determined to keep expanding. They recently opened their Super Mario themed Nintendo World extension, promised us a massive Donkey Kong extension in 2024, and are now teasing us that Pokémon will be a major part of the park next year.
The news of the announcement went out today:
https://twitter.com/USJ_Official/status/1445621105473961985
But if you want to know what all they have up their sleeve, there’s unfortunately not a whole lot of information yet. We are told that “the real and virtual worlds will come together creating a revolutionary theme park experience” and that this will “immerse guests into the world of Pokémon with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022.” Also, we know that there will be Pokémon “companions.” By companions, they mean people dressed up in costume.
Pokémon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara released a statement saying, “This strategic alliance with Universal Studios Japan reflects our commitment to continue delivering the joy of Pokémon in ever evolving ways for years to come.”
Sometimes Universal Studios Japan will do temporary attractions, like the current Demon Slayer ones, or past ones from franchises like Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball Z, Final Fantasy, Detective Conan, One Piece and more. However, the way Ishihara is talking, it sounds as if this will be more than a temporary thing.
It was previously reported that Universal Studios in Orlando would launch a Pokémon section. That was supposed to happen last year, but like a lot of things that were supposed to happen last year, it didn’t. However, there’s also supposed to be a Super Nintendo World section in the upcoming Epic Universal theme park. That park will open in Orlando in 2025, so it’s still a little ways off.
What sort of special Pokémon attractions and events would you enjoy at a theme park like Universal Studios?
Source: ANN, SoraNews24
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, and its sequel, Manga Art for Intermediates, with professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.