Universal Studios Japan General Discussion

[AlexanderMBush]

Comcast has officially bought 51% of USJ's stake, becoming the majority owner of Universal Studios Japan:

On Monday, Comcast NBCUniversal announced that it has agreed to purchase 51% ownership of Universal Studios Japan in a recapitalization transaction, partnering with the current owners including Goldman Sachs, USJ’s CEO Glenn Gumpel, Asian private-equity firm MBK Partners, and U.S. hedge fund Owl Creek Asset Management. Comcast NBCUniversal’s purchase price for the majority ownership of the theme park destination is ¥183 billion (US$1.5 billion).

Located in Osaka and featuring classic Universal attractions as well as attractions and shows specifically designed for the Japanese market, USJ opened in 2001 and has experienced continued growth in attendance and revenue.

“We are excited to expand our global footprint with this wonderful theme park in Osaka and are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead in Japan and all of Asia,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast. “This investment represents a huge opportunity and commitment to creating value for our shareholders and continuing to grow internationally.”

Acquiring majority ownership of Universal Studios Japan continues Comcast NBCUniversal’s ongoing investment strategy for it’s U.S. parks in Orlando and Hollywood.

“We want to expand our theme park business around the world and this investment in Universal Studios Japan fits perfectly with that strategy,” added Steve Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal. “Our theme parks in the U.S. have performed exceptionally well and we look forward to working with our partners to achieve that success in Japan as we plan to introduce significant attractions at USJ over the next five years.”

As some people say, Expansion is Universal.

 

[Nick]

Comcast has officially bought 51% of USJ's stake, becoming the majority owner of Universal Studios Japan:

Makes sense seeing as USJ is their highest attended park.

 

[Alexshow.]

Its a move I've seen inevitable since Hogsmeade opening. I know the path that we are going to go, (goodbye BD, BTTF or Jaws) but its a good chance to get some unique crap in Japan due to the amount of IPs they can get for Japan that's exclusive to them over there.

 

[Allen The Actor]

Potter is a massive phenomenon in Japan just as much as the US and the rest of the world. However, I have hope that if Universal starts a purge of all the classics in USJ, that Comcast doesn't become naive and just port over what is popular in the US but not factor in what is legitimately popular in Japan. They're a unique bunch.

And you never know, maybe they'll end up keeping a few of the classics if they realize they're super popular with guests.

 

[k_peek_2000]

That's a ridiculous investment for just one property. I wonder if Comcast has more up their sleeve.

 

[UNIrd]

Time to turn USJ in a real resort.

 

[Ryan]

Well we know where Diagon Alley is going next.

If you thought Hermoine's vocal replacement sounded bad in Orlando... well at least she'll sound better in Japanese.

 

[Allen The Actor]

Will have to look at a map, but I'm curious the proximity of USJ's Jaws to their WWoHP..................HMMMM.

Also, introducing the most generically named new coaster! Although that's most likely just because of the difference in language. The concept art looks so cool though, with the talons being the overhead restraints!

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201510/4762/

 

[Alexshow.]

USJs Jaws to Hogsmeade is side-side. It won't happen unless they remove BTTF for Diagon..

 

[DragonSlayer]

How can it only cost $1.5bn for 51%? Seems like a steal to me.

 

[Teebin]

Is the same guy still acting as president of Uni Japan? He struck me as an odd chap.

 

[AlexanderMBush]

I believe the current one will be going by the end of the year. Could be wrong though..

 

[Jon Fu]

https://www.youtube.com/embed/DuWBw8hqelE?feature=oembed

 

[Jon Fu]

https://www.youtube.com/embed/jyfBkrlmOew?feature=oembed

 

[jobber99]

heading to Japan in March--is this a slow time? heavy time? will budget 5 days for tokyo disneyland and . . . 2 days for Universal Osaka? is that a good divide? do you guys know if weekends are much more crowded than weekdays, or is it like the florida parks where it's crowded every day? any and all advice would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[Jon Fu]

^ If it's anything like the Fall, both resorts will be incredibly busy. Two days for Universal Studios Japan seems comfortable if you're willing to plan.

 

[jobber99]

^ If it's anything like the Fall, both resorts will be incredibly busy. Two days for Universal Studios Japan seems comfortable if you're willing to plan.

Thanks jon! is it worth buying their version of front of the line?"  

 

[Jon Fu]

Thanks jon! is it worth buying their version of front of the line?"  

That's if you can get it!

But on a serious note, you may be better off trying for a third day than trying to understand their Front of Line system. It's somewhat complex, and it does sell out in advance. A third day will give you some much needed padding for completing most of the park.

 

[jobber99]

That's if you can get it!

But on a serious note, you may be better off trying for a third day than trying to understand their Front of Line system. It's somewhat complex, and it does sell out in advance. A third day will give you some much needed padding for completing most of the park.

Thanks! we'll skip any duplicated items here (i.e. jurassic park, wizarding world), and hoping we can do it all in 2 days

 

[Jon Fu]

Take a tour of CityWalk Osaka and Universal Studios Japan's main gate - http://insideuniversal.net/2015/11/inside-universal-studios-japan-the-entrance-citywalk/