Universal Studios Japan General Discussion

[TheUniC6]

Jaws refuses to die! In Japan at least.

I think there was a rumor on the forum not to long ago actually that Zelda was going to come to USJ and replace Jaws. it was probably shifted to one of the parking lots if that rumor was true.

 

[Magic-Man]

I think there was a rumor on the forum not to long ago actually that Zelda was going to come to USJ and replace Jaws. it was probably shifted to one of the parking lots if that rumor was true.

Don't think Zelda is next, that would be three Nintendo expansions in a row. Could be Classic Monsters instead. Just clone the land and cut out Werewolf and Burning Blade and it easily fits in that parking lot.

 

[TheUniC6]

Don't think Zelda is next, that would be three Nintendo expansions in a row. Could be Classic Monsters instead. Just clone the land and cut out Werewolf and Burning Blade and it easily fits in that parking lot.

They could go with some sort of totally unique Monsters land for USJ.

 

[Magic-Man]

They could go with some sort of totally unique Monsters land for USJ.

Technically they could, but I doubt it. Most stuff at USJ are clones (Jurassic Park, Jaws, Minions and Villian-Con, Harry Potter, Waterworld) or turned into clones (Super Nintendo World). There's not a ton of motivation to create something new with an IP if there's already a ride available to clone for it, especially because 99% of your audience won't know the difference.

 

[TheUniC6]

Technically they could, but I doubt it. Most stuff at USJ are clones (Jurassic Park, Jaws, Minions and Villian-Con, Harry Potter, Waterworld) or turned into clones (Super Nintendo World). There's not a ton of motivation to create something new with an IP if there's already a ride available to clone for it, especially because 99% of your audience won't know the difference.

We all know SS 16-24 at USH have been heavily tipped for some time to go for theme park expansion. Maybe what gets built there could be cloned to one of the parking lots at USJ.

Another approach Universal could do is what Disney appears to be doing now at their parks. As D23 2024 revealed, Disney seems to be moving away from cloning direct copies of lands in favor of bespoke experiences for each resort. However the underlying ride systems in future lands can be cloned with different IPs attached to them.

 

[mccgavin]

Don't think Zelda is next, that would be three Nintendo expansions in a row. Could be Classic Monsters instead. Just clone the land and cut out Werewolf and Burning Blade and it easily fits in that parking lot.

I'm not sure if they'd put Monsters Unchained in that park. They already have Forbidden Journey, another kuka arm ride that takes place in a castle. Their Universal Monsters HHN maze also only lasted for a single year (they usually recycle mazes a few times), so I don't know how well that bodes for the IP's popularity over there.

Lately, it seems that the park has placed far less emphasis on classic American movie franchises, and is focused more on popular and contemporary Japanese IP. I imagine we'll continue to see that trend with the park's future expansions, even if it's something other than Nintendo.

 

[quinnmac000]

The article stated Japanese manga/anime so it will likely be japanese IP.


"The popularity of manga and anime has been growing worldwide. We will continue our strategy of utilizing Japanese content."

The US Universal theme parks used to focus on movie content such as "Jurassic Park" and "Spiderman," but they have now changed their strategy and are promoting collaborations with games such as "Super Mario" and "Pokemon," and anime such as "Detective Conan."

As a result, in 2011, the park attracted 16 million visitors, making it the third most visited theme park in the world after Disneyland in the United States. This represents a 15% increase in visitor numbers since Bonnier took over.

USJ's unique strategy has also drawn the attention of its American parent company. There are increasing examples of USJ serving as a base for content to be expanded globally, such as the Mario-themed area "Super Nintendo World" and the "One Piece" anime attraction being incorporated into the original Universal theme parks in the United States.

"I want to create an energetic Universal Studios Japan where you can fully immerse yourself in the world."

They will also strengthen their uniqueness in limited-time events. While Tokyo Disney Resort (TDR), operated by Oriental Land, focuses on "happiness," USJ places emphasis on "excitement." In 2024, they will hold a dance event in collaboration with a Korean entertainment agency, and at the Christmas event they will hold a live show where participants will dance to loud music. The famous large Christmas tree will also be the last one to be seen in 2024, so they will come up with an exciting project.

Over the past 10 years, USJ has invested a total of more than 100 billion yen to rapidly open four new areas, "Harry Potter," "Minion Park," "Super Nintendo World," and "Donkey Kong Country," and has increased its ability to attract visitors. As a result, there is a growing view that the space for new areas and attractions on the premises is reaching its limit.

When asked about the need to expand or build new parks, Bonnier simply said, "We are focusing on growing our existing parks." Although he avoided making any specific comments about plans, he does seem to be positive about future large-scale investments.