Tourism Universal Studios Japan one of the world's top 3 most-visited theme parks

[thomas]

According to the Themed Entertainment Association and infrastructure consultancy AECOM, Universal Studios Japan jumped to the No. 3 spot among the world's most visited theme parks last year, finding success with a mix of Hollywood and Japanese characters after more than 100 billion JPY (USD 700 million) in investments over the past decade. The Osaka-based park attracted a total of 12.35 million people in 2022, a 125% surge from 2021 and equivalent to around 85% of pre-pandemic levels.

USJ leapfrogged from 13th to third place in the report's global ranking, lagging behind only Disney's Magic Kingdom and Disneyland and beating the Universal Studios parks in Florida and Hollywood. Drawing visitors from inside and outside Japan are attractions like the 60 billion yen-plus Super Nintendo World area that opened in 2021. [...] USJ appears to be maintaining the momentum this year. The One Piece Premier Show -- based on the hit pirate manga One Piece -- has filled its 3,000-person venue almost to capacity for days on end since it opened 5 July. "We're drawing visitors from overseas by collaborating with some of Japan's most recognizable content," said Akira Kawaguchi, an event project leader. [...] USJ is good at flexibly incorporating Japanese characters, which makes it stand out from other Universal Studios parks worldwide, said Chris Yoshii, AECOM's vice president for economics, Asia-Pacific.

Super Nintendo World -- a massive project that expanded the park's size by 70% -- is continuing to grow, with a new Donkey Kong-themed area set to open next year.


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Universal Studios Japan jumps into world's top 3 most-visited theme parks

Super Nintendo World, anime characters help make USJ a draw for international travelers

asia.nikkei.com

Super Nintendo World:

Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World (スーパー・ニンテンドー・ワールド) is a themed area at Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood. Further areas are under construction at Universal Studios Singapore and the upcoming Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort. As a result of a partnership between...

• thomas
• 7 Aug 2023
• Views: 1K
• Category: Travel and Tourism