Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Discussion Thread

[cfc]

But can any Donkey Kong ride possibly top Cosmoworld's Family Banana Coaster?

[anonymouscactus]

Y'all forget about this patent from a few years back?  looks like the mine cart coaster "jumping the track" will become a reality!

https://patents.google.com/patent/US20160288000A1/en

[KarlaKoaster]

6 hours ago, anonymouscactus said:

Y'all forget about this patent from a few years back?  looks like the mine cart coaster "jumping the track" will become a reality!

No, I don't think anyone forgot, we've known about that for a while 

The track is already on site and being installed so the only surprise for me is that it's not opening sooner. I think it's being manufactured by Setpoint, so I'm not expecting it to be a thriller, but I think the concept is super cool and I can't wait to see the end result.

[Garet]

^ I think due to corona a lot of people domestically haven't had a chance to try out NintendoLand and even more internationally. I think the date is timed with when they expect attendance from the hype over the existing NintendoLand area to start to tail off and being cautious over when corona dies down enough and the fall out to fade that tourism will pick up again as well.

[Nrthwnd]

On 9/28/2021 at 12:14 PM, cfc said:

But can any Donkey Kong ride possibly top Cosmoworld's Family Banana Coaster?

No! And that was David's "Very First Coaster" ride in Japan, when we toured with TPR in 2013!

He looks so determined, with his hands in the air, there. Gotta love that in a guy.

Pardon this sidebar.  Now back to your regular Universal Studios Japan programming....

 

[jedimaster1227]

Universal Studios Japan has announced a new long-term partnership with The Pokemon Company to develop new themed experiences to debut at the park as early as 2022!

https://www.usj.co.jp/company/company_e/2021/1006.html

USJ LLC (headquarters: Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi / President and CEO: J.L. Bonnier) and The Pokémon Company (headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo / President and CEO: Tsunekazu Ishihara) announced a new collaborative partnership between the two entertainment leaders. Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company will enter a long-term partnership to jointly explore groundbreaking entertainment that will immerse guests into the world of Pokémon with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022.

President and CEO of USJ LLC, J.L. Bonnier, and President and CEO of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara, both commented on the joint partnership as follows.

J.L. Bonnier (President and CEO, USJ LLC)

Pokémon is beloved by fans around the world. We are honored to have a long-term partnership with The Pokémon Company while developing groundbreaking Pokémon entertainment at Universal Studios Japan for both Pokémon fans and our guests. The globally popular Pokémon characters combined with Universal’s innovative approach to creating authentic and one-of-a-kind theme park entertainment promise excitement for the entire family. Our efforts to develop new guest experiences will continue to help reinvigorate the tourism market.

Tsunekazu Ishihara (President and CEO, The Pokémon Company)

The incredible team at Universal Studios Japan have the creative vision and leading expertise in world-class theme park technology to imagine a uniquely Pokémon experience. For 25 years, Pokémon has curated a legacy of trendsetting innovation while becoming one of the most beloved entertainment brands in the world through video games, animation, and more. 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. We are looking forward to the day when we can welcome fans from around the world to all enjoy it together.

[PKI Jizzman]

Probably just a layover of Space Fantasy if we're talking 2022?

[SharkTums]

^That was my assumption...as well as some sort of 4D Movie. 

[jedimaster1227]

Universal Studios Japan has announced a new parade which will be the first experience to feature characters from Super Marios Bros and Pokémon following the recently announced strategic partnership with The Pokémon Company.

https://www.usj.co.jp/company/company_e/2021/1013.html

New! No Limit! Parade Set to Debut at Universal Studios Japan in Spring 2022 with characters from Super Mario Bros and Pokémon, and more popular stars
Marks First Pokémon Collaboration

Universal Studios Japan will launch a new No Limit! Parade in Spring 2022. The innovative parade will feature globally popular characters from Super Mario Bros., Pokémon, Illumination’s Minions and Sing, Peanuts, Sesame Street and Hello Kitty. The parade will mark the first appearance of Super Mario Bros. characters following the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opening as well as the start of the Pokémon collaboration with the theme park since the long-term partnership with The Pokémon Company was recently announced.

The dynamic parade will feature, spectacular floats, outrageous street performers, colorful costumes, high-energy music, and non-stop entertainment. Guests will dance through the decades of music from everything from 60’s rock to modern electronic dance music. Families will celebrate and let loose with their favorite characters as they pass by on themed floats representing the diverse dance styles.

 

[SharkTums]

It's always so amazing to me how they can throw so many different IP's in the same park and parade! It's great!

[Nrthwnd]

This new parade lineup looks great! Ohhhhh, to be able to get back there. In my dreams, for now.

[A.J.]

Universal has officially announced the expansion to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan... Donkey Kong Country!

https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/areas/super-nintendo-world/donkey-kong-country

Step foot into an unknown, wild space with lush greenery. In this jungle where Donkey Kong and his friends live, you can hop on a mine cart from The Golden Temple for a thrilling ride through the mines, challenge yourself at a play experience using your whole body, and have loads of other wild adventures! Plus, you can check out all the food and merchandise in the middle of the jungle! Awaken your instinct to play and enjoy all the fun and surprises that the world of Donkey Kong has to offer!

 

[bert425]

^ that trailer certainly implies a very unique "Coaster-like" ride.

very exciting, and can't wait to check it out at some point in the future if I ever make it back to Japan!

[Nrthwnd]

^^ Short, but sweet. The actual ride (and 'Land') is going to be awesome!

^ And Bert? Don't forget that Universal Epic Universe in FL is cloning Universal Japan's Nintendo World, and including (what they're calling) Donkey Kong Country which of course, has that amazing looking 'coaster' ..... scheduled for 2025? And a wee bit closer to you, than Japan, lol.

[jedimaster1227]

Universal Studios Japan has announced that Minion Park at Universal Studios Japan will expand by 40% with the addition Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast. This new attraction will be similarly to the version found at Universal Studios Florida. 

https://www.usj.co.jp/company/company_e/news/2025/0425_2/index.html

Since its opening in April 2017, a spectacular themed MINION PARK at Universal Studios Japan has been immensely popular. In Summer 2025, MINION PARK will expand by 40% its current size with an all-new area, based on Illumination’s Minions Film Franchise.

At today's “MINION PARK” 8th anniversary fan event, the Park announced a series of surprises, including news of the area’s expansion, Grand Opening time and an overview of the Park's first-ever moving walkway* interactive blaster attraction, “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast”. Approximately 300 enthusiastic fans of Illumination’s Minions gathered for the event and were Super Excited about the prospect of a new and unprecedented Minions experience.

Illumination’s “Despicable Me” and “Minions” film franchises are immensely popular around the world, becoming the first animated film series to gross over 5 billion dollars at the worldwide box office. Since its opening in April 2017, the “MINION PARK” area at Universal Studios Japan has continued to evolve as one of the world's largest themed areas based on the world-famous “Minions” characters, with the introduction of “Freeze Ray Sliders” ride and a variety of seasonal programs, welcoming many guests from Japan and abroad. With this area expansion, Universal Studios Japan hopes that families and people of all ages will be able to experience the greatly enhanced “MINION PARK”. Please stay tuned for more information on the new area.

*Ride attraction with moving walkway on which guests progress while standing.

“Go For It!” Experience an Unprecedented Enhancement of Mayhem! MINION PARK will expand by 40% its current size with new area!

MINION PARK will expand by 40% its current size with new area. In addition to the existing popular attractions in “MINION PARK” such as “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” and “Freeze Ray Sliders”, the new “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast” will debut as an attraction guests of all ages can enjoy. In addition, there will be a number of new entertainment elements including snack stands and stores offering unique food and merchandise developed with mayhem in mind, only available in the new area that will make you want to “Go For It!” when you see it.

“Go For It!” Blast your way to supervillain stardom! NEW ATTRACTION “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast”

The first moving walkway interactive blaster attraction in the Park's history debuts at Universal Studios Japan's MINION PARK, offering an exciting evolution of the popular   Orlando attraction – now featuring new, exclusive content and enhanced gameplay features.

Join illumination’s Minions at Villain-Con and encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you compete to become the newest member of their supervillain group. Use your E-Liminator X blaster and test your skill in this exhilarating, interactive attraction that requires no restraint. Simply stand on a moving walkway and blast your way through the competition as you cause maximum destruction and collect valuable loot. Whoever scores the most points will be on their way to supervillain stardom! It’s all-new fun at Minion Park at Universal Studio’s Japan.

Attraction Information

• [Experience time] Approximately 7 minutes
• *People under 122cm must be accompanied by an adult. Children cannot be held in their arms.
• *Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted. However, electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

“Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal” holders Advance experience

We are planning “Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal” holders have a special opportunity that to enjoy the new area before grand open. Details, including the content of the experience, will be announced at a later date.

https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/attractions/illuminations-villain-con-minion-blast

 

Blast your way to supervillain stardom in the new Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction.

Join Illumination's Minions at Villain-Con and encounter Belle Bottom, Jean Clawed and the rest of the Vicious 6 as you compete to become the newest member of their super villain group. Use your E-Liminator X blaster and test your skill in this fun, interactive attraction. It's all-new fun at Minion Park at Universal Studios Japan.

Summer 2025—Minion Park gets even more mayhem!

The famous Villain-Con trade show is taking place right here in Universal Studios Japan. And headlining the event is the Vicious Six, the world's most formidable team of super villains. Compete in an interactive blaster game to become the newest member of the Vicious 6 by causing maximum destruction and collecting loot. Whoever scores the most points will be their newest member. Happy blasting and may the worst villain win!

You're going to be provided with an interactive E-Liminator X blaster. As you stand on the moving walkway, you're going to blast your way through 7 different scenes. Along the way you'll be able to switch between elemental blasts and more powerful launchers. Target power-ups to unlock new modes on your blaster so you can blast fire, electricity, and maybe even a few surprises!

You can download the Villain-Con app to enjoy enhanced gameplay at Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction and throughout Minion Park. This means you can actually sync your mobile phone with your blaster so you can choose your own villain avatar, track your score, upgrade your blaster, and more.

 

[bert425]

from what I recall, USJ was pretty landlocked - especially around Minion's land.    are they taking something away to add this?  or just putting it in over some of the "park space" in the center of that area?

[Garet]

^ Pure speculation, but wasn't Backdraft next to what is now Minion's Land? Since that closed down, if I were to guess where they'd put it, it'll use part of that building.

[jedimaster1227]

The expansion of Illumination's Minion Park at Universal Studios Japan has opened with the launch of the new Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction, a new snack location and a new shop.

https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/illuminations-minion-park-area-expands-grand-opening-friday-july-11/

On Friday July 11, 2025, Universal Studios Japan will be holding their grand opening of the newly expanded Minion Park. The area is themed to Illumination’s Minions, which are popular among a wide range of people around the world. The area is expanded to 1.4 times the current size and upgraded with a new attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, approximately 300 fans gathered at a special press event, joining Gru and his family from the Illumination’s Despicable Me and Minions film series, to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The enthusiastic Minion fans, who were invited to the event, cheered as the Minions appeared on a themed Villain-Con stage. As the excitement reached its peak, the new Villain-Con Minion Blast marquee was unveiled.

Founder and CEO of Illumination, Mr. Chris Meledandri: "With the new Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction and the continued expansion of Minion Park, we’ve added a bold new chapter to the Minions’ world that invites fans to fully embrace their inner villain. It’s a joy to see our characters and storytelling take shape in such vivid, unexpected ways at Universal Studios Japan, where guests can dive even deeper into the heart, mischief, and unmistakable charm that define the Minions."

Taku Murayama, Executive Vice President & General Manager, USJ LLC: "Minion Park opened its doors at Universal Studios Japan in April 2017. We are delighted that the unique and fascinating world of Minions created by Illumination, is now featured at Universal Destinations & Experiences around the globe. In addition to this expansion, Universal Studios Japan will continue to evolve in the future. Next year, the park will celebrate its 25th anniversary. We will continue to deliver the immersive entertainment that the Universal brand is renowned for and strive to grow without limits to become a driving force that energizes society as a whole."

Blast your way to supervillain stardom! NEW ATTRACTION “Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast”

The new attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, was unveiled today in advance of its Grand Opening tomorrow. Following Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida, the first-ever moving walkway-style* blaster attraction at the park will now be a part of Universal Studios Japan’s Minion Park.

Guests stepped into a flashy building filled with a villainous atmosphere to find themselves in the middle of “Villain-Con”, straight out of the world of the film. Armed with their “E-Liminator X Blaster”, guests then stepped onto the moving walkway and tested their skills as they tried to become the newest member of the “Vicious 6”, who are featured in this attraction.

*Ride attraction with moving walkway on which guests progress while standing.

Attraction Information

• [Experience Length] Approximately 7 minutes
• *People under 122cm must be accompanied by an adult. Attraction cannot be experienced while holding small children.
• *Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted on this attraction. However, electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

Over-the-top merchandise and food items that Villains around the world crave debut

Indulge yourself in these over-the-top snacks loved by Villains around the globe at a snack stand just for Villains: Evil Eats.

The snack stand Evil Eats serves guilt-inducing food to villains from around the world who have gathered for the Villain-Con. Try the shop’s signature item, “Donut Villain Burger: BBQ Pork & Bacon” along with the cute “Minion Donut: Banana Cream”, and the “Evil Minion Donut: Blueberry”. Indulge yourself and become a villain with these over-the-top treats full of mayhem.

Become a super villain with items from the new shop, Evil Stuff.

Be sure to stop by the new shop Evil Stuff for everything essential to becoming a villain. Relive the exhilarating experience of the new attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, at home with your very own blaster, or try out the cute and adorable Minion items such as headbands lined with Minion faces dressed as villains. Find the coolest villain gifts and souvenirs only available here to commemorate the excitement of visiting Villain-Con.