As of this week, Universal Studios Japan has strengthened its security measures, introducing a new baggage screening area to enhance guest safety.
The updated protocol, which debuted on February 3 (via USJ 1), includes a dedicated area with 43 lanes for guests to have their bags scanned, along with metal detectors for thorough screening.
#USJ New baggage inspection Grand opening on February 3rd. Live broadcast 14
★ Summary
① Baggage inspection was at 5:30 and the park opened at 7, so there was no confusion.
② Many Japanese customers knew about the attractions at USJ from prior information on the Internet and went to the new baggage inspection area without getting lost, but many foreign customers were unfamiliar with the area and asked the crew questions.
#USJファン
#USJ 新手荷物検査 2月3日グランドオープン。実況中継14
★総括
①手荷物検査5時30分、パークオープン7時と早めたので混乱は無かった
②日本客はUSJのツボのネットでの事前情報で知っている人が多く迷わず新手荷物検査場に行ったが、外国人客はわからずクルーに質問する人が多かった
#USJファン pic.twitter.com/QTVlE1mzBC— ＵＳＪのツボ (@usj1) February 3, 2025
The new setup allows guests to begin going through security 30 minutes before the park opens, ensuring a smoother and more organized experience as crowds flow into the park.
Security at major theme parks, such as Universal Studios and Disney, is notoriously strict, and this development is part of a broader trend to safeguard millions of visitors each year. Common security measures like bag checks, metal detectors, and roaming security personnel help prevent potential threats before guests even step through the entrance.
These precautions may seem over the top, but incidents from previous years underscore their necessity. In 2022, a woman attempted to bring a loaded gun into Walt Disney World Resort, setting off a metal detector, while a similar situation occurred a few years earlier at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
New uniforms for baggage inspection and security crew. The word “SECURITY” on the back. A cool uniform from both the front and the back.
★ USJ’s stylish uniform ranking
1st place: Haridori
2nd place: Security crew
#USJファン
速報) #USJ エントランス 新手荷物検査
■新手荷物検査、2月3日グランドオープン。実況中継13手荷物検査、セキュリティクルーの制服が新調
後ろの『SECURITY』文字
前から見ても後ろから見てもカッコいい制服
★USJおしゃれな制服ランキング
1位 ハリドリ
2位 セキュリティクルー
#USJファン pic.twitter.com/PAgdhm8OxB— ＵＳＪのツボ (@usj1) February 3, 2025
Although Universal Studios Japan is located in a country with far stricter gun laws than the U.S., with Japan’s firearms law explicitly prohibiting the possession of weapons, the introduction of more robust security measures serves as a reminder that theme park safety extends beyond just the prevention of firearms.
The park also boasts metal detectors for rides such as the Jurassic Park-inspired roller coaster The Flying Dinosaur. These prevent guests from bringing on items that may pose a threat if loose, such as phones or cameras.
The focus on screening and crowd management has become increasingly important as parks like Universal Studios Japan continue to attract large numbers of visitors. In addition to the new security measures, the park has also rolled out new uniforms for its baggage inspection crew, further emphasizing its commitment to both safety and style.
Beyond tightening security, Universal Studios Japan has been refreshing its attractions, with recent updates including a refresh for Jurassic Park: The Ride and the highly anticipated debut of Donkey Kong Country in its expanding SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. The park’s efforts to upgrade security while continuing to innovate in its offerings reflect the growing demand for both safety and entertainment in the theme park experience.
With crowds increasing at theme parks worldwide, the latest security enhancements at Universal Studios Japan raise the question: how can other parks continue to improve their safety measures?
