Even after the fanfare of Epic Universe, Universal isn’t pausing to catch its breath.
The company’s theme park division—already riding high from the successful debut of its third gate in Orlando—is accelerating its international rollout. But while eyes remain fixed on Florida’s future expansions, Universal’s next big move is happening 7,000 miles away, inside a land already buzzing with bananas.
Universal Studios Japan has confirmed that Minion Park will officially expand on July 11.
It’s a low-key announcement compared to the massive campaigns behind recent additions like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, but the update is significant: the land will grow 1.4 times its current size and introduce a new attraction, stores, and themed dining—centered around the Despicable Me franchise’s chaotic charm.
Villains, Merchandise, and Mayhem
“Villain-Con—the biggest gathering of villains anywhere—has arrived at USJ and Minion Park is now bigger and badder!” reads the official announcement on Universal’s Japanese website. “Come experience Illumination’s Minions in an all-new way while also enjoying Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Freeze Ray Sliders.”
“For the first time ever, blast your way to supervillain stardom in the new Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction,” it continues. “Visit Evil Eats where mischief is always on the menu. Get the latest Villain-Con merch at Evil Stuff and more.”
The update mirrors Villain-Con Minion Blast, which opened in 2023 at Universal Studios Florida and hasn’t exactly been met with positive reviews. The ride is a walkthrough-style shooting game that gives guests the chance to compete for villainous bragging rights inside a stylized convention hall.
Guests have described the final result as slow and lackluster, particularly in light of the fact that Shrek 4-D was permanently closed to make way for the attraction.
This marks the first time the attraction has appeared outside the U.S.—and reinforces Universal’s strategy of exporting scalable IP-based attractions across its global parks.
Expanding Minion Mischief in Osaka
Minion Park has been a part of Universal Studios Japan since 2017 and already features Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, a simulator ride also found in several other Universal parks. The current attraction lets guests “transform” into Minions using a device designed by Dr. Nefario, placing them inside the world of Illumination’s hit films.
Its popularity is no mystery. The Despicable Me franchise, which launched in 2010 and has since spawned several spinoffs, has grossed billions worldwide. Universal’s timing appears calibrated to capture a global wave of Minion enthusiasm.
Minions also allow for relatively quick construction, smaller footprints, and endless merchandising opportunities. With themed treats, gift shops, and photo ops, the land appeals to both local guests and international tourists.
Where Universal Goes From Here
The Minion Park expansion is the latest in a string of strategic moves across Universal’s portfolio. In recent years, the company has launched SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in Japan and Hollywood, DreamWorks Land in Florida, and Minion Land in Singapore.
Elsewhere, major developments continue. Universal Studios Hollywood is preparing Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, and Universal Studios Florida is set to retire Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in favor of an undisclosed replacement. Meanwhile, Epic Universe in Orlando—now open—has delivered four immersive lands themed to Nintendo, Harry Potter, Universal Monsters, and How to Train Your Dragon.
But while the U.S. parks draw the most global attention, Universal Studios Japan has consistently led in innovation. It was the first to debut SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and it continues to push high-tech experiences like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Flying Dinosaur, and Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge.
Now, it’s the first to bring Villain-Con to life outside of Florida. And with July 11 just weeks away, Universal isn’t just planning for the future—it’s already building it.
Do you plan on visiting Universal Studios Japan anytime soon?
