Universal Studios Japan Announces Major Attraction With U.S. Expansion Planned
Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company have announced a partnership to create immersive Pokémon attractions at the Japanese park, with plans to eventually bring the experience to U.S. locations.
What’s Been Announced
The project aims to deliver what Universal is calling world-class, innovative Pokémon experiences at Universal Studios Japan. Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, described the collaboration as essential to creating attractions that exceed guest expectations.
Tak Murayama, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Studios Japan, noted the park has been offering Pokémon experiences including parades and shows since October 2021. This new project represents a significant expansion of that existing relationship.
Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokémon Company, emphasized the timing coincides with Pokémon’s 30th anniversary milestone. He described the goal as creating theme park entertainment that surprises and delights fans around the globe.
Potential Location
Specific details about the attraction haven’t been released yet, with Universal promising additional information at a later date. However, speculation suggests the Pokémon experience could replace the closed Spider-Man attraction at Universal Studios Japan. Another possibility involves the space currently occupied by Finnegan’s, which has also been closed.
Without official confirmation, it’s unclear whether this will be a single major attraction, multiple smaller experiences, or an entire themed area dedicated to Pokémon.
U.S. Expansion Plans
Following the Japan debut, Universal Destinations & Experiences confirmed plans to offer Pokémon experiences across its global portfolio, which includes parks in the United States.
However, no timeline has been provided for when U.S. parks might receive Pokémon attractions. There’s also no confirmation about whether the American version will match the Japan experience or represent a modified implementation.
Universal operates multiple domestic properties that could potentially host Pokémon experiences, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando, and EPIC Universe, which opened in 2025 and features SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
The Nintendo Partnership Context
This Pokémon announcement builds on Universal’s broader partnership with Nintendo that began in 2021. Since then, Universal has gradually introduced Nintendo-themed experiences across its global parks, with Japan consistently receiving the first and most ambitious implementations.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opened at Universal Studios Japan in 2021, featuring interactive gameplay elements and detailed theming. Universal Studios Hollywood opened its version in 2023, while Universal Orlando Resort’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD debuted when EPIC Universe opened.
Pokémon operates somewhat independently within Nintendo’s portfolio through The Pokémon Company joint venture structure, which may explain why Pokémon experiences took longer to materialize compared to other Nintendo properties like Mario.
Why Pokémon Matters
Pokémon represents one of the highest-grossing media franchises globally, with multi-generational appeal spanning children discovering recent games and adults who grew up with the original 1990s releases.
Creating compelling Pokémon theme park experiences could drive significant attendance and generate substantial merchandise revenue for Universal, similar to what other Nintendo properties have achieved.
What’s Missing
The announcement leaves several important questions unanswered. There’s no confirmed opening date for the Japan attraction, no specific description of what the experience will include, and no timeline for U.S. implementation.
For American theme park fans hoping for Pokémon presence at domestic Universal parks, the confirmation that it’s coming eventually provides some reassurance. However, the lack of specifics about when, where, and in what form creates uncertainty about how long the wait will be.
Looking Forward
Universal has committed to providing additional details about the Pokémon project at a future date. Until then, the announcement confirms that world-class Pokémon attractions are in development for Universal Studios Japan with eventual expansion to other parks including U.S. locations.
The pattern established by SUPER NINTENDO WORLD suggests Japan will receive the premiere experience first, with U.S. parks following years later. Whether that timeline holds for Pokémon or whether Universal accelerates domestic implementation remains to be seen.
For now, Pokémon fans can expect innovative theme park experiences are coming to Universal parks, starting with Japan and eventually expanding globally.
