Super Nintendo World Celebrates Half a Decade of Magic
Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World, a vibrant realm where the iconic “Mario” universe leaps into breathtaking reality, is set to ignite an “Anniversary Year” celebration. Marking its fifth milestone since opening on March 18, 2021, the park invites guests to immerse themselves in a period of unparalleled fun from March 18, 2026, through January 11, 2027. This special occasion promises a year-long spectacle designed to foster unity and an “invincible” feeling among friends and family, translating the exhilarating spirit of the games into tangible, unforgettable experiences.
Super Nintendo World has quickly established itself as a global phenomenon, earning prestigious accolades such as the THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Nikkei MJ Award. Its continuous evolution saw the grand opening of ‘Donkey Kong Country’ on December 11, 2024, introducing the thrilling ‘Donkey Kong’s Crazy Cart’ attraction, which has already garnered top satisfaction ratings among visitors. This expansion further cements the area’s reputation as a dynamic hub of interactive entertainment.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Anniversary Experiences
The 5th Anniversary celebration is themed around the powerful “Super Star,” symbolizing how everyone can unite and feel invincible. Beyond the beloved permanent attractions like “Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge,” where guests join Team Mario to race against Team Bowser, and the “Power-Up Band Key Challenge,” which encourages teamwork, the anniversary introduces a limited-time array of special experiences:
5th Anniversary Decoration
The entrance to the Mushroom Kingdom transforms into a festive wonderland, adorned with special decorations. A magnificent, star-studded cake, grand in scale and shimmering with celebration, will greet guests at Star Plaza, creating a vibrant photo opportunity.
Meet & Greet: A Star-Studded Gathering
Visitors will have the chance to meet beloved characters including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad. For this special anniversary, Yoshi will also make an exclusive appearance, joining Donkey Kong in his jungle habitat for unique greeting opportunities. Guests with Power-Up Bands might find their interactions even more magical.
Great Mushroom Kingdom Adventure! Exciting Star Hunt March
An exhilarating new adventure awaits as Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi embark on a quest to find the Super Stars scattered across the Mushroom Kingdom, which were meant to adorn the anniversary cake. Guests can join this lively march, encountering characters up close and personal, and feeling the thrill of a grand adventure unfolding before their eyes.
Beyond these special events, Super Nintendo World continues to offer a wealth of interactive experiences that encourage guests to unleash their inner “play instinct” and feel a profound sense of unity. From punching power-up blocks to collecting digital coins, the entire area is a playground for all ages.
Further details on limited-edition anniversary original food and merchandise will be announced at a later date, promising even more ways to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Exclusive Area Private Campaign Announced
To commemorate the 5th anniversary, an exclusive “Invincible Together! 5th Anniversary Area Private Campaign” has been decided. This special event will grant campaign winners private access to Super Nintendo World on April 12 (Sunday) from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Interested guests are encouraged to check the websites of the participating companies for details on how to enter and win.
Participating Companies (Alphabetical Order):
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Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co., Ltd.
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B-R Thirty One Ice Cream Co., Ltd.
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Nippon Life Insurance Company
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NTT Docomo, Inc.
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Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
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Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co., Ltd.
This anniversary year at Super Nintendo World is more than just a celebration; it’s an invitation to experience the joy of collective play and feel truly “invincible” alongside friends and family. Fans worldwide are already buzzing with excitement, eager to don their Power-Up Bands and dive headfirst into this celebratory spectacle!
Universal Studios Japan, a part of the Comcast NBCUniversal Group, continues to be a leading entertainment landmark, drawing visitors from across the globe with its world-class attractions and seasonal events. From the enchanting ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ to the thrilling ‘The Flying Dinosaur’ in the Jurassic Park area, and the mischievous ‘Minion Mayhem Ride’ at Minion Park, the park consistently delivers “Chou Kando, Chou Koufun” (super感動, super興奮 – super感動, super excitement) experiences. The Super Nintendo World’s 5th Anniversary highlights the park’s ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering unparalleled “play experiences” that allow guests to unleash their inner child.
For more information, visit the official Universal Studios Japan website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
The consistent evolution and celebratory events at Super Nintendo World exemplify the dynamic nature of Japanese entertainment. As theme parks worldwide seek to enhance immersion and interactive experiences, the innovative approaches seen here, from character meet-and-greets to area-wide treasure hunts, will surely inspire future developments in global entertainment, bringing the magic of beloved characters to life in ever more engaging ways.
