A New Dawn for Pokémon at Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and The Pokémon Company have officially initiated a new, ambitious project poised to redefine interactive entertainment. This monumental collaboration aims to create a “deepened Pokémon experience,” first debuting in Japan in 2026, then expanding its magic to Universal Destinations & Experiences’ global locations.
The project builds upon a successful foundation laid since October 2021, which has seen the partners deliver vibrant Pokémon-themed parades and stage shows. This new venture promises to elevate guest satisfaction by offering an unprecedented level of interactivity within the park environment.
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “Our collaboration with The Pokémon Company, renowned for its imaginative and innovative content development, empowers us to craft extraordinary attraction experiences that surpass guest expectations. Pokémon stands as one of the world’s most cherished franchises, and through this enduring partnership, we are committed to delivering its captivating world to guests in groundbreaking ways.”
Takumi Murayama, President of G.K. USJ, highlighted the project’s global significance: “Universal Studios Japan has consistently delivered ‘real Pokémon experiences’ to guests worldwide through diverse content like parades and stage shows since October 2021. Now, we are thrilled to embark on a global project, originating from Universal Studios Japan, to create revolutionary experiences with the universally beloved Pokémon. This initiative, we believe, will transcend traditional entertainment boundaries, offering experiences that far exceed guest expectations and contribute meaningfully to society, truly embodying the ‘NO LIMIT!’ spirit. We eagerly anticipate its future.”
Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokémon Company, noted the timely launch: “Since announcing our mid-to-long-term alliance in 2021, we have collaborated with Universal Studios Japan’s exceptional creative vision and world-class technical prowess to produce various ‘real Pokémon experiences,’ including the NO LIMIT! Parade and Halloween shows. As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we are delighted to officially launch this new project with everyone at this significant milestone. Our daily mission is to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through the existence of Pokémon. With this project, we aim to create new theme park entertainment that offers rich real-world experiences, continuously surprising audiences worldwide.”
Further details regarding this innovative project will be announced at a later date. This initiative coincides with Universal Studios Japan’s 25th anniversary in 2026, which will be celebrated under the theme “Discover U!!!”, promising a year of exhilarating entertainment designed to awaken unknown aspects of visitors.
For more information on Universal Studios Japan, visit their official website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
The Future of Interactive Entertainment
This global project signifies a bold step forward for both the Pokémon franchise and the theme park industry. By combining Pokémon’s beloved characters and rich lore with Universal Studios Japan’s renowned expertise in immersive entertainment, the collaboration is poised to set new benchmarks for guest engagement. It promises a future where the lines between the virtual world of Pokémon and the tangible reality of a theme park blur, creating moments of pure wonder and excitement for fans across the globe. The “NO LIMIT!” spirit championed by USJ suggests that this is just the beginning of an era of boundless creativity and unforgettable adventures for visitors of all ages.
