This year’s Universal Cool Japan finally opened at Universal Studios Japan on Tuesday, where it is set to run until June 28, bringing together the ‘cool’ aspects of Japan enjoyed by the rest of the world. Four internationally beloved franchises take the spotlight for 2020: Attack on Titan, Monster Hunter World, Detective Conan, and Lupin III.
A host of lucky guests were able to experience the attractions before anyone else. Today, we hear their review and comments of the all-new rides, attractions, live shows and restaurants centred around the four big contenders which serve to fully immerse fans in their incredible worlds.
Attack on Titan’s first XR ride
The Attack on Titan manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. For this year’s Universal Cool Japan, the internationally-acclaimed series welcomes its first ever XR ride, as well as its own “Survey Corps Diner.”
Guests wear VR goggles that transport them into a 360° rendering of the world of Attack on Titan, with life-size Titans appearing before their very eyes. Guests ride a roller coaster and fly alongside the Survey Corps. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to soar up high with ODM maneuver gear, now’s your chance. The Attack on Titan XR Ride offers a thrill like no otherーone so tense you’ll be left wondering whether you will survive.
■Guest Comment
“It was so much fun! The visuals are breathtaking and connect superbly to the ride’s movements. I was completely immersed in the visuals; it really felt like I was riding a wagon. Eren and the Survey Corps members were so cool, and even the horses looked realistic. It was amazing!” (Woman, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese
The themed restaurant, “Attack on Titan Survey Corps Diner,” is so realistic to a quality you wouldn’t believe, with the Survey Corps members’ weapons and personal belongings left casually around the place. Guests can feel immersed as they listen to the conversations between the characters will chowing down on their meal, take a photo with life-sized versions of Levi and Hange, and more.
Detective Conan World’s two new attractions with Shuichi Akai have fans screaming
At Detective Conan World, fans can expect to see the appearance of the hugely popular character Shuichi Akai who is set to star in the upcoming animated film Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet (releasing April 17, 2020). Four rides and attractions can be enjoyed at Detective Conan World, including the manga series’ first-ever story-packed roller coaster named Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride.
Guests can also look forward to joining Conan solve cases in Detective Conan: The Escape ~The Scarlet Bullet~, an escape game featuring an original story and a live performance by a real cast. Participants will make use of AR technology and solve the cases within the time limit to escape. Expect appearances from familiar faces too like Rachel Moore, Richard Moore, and others.
In Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride, you’ll be placed in the passenger seat with Akai on the wheel who will use some extreme driving techniques to shake off the criminal. Look forward to plenty of thrills in this immersive experience.
■Guest Comment
“Not only do you solve cases, there’s also a gaming aspect to the challenges which require the use of the AR terminal. It’s also a team game where you work with others, so I enjoyed it with everyone else. A lot of characters make an appearance too, it was so cool.” (Female, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese
There’s also the Detective Conan Mystery Challenge in which guests take a hands-on approach to solve various incidents around the theme park. Harley Hartwell, Kazuha Toyama, and Tomoya’s love rival Momiji Ooka are also present in this game with in the form of a real-life cast.
Fans can also tuck into some mystery-themed food at the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant which combines food and live entertainment. Fans reacted overwhelmingly to the appearance of Masumi Seraーthe sister of Akai. There’s also appearances from Amuro Tooru and Serena Sebastian too.
Lupin the Third: The Live
Witness a live cast playing the roles of the popular Lupin III, Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa XIII, Fujiko Mine, and Koichi Zenigataーthe latter of which is trying to chase down Lupin. It features live entertainment by real cast members who will perform right before guests. The reaction to this live show has been overwhelming as guests feel like they are running through Delancey Street in New York with Lupin in this interactive story.
■Guest Comment
“I was amazed to have been able to see such an amazing show right in front of me. Lupin and the gang came from above, below, left, and right. There were too many good moments. I didn’t have enough eyes! <laughs>” (Female, 20/Hyogo Prefecture)
Last year’s Lupin III restaurant, Ristorante Amore, has received an upgrade for 2020. Experience being served by Lupin himself, with his gentle approach and know-how when it comes to getting with the ladies, and Goemon Ishikawa XIII, who is aloof and has terrible romance skills. They are serving up authentic Italian cuisine.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK
The Monster Hunter video game franchise is loved the world over, and is appearing once more at Universal Cool Japan after two years. Use interactive VR technology and go hunting in the world of Iceborne, the hit expansion to Monster Hunter World, in an experience so immersive you’ll forget about the real world.
©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / “Attack on Titan” Production Committee
©2020 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee
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Information
Universal Cool Japan 2020
Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020
*Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK running from March 20, 2020 – August 30, 2020
Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/universal-cool-japan2020/
RELATED ENTRIES
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The second half of Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 3 will debut this fall!
The first half recently aired in a one-hour special, and the new announcement was made following its conclusion. The new trailer shows Falco flying above the clouds, a throwback to Zeke’s memories.
Attack on Titan The Final Season – Season 3 (Part 2) Announcement Video
Attack on Titan The Final Season – Season 3 (Part 1) Special Anime Video｜
UNDER THE TREE – SiM
A special anime video of SiM’s new song UNDER THE TREE, the theme song of Season 3, Part 1, has also been uploaded to YouTube. Fans of the series won’t want to miss the shots of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin during their childhood.
Additionally, Attack on Titan The Final Season – Season 3, Part 1 is now available to stream on dtv, d Anime Store, GYAO!, Netflix, TELASA, Hikari TV, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, and DMM TV.
Season 3, Part 1 Summary
Eren activates The Rumbling to destroy the world. Countless Titans begin their march, trampling down everything in their path. Those left behind prepare to take the final fight to their former friend, including Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Connie, Hanji, Annie, Reiner, and others who hope to find a way to save civilizations around the globe.
Information
Attack on Titan The Final Season – Season 3 (Part 2)
Final episodes airing on NHK General in Fall 2023
Streaming Information
Attack on Titan The Final Season – Season 3 (Part 1)
Streaming on the following sites:
dtv, d Anime Store, GYAO!, Netflix, TELASA, Hikari TV, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video, DMM TV, etc.Attack on Titan The Final Season Season 3 (Part 1) Theme Song
UNDER THE TREE – SiM
Streaming Links: https://lnk.to/underthetreeOfficial Site: https://shingeki.tv/final/
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It has been announced that Attack on Titan The Final Season will split its third part into two halves.
The first half will begin airing on NHK General starting March 3 at 24:25. The second half
will air sometime during 2023 with more details to be revealed in the future.Prior to this, a special compilation of all 87 episodes will be aired on NHK General from
February 25 to February 27. Every episode of Attack on Titan that has aired to date will be condensed into seven episodes.A new trailer has been released ahead of the beginning of Part 3 inspired by the phrase “This is Freedom.” Fans will see Eren smiling as a child, a vast difference from the man he grows to be. The despair in the video is palpable, but there is still some hope being kept alive by the characters.
Finally, to commemorate the third part of The Final Season, fans will be able to watch episodes from the series for free on the streaming service GYAO! starting January 17.
After years of massive popularity, Attack on Titan is approaching its climax. Be sure to tune into Part 3 when it begins airing in March!
©諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会
Information
Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 3
Part 3, First Half Air Date: March 3, 2023 at 24:25 (NHK General)
Final Season Official Site: https://shingeki.tv/final/ -
SPYxFAMILY continues to take the world by storm. In 2023, fans will be able to test their skills as part of the Forger family at Universal Studios Japan! From February 17 until July 2, the SPYxFAMILY Secret Mission will be underway at the Osaka location. Guests will need to decipher a mysterious code to take part in an immersive experience with the popular characters.
SPYxFAMILY is the fastest-selling comic in the history of Shonen Jump. It ranked in the top spot in the animation category of the Yahoo! Search Awards 2022, pulling in audiences with its blend of hard-hitting action and sweet family comedy.
This special attraction is the first-ever interactive experience inspired by the series. Guests can enjoy two separate instances: a puzzle-solving rally taking place at different locations around the park, and a live show that only those completing the rally can enjoy. During the rally, guests will act as rookie WISE agents as they decipher mysterious codes around the park. Of course, fans can expect to see Loid, Yor, and Anya while on their mission!
※1 The first-ever puzzle-solving rally & live show in the history of the series!
※2 Shonen Jump+, which began publishing the series in 2014, has announced that for the first time in its history, the total number of copies sold, including digital copies, has exceeded 10 million as of the release of the seventh volume.
※3 SPYxFAMILY won first place in the animation category of the Yahoo! Search Awards 2022, seeing a sharp increase from the previous year.
SPY x FAMILY Secret Mission – Attraction Details
The SPYxFAMILY Secret Mission will allow fans of the hit series to step into the shoes of a WISE agent as they seek to unravel a mystery at Universal Studios Japan!
Guests will take on a top-secret mission with the Forger family as a new WISE agent connected to Operation Strix. Using their wits, they must decipher a series of codes hidden around the park. Successful spies will be granted a top-priority mission from Loid to participate in a live show featuring all three members of the beloved family.
Come enjoy the world of SPYxFAMILY at Universal Studios Japan in 2023!
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原作／青山剛昌｢名探偵コナン｣(小学館｢週刊少年サンデー｣連載中)
© 2023 青山剛昌／名探偵コナン製作委員会
© SCRAP All Rights Reserved.
©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Information
Universal Cool Japan – SPY x FAMILY Secret Mission
Running: February 17 – July 2, 2023
Venue: Universal Studios Japan, Park-wide
Official Site: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
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Participating Super Hotels throughout Japan are teaming up with Attack on Titan to celebrate the anime’s final season. Reservations are open now, with rooms available from January 7 until March 31, 2023.
Collaboration Room
AR Content
Mini Character Acrylic Stands
New Illustration
This is the second such collaboration, with the first running from April 1 until August 31, 2022. This time around, even more locations are taking part!
Guests can hear Eren (Yuki Kaji) and Levi (Hiroshi Kamiya) in special AR content available in each guest room.(C)諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会
Information
Super Hotel x Attack on Titan Collaboration Plan #2
Participating Locations:
Super Hotel Premier Akihabara
Super Hotel Lohas Ikebukuro Station North Exit
Super Hotel Nanba Nihonbashi
Super Hotel Sendai Hirose-dori
Super Hotel Premier Nagoya
Super Hotel Hiroshima Natural Hot Springs Yagenbori-dori
Super Hotel Lohas Hakata Station
Reservations available starting December 13, 2022~
Rooms available from January 7 – March 31, 2023
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The Real Escape Game Attack on Titan The Final Season: Escape from the Five Titans, a collaboration between Real Escape Game and Attack on Titan, will be held for a limited time starting January 13, 2023.
Both this escape game and Escape from the Titan’s Forest have attracted over 250,000 visitors. The events are being held one more time to commemorate the conclusion of the series in 2023.
Visitors will be able to transform themselves into characters from the now-legendary series. Players can enjoy an incredible sense of realism, with new voiceovers recorded by Attack on Titan’s voice actors.
Will you be coming out to try your hand at this tricky game? It may be your last chance!
Information
Attack on Titan x Real Escape Game (Escape from the Titan’s Forest)
Venue / Dates
Tokyo Mystery Circus: January 26 – March 12, 2023Nagoya: April 13 – May 14, 2023
Attack on Titan The FInal Season x Real Escape Game (Escape the Five Titans)
Kichijoji: January 13 – March 12, 2023
Nagoya: February 23 – April 9, 2023Official Site: https://realdgame.jp/shingeki_rv/
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Fans are getting their first look at the finale for Attack on Titan The Final Season with a new key visual. The finale will premiere in 2023.
The new visual was shown during the second part of the Attack on Titan The Final Season SPECIAL EVENT held on November 13, 2022.
The image shows Eren’s friends Mikasa, Armin, Connie, Jean, Levi, and Reiner, with the main character’s transformed Titan form in the background.
Attack on Titan The Final Season Finale Teaser
The exciting conclusion to this long-running series is just around the corner. Stay tuned for more updates!
©諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会
Information
Attack on Titan The Final Season Finale
Airing on NHK in 2023
*Broadcast date, time, and contents are subject to change.
Official Site: https://shingeki.tv/final/
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Universal Studios Japan is holding its NO LIMIT! Christmas event from November 11, 2022 until January 9, 2023.
During this period, the new Super Nintendo World area will be decorated with winter decorations for the first time since it opened. The area’s entrance is bringing the holiday cheer with Mario and Luigi snowmen, perfect for using as a photo spot. Upon entering the area, visitors will find a Christmas tree decorated with familiar Nintendo items along with wreaths and garlands.
Fans won’t want to miss visiting during this special season, as special menu items and merchandise will be available for a limited time. This is a winter experience you won’t find anywhere else!
During the NO LIMIT! Christmas event, Minions and other popular characters will appear around the park in Christmas costumes. Two special Minions meet and greet sessions will be held as well! Come spend the holidays with your favorite characters dressed as Santa, reindeer, trees, angels, and more!
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.Information
Super Nintendo World Winter Decorations (USJ)
On Display: November 11, 2022 – January 9, 2023
Official Site: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
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After becoming extremely popular in 2022, the Detective Conan Osechi will be back in time for New Year’s Day 2023! Osechi is eaten during the New Year’s holiday in Japan, and refers to a number of tasty goodies packed inside a special multi-tiered box. Packed with all the charm of the manga and anime series, the set will come with a special New Year’s greeting card from the original creator Gosho Aoyama. Orders are now open on the Ringbell website.
This two-tiered Osechi is packed with charm and includes 28 items. From the selection of ingredients to the cooking methods, careful attention has been paid to every aspect of these dishes–the first tier offers nostalgic and traditional foods, while the second tier contains more unique goods inspired by characters from the series. The set includes a box with an original design that combines popular characters and traditional Japanese New Year’s patterns, a hand towel with a mini illustration of Conan, and three sets of festive chopsticks with illustrations. These are available to order while supplies last, so you might want to snag one before they sell out!
Information
Detective Conan Osechi
Order Period: October 11 – December 25, 2022 *Available while supplies last
Price: ¥21,600 (Tax Included) *Free shipping nationwide
Delivery Date: December 30, 2022
Details/Order: https://www.ringbell.co.jp/gourmet/osechi/conan.html
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At the 5th annual Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022, a collection of Attack on Titan playing cards made in traditional Japanese style took the Gold Prize in the Craft Design category. In Japanese, monozukuri means ‘to make something by hand.’
The Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards aims to revitalize business between the anime industry and local companies and organizations. It honors outstanding collaborative products, inviting those with a creative streak to try their luck at designing something uniquely anime-inspired. This year’s awards show saw 157 total entries, with one winning the grand prize, seven winning both gold and silver, and six winning bronze.
Charaditional Toys was launched this year, and the company aims to create items for adults who love anime characters. The Gold Award was granted to the company after judges were inspired by the traditional Japanese craftsmanship and high quality shown in the final product. Made by Oishi Tengudo, a company founded in Kyoto in 1800, the cards were made using classic methods. These 48 original playing cards are like nothing fans of Attack on Titan have seen before.
A second project is scheduled for release in winter 2022, so stay tuned!
©諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会
Information
Attack on Titan x Original Playing Cards
Price: Wooden Box Version ¥3,800 / Framed Version ¥18,000 (Both Excluding tax)
Details/Purchase: https://charaditional-toy.myshopify.com
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From November 11, 2022 until January 9, 2023, Universal Studios will hold its NO LIMIT! Christmas event!
Christmas is associated with romance for many in Japan, but this year, USJ wants to give visitors a new way to celebrate this special winter holiday. Under the theme of a ‘Red Hot Christmas,’ this super-energetic event is sure to be the most exciting Christmas event on the scene this year.
This year, the Crystal Christmas tree will make its return this year after a 3-year hiatus. The tree broke the Guinness World Record for nine consecutive years from 2011 to 2019 for the World’s Most Illuminated Tree. In 2019, the tree had 591,850 lights and also received Guinness certification for the World’s Largest Christmas Snowflake Ornament.
The Super Nintendo World area will be decorated for winter for the first time in 2022, while Minions and other popular characters will appear in special Christmas costumes. Limited-time food and merchandise will be available as well.
An Exciting Christmas Experience for All Five Senses! The NO LIMIT! Crystal Tree
NO LIMIT! Crystal Tree
This year, the Crystal Christmas tree will make its return after a 3-year hiatus with a totally new look! Guests will be bathed in colorful lights and visitors won’t want to miss taking a photo with this magnificent sight.
*On October 28, 2019, the tree won the Guinness World Record for Most Lights on an Artificial Christmas Tree with 591,840.
The Spectacle of Lights, Complete with Heart-Pounding Music
NO LIMIT ! Christmas
During the event period, the Spectacle of Lights will be held in Gramercy Park.
The entire area around the Crystal Tree will be completely transformed, and the space will feature projection mapping and countless lights. The blend of Christmas music fused with the magical lights will create a moment you’ll never forget.
Super Nintendo World to be Decorated for Winter!
Super Nintendo World’s Winter Decorations
Super Nintendo World, the newest area in the park, will feature winter decorations for the first time in 2022. At the entrance to the area, Super Star Plaza, guests will be greeted with a giant gift box and Mario and Luigi-themed snowmen.
Guests will find wreaths and garland decorating Peach’s Castle, along with another Christmas tree decorated with iconic Nintendo characters and items.
Limited Time Greetings and Stage Shows
Limited-Time Special Greeting & Stage Shows
Guests won’t want to miss meeting their favorite characters while they’re dressed in holiday outfits! A special meet and greet will be held for children and adults to join the Minions for a special winter celebration.
Hello Kitty’s Christmas Happiness with the Happiness Brass Band
Hello Kitty’s Christmas Happiness with the Happiness Brass Band
Hello Kitty and the Happiness Brass Band will perform Christmas music multiple times a day, so families are invited to sing and dance along while getting into the Christmas spirit! You won’t want to miss Hello Kitty in her special winter wardrobe.
The Peacock Theater’s Popular Universal Party–Reimagined for Christmas!
In 2022, Universal Studios Japan will introduce Universal Party ~ The Showtime & Taste of Christmas. This dinner show requires a separate ticket and will offer some incredible entertainment and menu items. The experience will be held at the Peacock Theater on select days during December 2022.
*A Studio Pass or Annual Pass is required to enter the park.
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
TM & © 2022 Sesame Workshop
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TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Information
Universal Studios Japan – NO LIMIT! Christmas
Running: November 11, 2022 – January 9, 2023
Details/Tickets: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
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The web3 creative studio 1BLOCK, based in Los Angeles and Tokyo, released a 3D NFT collection on August 12 to massive fan response. The Lupin the Third x MetaSamurai NFT set sold out instantly. The AIR SMOKE ZERO, Japan’s first virtual sneakers, feature a younger Lupin and friends.
The NFTs sold out immediately after going on sale, and the collection was temporarily ranked 7th in the world based on transaction volume on OpenSea, the largest global NFT marketplace. The price of a single item has also quadrupled since it was first sold.
The collection is based on Takeshi Koike’s long-running Lupin the Third series. Each item is one-of-a-kind.
To celebrate the release of the collaboration collection, a commemorative NFT will be airdropped to those holding MetaSamurai NFTs on August 19. Check out the 1BLOCK Discord for more details.
Information
Lupin the Third x MetaSamurai
1BLOCK Discord: https://discord.com/invite/1block1BLOCK
OpenSea: https://opensea.io/1Block?tab=created -
The popular series Jujutsu Kaisen is getting its first theater show at Universal Studios Japan! Jujutsu Kaisen: The Real 4-D will open at the theme park on September 16, 2022 for a limited time only. For the first collab between the park and the globally-popular series, fans will be able to experience the ultra-realistic world of Jujutsu Kaisen through 3D imagery and special effects.
Jujutsu Kaisen: The Real 4-D
The 4D ride will tell an entirely new story, allowing guests to experience a fight between the main cast and Cursed Spirits. Yuji Itadori and friends are fighting to prevent a conspiracy targeting the opening of a Jujutsu High School in Osaka. This will also mark the first time that characters from the series will appear in 3D. Along with Yuji, fans will be able to see Megumi Fushirugo, Nobara Kugisaki, Aoi Toudou, and Satoru Gojo in an entirely new way. Along with engaging graphics, fans can expect to experience seat vibrations, water splashes, and more.
Jujutsu Kaisen x Hollywood Dream – The Ride ~Kaikai Kitan~
Along with the 4-D theater show, Hollywood Dream – The Ride will be transformed for the collaboration. The theme song for Jujutsu Kaisen, Kaikai Kitan by Eve, will be played on the ride for a limited time, from September 16, 2022 until January 18, 2023. The track is incredibly popular, and the opening for the series has been watched over 250 million times on YouTube. Listening to it on a roller coaster will be an entirely new experience and one that you can only experience at Universal Studios Japan!
Additionally, there will be Jujutsu Kaisen-themed food and merchandise available during the crossover event. More information will be announced in the future.
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ WBEI. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)
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Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
©芥見下々／集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会Information
Jujutsu Kaisen: The Real 4-D
Running: September 16, 2022 – July 2, 2023
Venue: Cinema 4-D Theater
Details: https://www.usj.co.jp/ticket/event/halloween2022/tour-rip.html
