SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is set to open at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in 2020ーthe year of the Tokyo Olympicsーas the world’s first theme park area centred on the world, games and video game characters from Nintendo. A whopping 60 billion yen has been injected to make the park a reality.
In promotion of the park, the “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD CHALLENGE” was held in New York, US on February 19.
Fans dashed to Grand Central Terminalーa tourist hot spotーwhere the event was held to play a game involving the iconic Question Blocks from the Mario video game franchise. The set-up, which brought to mind a Bonus Stage from the game, had people hitting the question blocks just like Marioーsomething which we all must have imagined doing before.
1,000 people participated in the event which they signed up to prior. It was a day of fun for not only players but onlookers too. Grand prize winners won trips to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which is set to open before the Tokyo Olympic Games start, while all other participants got their hands on some exclusive SUPER NINTENDO WORLD merch early.
One participant said: “I love everything about Mario, so I knew I’d definitely be taking part today! I’ve loved Mario since I was a kid, I even had a plush toy of him. Mario really is exciting. I’ve always wanted to be Mario, so I’m really happy with how today turned out. I want to go to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with my best friend and try out all the attractions. I’m sure it’s gonna be a lot of fun!” (Male, 20 / Staten Island, New York) *Translated from Japanese
One of the grand prize winners said: “I’ve been a huge fan of Nintendo’s games since I was 3-years-old. I was lucky to get to take part in the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD CHALLENGE today, but to go and win the grand prize is an amazing feeling! I’ll be going to Japan with my girlfriend who I love so much! I’m always paying attention to news about SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. The Mario Kart attraction will definitely be a ride, I’m looking forward to it so much I just can’t wait! I always thought it would be great if they made a Mario theme park, so the fact they’re doing it in both Japan and even the US is amazing!” (Male, 20 / The Bronx, US) *Translated from Japanese
The Question Blocks also made an appearance in Times Square. The event was covered on the morning news in the US with fans visible at the event, Rockefeller Plaza, and elsewhere.
If you’re a Mario and Nintendo fan planning a trip to Japan then be sure you get to experience SUPER NINTENDO WORLD when it opens this year.
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Sebastian Masuda to open SUSHIDELIC, a new sushi restaurant in Soho, New York City. The location will open on June 28, 2023.
“King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda, creator of Harajuku’s “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE,” loved by celebrities around the world, has created a new restaurant concept in New York City
Sebastian Masuda is a multi-disciplinary artist whose unique sense of color transcends the boundaries of art, fashion, and entertainment. His restaurant “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE” opened in Harajuku in August 2015 and quickly became a popular spot in Tokyo, frequented by celebrities from around the world, including BLACK PINK’s Jenny, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande. His next project will take place in New York City, where he is currently based. The restaurant will offer a completely new perspective on sushi, the most popular Japanese food in the U.S. and an integral part of the American lifestyle.Enjoy an Immersive Kawaii Experience
The new location is meant to be an “immersive Kawaii experience.” Once you step into the restaurant, you’ll find yourself in a psychedelic and one-of-a-kind space that will make you feel as if you’ve wandered into another world. Guest will be guided by employees clad in colorful custom-made costumes, and three rotating cats will be suspended by the ceiling, rotating to reveal a secret image. Guests sitting at the counter will enjoy a pink custom-made conveyor belt, a.k.a a sushi lane.The restaurant will offer artist Sebastian Masuda “Immersive Kawaii Experiences” that go beyond THE DINING EXPERIENCE.Featuring a Menu Developed by Japanese Chefs and Supported by AUTEC, Inc.
Chef Hiroki Abe and Sebastian Masuda collaborated to create an unforgettable menu, fully supported by AUTEC. After moving to the United States in 2001, Abe worked as an executive chef at EN Japanese Brasserie in NYC. He now works as a private chef at corporate events and parties around the U.S. On the technical side, AUTEC, which boasts the number one share of the automatic sushi machine market in North America, is backing up the venture. The sushi is sure to be as tasty as it is kawaii!Featuring Restaurant Music by RAM RIDER, the Music Producer Behind the Score at KMC
The in-store background music is essential when cultivating an immersive experience. Music producer RAM RIDER, who created the music for KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, has written an incredible 70-minute ambient track for SUSHIDELIC. Guests can look forward to losing themselves in the adorable ambiance.Tons of New Yorkers Visit During Pre-Opening, SUSHIDELIC Trends on Social Media
During SUSHIDELIC’s limited pre-opening, scores of New York-based celebrities and influencers visited the shop. The unparalleled ambiance, food presentation, and experience have quickly become a hot topic on social media!Opening in SoHo, the Trendiest Neighborhood in New York City
SUSHIDELIC is scheduled to open at 177 Lafayette St. in the heart of the SoHo area, where the latest fashions and trends are born and where many fashion brands have opened their flagship stores.We will keep you updated with the latest information as it becomes available. Please look forward to the chemistry between “Sushi” and “Kawaii,” two of Japan’s proudest exports.
Sebastian Masuda
Information
Shop Overview
Name: SUSHIDELIC
Opening: June 28, 2023
Address: 177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013Website: https://www.sushidelic.netInstagram: @sushidelic.nyc -
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! ©遠藤達哉／集英社・SPY×FAMILY製作委員会原作／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 EntertainmentUniversal 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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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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Popular loungewear brand gelato pique will begin selling items from the Happy Mario Home Collection, the third installment of the SUPER MARIO meets GELATO PIQUE collection, on November 10. 32 items will be available at gelato pique stores nationwide, the official USAGI ONLINE store, and official Nintendo stores in Tokyo and Osaka. On November 4, the official gelato pique online store USAGI ONLINE launched a special page dedicated to Super Mario. Jacquard Pullover & Long Pants Set
Jacquard Shawl Cardigan Patterned Shirt & Long Pants Set Hoodie and Long Pants Set [Bedding] (Single) 3-piece Set / BABY MOCO Jacquard Blanket Snack Bowl & Mini Tongs Set / Cup Patterned Pouch / Hand Towel & Pouch Set BABY MOCO Series
Decorate your home and deck yourself out in your favorite Super Mario characters!Information
gelato pique’s Happy Mario Home Collection
Release Date: November 10, 2022
Where to Buy: gelato pique locations nationwide: https://gelatopique.com/Page/shoplist.aspx
[USAGI ONLINE STORE] Laforet Harajuku / Yokohama Joinus / Shinsaibashi PARCO / Naha Main Place / Entetsu Department Store / Toyota / Keihan Mall Kyobashi / Akita OPA
[Nintendo TOKYO] [Nintendo OSAKA] https://www.nintendo.co.jp/officialstore/A portion of the collection will be sold at the Tokyo and Osaka Nintendo stores.
Nintendo OSAKA will begin selling items from the collection on opening day, November 11.
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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.© NintendoTM & © 2022 Sesame Workshop© 2022 Peanuts Worldwide LLC © 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. EJ2091601TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin EntertainmentTM & © 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 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) Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment 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