ONE PIECE PREMIER SUMMER 2026 at Universal Studios Japan: Explosive Show and Character Bonds
From Hancock’s long-awaited return and record pyrotechnics to exclusive dining and neon night events
Universal Studios Japan has kicked off its annual summer event, "ONE PIECE PREMIER SUMMER 2026." This limited-time event lets guests experience the world of “One Piece” throughout the park, from the live entertainment show "ONE PIECE PREMIER SHOW 2026" to collaboration food, merchandise, and "Straw Hat Crew's Feast Restaurant," offering a full day of immersive fun.
This article focuses on "ONE PIECE PREMIER SHOW 2026", including Hancock’s first appearance in the main show in 12 years, battle scenes featuring the largest number of pyrotechnics in Premier Show history, and a moving greeting finale. It also highlights limited-time food and other summer events guests can enjoy at USJ during the same period.
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目次
Ⅰ. ONE PIECE PREMIER SUMMER 2026
1. ONE PIECE PREMIER SHOW 2026
2. Collaboration Food
(1) Straw Hat Crew's Feast Restaurant
(2) Street Food
Ⅱ. Universal Cool Summer ~Discover U!!!~
Ⅲ. Conclusion
Ⅰ. ONE PIECE PREMIER SUMMER 2026
1. ONE PIECE PREMIER SHOW 2026
The show I experienced was packed with more than just powerful battles. From unexpected moments to heartwarming greetings, it was the kind of show that kept my eyes glued to the stage until the very end.
What I first felt from the audience seat was not so much that I was “watching a stage,” but that I had stepped right into the middle of the story. The characters’ entrances, audience-participation moments, and fast-paced shifts in sound and lighting all came together to create the excitement only a live show can deliver.
This year, Boa Hancock and the Kuja Pirates return to the main show for the first time in 12 years. Smoker and Lucci also join the story, raising the tension surrounding Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew. The show-original character Vendigar also makes a strong impression, and one of the unexpected highlights is seeing characters grow cat ears due to his ability.
The battle scenes combine dynamic stunt action with fire, water, and lighting effects, raising the energy in the venue every time a technique lands. The show also uses the largest number of pyrotechnics in Premier Show history, and there were moments where the force of the sound and light made me instinctively lean forward.
The closeness to the audience is another major appeal. Characters come right up near the seats, and some moments only come alive when the audience reacts together, creating a sense that the entire venue is part of the same flow.
The finale is also not to be missed. During the greeting, guests can see Luffy standing alongside Ace and Sabo, as well as the Straw Hat Crew lined up hand in hand. The show does not end with battle spectacle alone; it also leaves room for moments that highlight the bonds between the characters.
From flashy special effects and surprising turns involving original characters to the final greeting, the show lets guests feel as if they are experiencing the Straw Hat Crew’s battle up close.
2. Collaboration Food
(1) Straw Hat Crew's Feast Restaurant
Collaboration food and merchandise are also part of the fun. At "Straw Hat Crew’s Feast Restaurant,” guests can enjoy menu items that capture the personalities of the characters while still feeling perfect for the summer season.
"Law's Chicken & Curry Rice Burger Meal" is a rice burger inspired by Law’s love of onigiri. It combines fried chicken with spicy black curry sauce, taco chips, and onions for a summery burger with plenty of texture. The rice itself is seasoned, making it a great match for the curry sauce, while the chicken inside is juicy, tender, and satisfying even on a hot day.
"Zoro's Fish & Yakisoba Burger Meal" features a green Shiso-flavored mayo sauce inspired by Zoro. The crispy fish fillet and Yakisoba are sandwiched together in a hearty Japanese-style burger, and the Shiso sauce pairs surprisingly well with the noodles. Like Law’s meal, the tray can be removed and used as a fan, making it a perfect companion for walking around the park in summer.
"Luffy's "Meat"! Raspberry & Salted Caramel Mousse" recreates the look of a chunk of meat that Luffy would surely leap at, but as a dessert. Even the bone is edible, and the cut surface looks so much like meat that it is perfect for photos. The raspberry mousse has a medium-rare look, making it both playful and surprisingly filling.
(2) Street Food
For a street food option, "Usopp's Fried Chicken ー Lemon Herb Flavor" is also recommended. The hearty chicken is seasoned with lemon-flavored herb salt. The herb aroma is not too strong, and the refreshing salted lemon flavor makes it easy to keep eating.
Ⅱ. Universal Cool Summer ~Discover U!!!~
Universal Studios Japan has plenty to offer beyond One Piece this summer. During the same period, the park is also holding "Universal Cool Summer: Discover U!!!," which includes the new nighttime event “Universal Summer Matsuri Night: Neon Glow Up.” After sunset, this program transforms the park into a neon-lit festival space.
One of the highlights is “NO LIMIT! Glow Up Oh-Matsuri,” where guests can get caught up in music, water, and bubbles. In front of Mel’s Drive-In, “Minion BOO-YA Block Party” adds even more energy to the night. They can also enjoy the fireworks "Summer Glow Moment,” which lights up the night sky, as well as street performances featuring double dutch, BMX, beats, splashes of water, and bubbles.
Limited-time food and glowing merchandises also add to the festival mood. Items such as the "Neon Cup", which lights up drinks in vivid colors, and "Extreme!! Choco Banana Churritos," a churro-style take on the classic festival treat, are perfect for enjoying while walking through the park at night.
Ⅲ. Conclusion
At "ONE PIECE PREMIER SHOW 2026", guests can feel the heat of the story up close, then enjoy the world of the series through collaboration food and merchandise.
Meanwhile, "Universal Cool Summer: Discover U!!!" brings neon-lit festival vibes, water, bubbles, and music-filled entertainment. In 2026, USJ’s summer is one to enjoy through both the excitement of One Piece and the colorful energy of the park’s seasonal events.
"ONE PIECE PREMIER SUMMER 2026" runs at Universal Studios Japan through November 19, 2026, while "Universal Cool Summer: Discover U!!!" runs through August 26, 2026.
Photo Credit :[
©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha，Toei Animation Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. Ayaka Ozaki]