Feature: Universal Studios Japan's 'Cool Japan 2024' Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of "Universal Cool Japan 2024" was held at Universal Studios Japan (USJ). Special guests including former competitive swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Kosuke Kitajima took the stage. They enthusiastically spoke about the charm of the event alongside representatives from explosively popular anime such as "My Hero Academia," "Detective Conan," and "Monster Hunter." Since 2015, "Universal Cool Japan" has been delivering a one-of-a-kind beyond immersive and super real experience, where visitors can dive into the heart of beloved fictional worlds.

["Detective Conan: The World," one of "Universal Cool Japan 2024"]

Beyond Impressive, Super Real, and "Super Exciting”

At the opening ceremony of "Universal Cool Japan 2024," the pinnacle of Japanese entertainments were proudly showcased, and its charm was fully conveyed. Kosuke, who appeared at the opening ceremony and experienced it firsthand, commented as follows:

Kosuke: "It was 'fun' in one word, and filled with excitement and anticipation. In the sense of 'wanting to show something good and wanting to surpass one's limits,' Universal Cool Japan is like being the athletes." 

Universal Cool Japan, where visitors can experience three globally popular super contents that Japan is proud of - My Hero Academia, Monster Hunter, and Conan - all in one place. To sum it up in one word, Kosuke expressed his admiration:

Kosuke: "It's 'super exciting'! Beyond impressive, Super Real, and ‘Super Exciting’ added to it (laughs). There are truly wonderful works in Japan, and USJ is the only place that can convey them to the world."

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Detective Conan: The Escape -The Million-dollar Prologue -

It combines a live show linked to the Detective Conan movie and a real escape game. This year's "Detective Conan: The Escape" sees the return of the free-roaming style within the facility. Participants take on the intense challenge of solving mysteries alongside popular characters like Heiji Hattori and Kid the Phantom Thief.

*Read more here: Feature: Detective Conan: The Escape -The Million-dollar Prologue -

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"Most Entertaining Ever" Detective Conan Movie Producer Shuho Kondo Gives His Seal of Approval

Kosuke challenged this attraction and had this to say.

Kosuke: "A puzzle-solving experience using your head and feet like never before. For Conan fans, being able to solve puzzles together with the characters is invigorating. Having the characters nearby to think with you and clearing missions together creates a sense of achievement.”

Regarding this attraction, now in its 8th year since 2017, Shuho commented, "It's the most entertaining ever. Although Mr. Kosuke wasn't able to solve them, I'm sure he'll definitely say 'it's super exciting' if he had." He emphasized the high level of difficulty and the exciting experience.

"Are We Really Allowed To Do This!?" Astonishment for the USJ Production Team

Shuho expressed gratitude to the Universal Studios Japan production team and touched upon the evolving attraction every year.

Shuho: "What's truly wonderful is that everyone on the USJ production team strives to create even more entertaining things each year, to the point where we often wonder, ‘Are we really allowed to do this!?’ But that effort is what connects to the satisfaction of our fans.”

Exceeding Imagination in Scale. Kid the Phantom Thief and Heiji, Who Are Also Active in the Movie, Appear

Similarly, movie producers Takeshi Shioguchi and Yuhei Okada discussed the highlights of the attraction.

Takeshi: "It's not just about mystery; the charm of the characters is also important, and many fans come to the theater multiple times. I hope they also enjoy Universal Cool Japan as many times as they like.”

Yuhei: “The escape this time, just like in previous years, features a prologue linked to the movie. You can enjoy both the movie and the escape.”

Not Just Escape, Also Restaurants and Hollywood Dream - The Ride

Shuho: "Especially the restaurant, where Heiji Hattori, Kazuha, and her rival Momiji Ooka appear, allows you to enjoy interactions with the characters while having a meal. It's incredibly well done.”

They also commented on the "Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant," where you can enjoy interacting with the characters from the story while enjoying delicious meals.

*Read more here: Feature: Universal Studios Japan’s Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant

"Detective Conan: The Escape -The Million-dollar Prologue -" and other attractions in "Detective Conan: The World" offer fans a world of fun and excitement.

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My Hero Academia: The Real 4-D

The first-ever 4D attraction in the franchise's history. The Quirks unleashed by the Heroes appear before your very eyes, recreated with 3D images, splashes of water, intense vibrations, and other special effects. The world of "My Hero Academia" brought to life with an original Park storyline. And find courage as Deku and his friends fearlessly push the limits of their abilities!

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A Story That Evokes Shock and Inspiration, Applicable Even to Athletes

After experiencing the attraction, Kosuke shared his thoughts on the impact:

Kosuke: "It was overwhelming. The intensity made it feel like reality was right there in my hands. I felt like I could step right into it. The sound, the impact, the water—everything just swept me away.”

Kengo Monji, the editor in charge of Weekly Shonen Jump's My Hero Academia, also emphasized the shock and inspiration, complementing Kosuke's sentiments.

Kengo: "Just like Kosuke, people experiencing it for the first time are surprised to the point of saying ‘Wow!'"

Regarding the original story this time,

Kosuke: "The unique fighting spirit of My Hero Academia is applicable even to athletes, so I was completely absorbed. It provides an opportunity to overcome challenges together.”

This conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by the power and realism.

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“I’m Speechless," Kosuke Deeply Overwhelmed

Kengo emphasized that the essence of "passion" particularly contributes to the allure of My Hero Academia. He also mentioned that Yuki Hayashi's original music is incorporated into the attraction.

Kengo: "My Hero Academia tackles various themes such as 'justice and evil,' 'family issues,' and 'the meaning of forgiveness,' resonating with different individuals at different points. What ties them all together is the characters striving to overcome challenges amidst chaos. That passion is the greatest charm of My Hero Academia. We also collaborated with Yuki Hayashi, who composed the theme music for My Hero Academia, to create original music for the attraction.”

Kosuke was deeply impressed by this passion, expressing, "It was truly overwhelming and I bet everyone says 'I’m speechless.’"

Shonen Jump and USJ’s Farther Collaborations is Expected

Kengo expressed his thoughts and expectations for the attraction and future collaborations. He emphasized the close collaboration with the staff and their high understanding of the series, which consistently leads to the creation of fantastic attractions.

Kengo: "Each time, I feel the earnestness of the staff who truly want to express the world of the series through attractions. Weekly Shonen Jump might have various collaborations with USJ in the future, so I'm looking forward to it. The high understanding of the series and the fact that we're not just receiving proposals from USJ but creating something great together each time.”

"My Hero Academia: The Real 4-D" offers a special space where fans can experience a mix of excitement and inspiration.

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Monster Hunter USJ Festival

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK, the number one Monster Hunter attraction in Guest satisfaction* ever at the Park and the Park's first collaboration restaurant debuts.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK

Explore the epic expanse of Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. State-of-the-art VR technology and an all-new, special-effect facility bring to life the thrill of a realistic hunt. Feel the wind of an icy domain that spans before you in every direction. Traverse rugged wilderness on your own two feet.

A World I Want to Stay in Forever

Kosuke's comment about the sensation of being immersed in the world of Monster Hunter speaks volumes.

Kosuke: "It was another staggering experience. I was fully immersed in the Monster Hunter world. It's a world I want to keep experiencing and stay in forever. I wished it lasted longer. The exhilaration of moving yourself creates a refreshing sensation that you can't experience anywhere else.”

Evolving since 2011, USJ Offers One and Only Overwhelming Immersive Experience.

Regarding the attraction's dedication, Ryozo Tsujimoto, the series producer of "Monster Hunter" and Executive Director of Capcom, spoke. He emphasized the importance of the "indescribable sense of achievement in hunting" and the "excitement unique to each individual," stressing the importance of constantly evolving the Monster Hunter experience. Overcoming the challenges of joint development, and with the cooperation of Universal Studios Japan, they created a confident work with an overwhelming sense of immersion.

Ryozo: "When I saw the proposal, I immediately thought, 'Let's do it,' but honestly, it was quite challenging that I felt like we had bitten off more than we could chew, because we were doing something we hadn't done before. USJ worked really hard in a form of close to joint development, and it became a confident work. I want everyone to experience the immersion of being in the world of Monster Hunter and hunting.”

"Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK" promises to be a special hunting adventure for visitors due to its advanced technology and immersive experience.

Monster Hunter: Seliana Dining Room

Chefs from Astera and Seliana in “Monster Hunter World: Iceborne” will welcome you with Monster Hunter Meals. Guests can enjoy an exquisite menu of delicacies from the realistic game world.

The First Monster Hunter Restaurant! A Shocking Culinary Experience Linked to the Game

Kosuke and Ryozo mentioned the attraction's provision of a meal experience linked to the game.

Ryozo: "We expressed the decoration and world view, food that appears in Monster Hunter. In Monster Hunter, you eat before going on a hunt to power up. You can experience that realistically and power up.”

Kosuke: "There are meals linked to the game, so you can enjoy both aspects. It's easy for kids to pick up because it's related to the game. It's quite shocking; it's delicious.”

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Cool Japan Represents the Marvelous Values of Japan that We Can Be Proud to the World.

Shaking the Senses, Super Exciting!

After the opening ceremony, Kosuke shared his exhilarating experience at "Universal Cool Japan 2024" as follows:

Kosuke: "I want everyone to experience the sensation of 'Super Exciting!' I truly experienced NO LIMIT! My every sense was shaken, and each moment was filled with excitement and impact. I could feel the goodness of each character and content. It's essential to showcase Japan's strengths to the world, even in the sports world. We can also learn to provide happiness, dreams, and hope. I want to utilize this when I return to my field.”

High Support from Overseas as Well

Kensaku Misono, Project Manager of Universal Cool Japan, passionately discussed the direction and appeal of Cool Japan.

Kensaku: "Universal Cool Japan faithfully reproduces the worldviews of representative anime and games from Japan, allowing fans to immerse themselves. We want not only fans but also entertainment enthusiasts to feel the charm of the works through the experience. We want to convey that 'Japan has wonderful values to be proud of.' The event has grown to receive high support, with many guests from overseas every year.”

Continuing to Deliver High-Quality Events Unique to USJ

Even as it enters its 9th year since 2015, Universal Cool Japan's continued growth mindset was also mentioned.

Kensaku: "With the cooperation of content holders, we have been pioneering immersive entertainment from Japan that we can proud to the world. We will continue to develop events with the quality and scale unique to USJ. At this Universal Cool Japan where entertainment brands come together, we hope that more people will enjoy experiences that are beyond impressive and super real, which only USJ can provide.”

Universal Cool Japan is a robust symbol of Japanese entertainment, and it will undoubtedly continue to expand its brilliance to the world.

*Universal Cool Japan 2024 is scheduled to run until June 30th.

Photo Credit :[© SISYU]

© K. Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project

Detective Conan by Gosho Aoyama (published in Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine)

© 2024 GOSHO AOYAMA/DETECTIVE CONAN COMMITTEE　

© SCRAP

©CAPCOM

TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.] 

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Feature: Universal Studios Japan's DETECTIVE CONAN: THE ESCAPE -THE MILLION-DOLLAR PROLOGUE -

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