Universal Studios Japan’s Universal Cool Japan 2026

Universal Studios Japan launched its special event Universal Cool Japan 2026 on January 30, 2026, presenting the appeal of Japanese-born entertainment through “super real” immersive experiences. Works selected from a wide range of genres, including anime, manga, novels, and game, come together in one place, inviting guests to step directly into the heart of each world.

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For 2026, the lineup features five major Japanese titles: Detective Conan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Monster Hunter Wilds, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Peril at the Masquerade - Inspired by Keigo Higashino's Masquerade Series . In addition, a music-driven attraction fully produced by world-renowned DJ Zedd joins the event, expanding the experience beyond narrative-based content.

On January 29, the day before the official opening, an opening ceremony was held to mark the start of the event. Actor Mei Hata appeared as a special guest, declaring the opening amid spectacular staging and live performance. This article reports on the ceremony itself, outlines the featured content, and offers firsthand impressions of selected experiences, providing an overview of Universal Cool Japan 2026 alongside Space Fantasy – The Ride: CLUB ZEDD REMIX.

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Contents

I. Universal Cool Japan 2026
 1. Opening Ceremony
 2. Detective Conan: The World
  (1) Detective Conan: The Escape - Prologue to the Highway
  (2) Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant
 3. Peril at the Masquerade - Inspired by Keigo Higashino's Masquerade Series
 4. MONSTER HUNTER WILDS: Wudwud Feast
 5. Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
II. Space Fantasy - The Ride: CLUB ZEDD REMIX
III. Universal Cool Japan 2026: Where It Stands, and What Lies Ahead

I. Universal Cool Japan 2026

1. Opening Ceremony -A Glamorous Opening Where Five Worlds and Music Intersect

The opening ceremony began with a live musical performance symbolizing the works gathered for Universal Cool Japan 2026. Behind the stage, a massive screen projected scenes from USJ’s past “super real” attractions, instantly drawing the audience into an extraordinary, immersive atmosphere.

At the musical climax, Mei Hata made a surprise appearance in a striking red dress. “I experienced so many attractions of a quality I’ve never encountered before,” she said. “They were thrilling, deeply moving, and left me feeling incredibly energized.” As she declared the opening, confetti filled the air, marking the start of a festival celebrating the present moment of Japanese entertainment.

2. Detective Conan: The World -A High-Stakes Deduction Experience, Face to Face

During the ceremony, Mei spoke with particular enthusiasm about Detective Conan: The Escape – Prologue to the Highway, recalling how much she enjoyed solving mysteries while physically moving through the building. Her comments highlighted the intense immersion and tension unique to this experience.

The author also experienced two attractions within Detective Conan: The World.

(1) Detective Conan: The Escape – Prologue to the Highway

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Set during a research lab’s new tech unveiling, this attraction plunges participants into an unprecedented crisis involving a massive drone bomb threat. Guests become “hostages” themselves, working alongside Conan, Kogoro, Ran, and Masumi Sera to disarm the system before time runs out in this real-life escape game.

Equipped with a tablet, participants make their own choices and piece together clues step by step. The experience truly feels like stepping into an active case. The puzzles evolve every year, offering a satisfying challenge, while scores, rankings, and levels are revealed at the end, extending the excitement beyond the escape itself. Even repeat visitors naturally find themselves aiming to outperform their last attempt. Watching the climactic deduction show unfold live is another highlight unique to this attraction.

(2) Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant

Set on a stage featuring Shinichi and Ran, this immersive restaurant blends dining, music, and mystery. The story revolves around a treasured brooch stolen during a live performance, with guests joining Shinichi and Ran to unravel the case.

The narrative unfolds through live singing, drawing guests into the mystery even as they enjoy their meal. Simply “meeting” Shinichi in person is a major draw for fans, while the powerful vocals of accomplished singers, and the appearance of that iconic song, are unforgettable moments. The warm interactions between Shinichi and Ran add charm, and optional commemorative photos with the characters, including Sonoko, make the experience especially memorable.

3. Peril at the Masquerade - Inspired by Keigo Higashino's Masquerade Series

Keigo Higashino’s acclaimed Masquerade series merges with USJ’s live-show expertise in this immersive mystery experience. Set at Hotel Cortesia, guests attend an elegant masquerade ball, only to receive a chilling murder threat mid-event.

Participants become part of the story themselves, influencing the outcome through their deductions. With the ending determined by audience voting, each visit offers a completely different perspective. Even those who have experienced it before will find new developments to uncover. Its addictive appeal, leaving guests eager to return again, remains firmly intact this year.

4. MONSTER HUNTER WILDS: Wudwud Feast - Tasting the World of the Game

Set during the season of abundance in the Scarlet Forest, The Wudwud Feast invites guests to experience the world of Monster Hunter Wilds through food. Welcomed by Wudwuds and Palicoes, guests enjoy campfire-style dishes inspired by gathered materials and field environments.

At the ceremony, Hata remarked on the remarkable level of detail, noting that the food was not only faithful to the world but genuinely delicious. The dishes, featuring richly seasoned vegetables, shrimp, and hearty meats, are deeply satisfying. Combined with the greeting of “Welcome back” upon entry, the experience immerses guests fully in the game’s universe.

5. Other Notable Content - Looking Ahead

The event also features attractions I have yet to experience but which stood out strongly during the ceremony. One such highlight is JUJUTSU KAISEN: The Real 4-D — Clock Tower of Recurrence. This 4-D attraction allows guests to witness the battles of Itadori and Fushiguro at extremely close range, utilizing powerful visuals, sound, and physical effects.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mei shared her excitement:

“When Itadori and Fushiguro appeared right in front of me, I instinctively reached out! The action happens so close that it feels incredibly real, I was truly moved. The sound and visuals are so powerful that it leaves you feeling totally energized.”

The intense immediacy and sensory impact exemplify the “super real” theme at the core of this event.

In addition, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End will make its Universal Cool Japan debut in early summer. The staggered rollout of content throughout the event period adds depth to the overall experience, heightening anticipation as the season progresses.

II. Space Fantasy – The Ride: CLUB ZEDD REMIX - Riding the Rhythm

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Fully produced by global DJ Zedd, Space Fantasy – The Ride: CLUB ZEDD REMIX is a next-generation attraction where music and motion are perfectly synchronized. From the moment guests approach, immersive sound and lighting pull them out of everyday reality, building momentum alongside exclusive remixes.

After experiencing the ride himself, Zedd described it as “a ride I truly love,” noting that he spent nearly a year developing the project. He encouraged guests to “let loose, feel like they are at a concert or a club, feel free to sing along, and enjoy their time.”

True to that message, this attraction differs from narrative-driven rides. Rather than following a story, it invites guests to surrender to sound and sensation. Zedd’s tracks rise and fall with the ride’s motion, creating an overwhelming sense of exhilaration that makes it hard not to shout along.

Among all the experiences covered, this was the one I most wanted to ride repeatedly. By translating the energy of music festivals and club culture into a theme park format, the attraction stands out as a source of pure exhilaration, one that truly leaves guests feeling “super energized.”

III. Universal Cool Japan 2026: Where It Stands, and What Lies Ahead

Universal Cool Japan 2026 brings together five Japanese-born works while expanding its scope through a powerful music experience, reaffirming the diversity and potential of Japanese entertainment. Each attraction’s immersive design vividly illustrates where this long-running project stands today.

As Universal Cool Japan continues to present Japanese stories and creative expression through experiential entertainment, anticipation already builds for what comes next.