We love Pokémon. They’re cute, fluffy, and have some awesome powers. Our team is addicted to Pokémon games like Pokémon Legends and Pokémon Go, so when Universal announced a new interactive Pokémon experience, we were stoked!
The Pokémon Company announced its plan to bring innovative, immersive, and world-class Pokémon experiences to its partnership with Universal theme parks. This means we could see Pokémon rides, meet-and-greets, and even whole lands based on our beloved pocket monsters –- but there’s a catch (at least for now)!
Pokémon is coming to Universal parks –- but for now, it’s only in Japan. Universal Studios Japan is building on its prior success and bringing the world of Pokémon to life in new and enriching ways. This is the first time Pokémon will be permanently part of a theme park!
Pokémon is currently in the park for its NO LIMIT! Parade with popular characters like Pikachu, Lugia, and Charizard. Pokémon has only one parade float, though. The daytime parade focuses on park franchises like Mario, Hello Kitty, and Minions.
We’re excited, though, because while the announcement is only for Japan, it might not be exclusive to the park. Tak Murayama, Executive Vice President & General Manager at Universal Studios Japan, described the Pokémon announcement as a “global project.” We won’t be surprised if Pokémon goes worldwide at Universal Parks over the next few years.
Universal’s Super Nintendo World was a Japan-exclusive until it was installed in Florida’s Epic Universe last year. It’s a large contributor to Epic Universe’s popularity with Mario Kart and Donkey Kong-themed rides. People love meet-and-greets with iconic characters in the parks, and wait times to meet Mario and Luigi hit multi-hour wait times! If a Pokémon land or ride is successful in Japan, we’re confident it’ll make its way to the States.
In fact, Epic Universe is expanding! Although details have not been announced, we’ve been watching construction from above, and the expansion is confirmed. We can’t wait to see if this will be included!
While Universal hasn’t released specifics about Pokémon in Universal Studios Japan yet, something exciting is in the works. We’re so excited to head to Japan once it comes out. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Universal updates!
Universal Starts Work on NEW Theme Park!
Are you excited about Pokémon at Universal Studios Japan? Comment below!
It’s been long rumored that Pokemon will replace Springfield when Universal loses The Simpsons license in 2028. This will just fuel the rumor even more!