Pokémon will be coming to Universal Studios Japan in 2022
The theme park already has an expansion planned for Super Nintendo World
The Pokémon Company and Universal Studios Japan have announced a new partnership that will see Pokémon-themed attractions coming to the Osaka theme park.
The park, which already lists Super Nintendo World among its themed areas, may start introducing Pokémon attractions as early as next year, according to a statement from both companies.
“Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company will enter a long-term partnership to jointly explore ground-breaking entertainment that will immerse guests into the world of Pokémon with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022,” the statement reads.
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Given how early this planned date is, it seems unlikely that Pokémon will receive its own themed area the size of Super Nintendo World, and may instead simply have specific rides or attractions within the park.
“We are honoured to have a long-term partnership with The Pokémon Company while developing ground-breaking Pokémon entertainment at Universal Studios Japan for both Pokémon fans and our guests,” said Universal Studios Japan president and CEO J.L. Bonnier.
“The globally popular Pokémon characters combined with Universal’s innovative approach to creating authentic and one-of-a-kind theme park entertainment promise excitement for the entire family.”
The Pokémon Company president and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara added: “The incredible team at Universal Studios Japan have the creative vision and leading expertise in world-class theme park technology to imagine a uniquely Pokémon experience.”
Universal Studios Japan officially opened Super Nintendo World, its Mario-themed area, on March 18. Last week it officially confirmed that it’s working on a Donkey Kong expansion, which is planned to open in 2024.
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Super Nintendo World is due to open at Universal Studios’ Hollywood and Florida locations too, though the former looks likely to be the first US park to open, with construction already underway.
The Hollywood park has also started selling Super Nintendo World merchandise ahead of its opening, marking the first time theme park-related items have been available outside of Japan.
The new Pokémon deal makes no mention of any future Pokémon attractions coming to Hollywood or Florida, however.
