Official Pokémon Attraction Coming to Universal Studios Japan — World-Class Theme Park Experience Announced
Pokémon — one of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world — is officially partnering with Universal Studios Japan (USJ) to bring an all-new immersive Pokémon experience to life in the Osaka theme park. The announcement marks a major expansion of Pokémon’s presence in real-world entertainment, with plans for innovative attractions that go beyond traditional rides.
Universal Studios Japan confirmed the project in a press release, stating that the collaboration with The Pokémon Company is designed to deliver “innovative, immersive and world-class Pokémon experiences” that stimulate the senses and bring the Pokémon world to life for fans of all ages.
This new initiative will be part of USJ’s effort to expand its offerings — joining established attractions based on beloved franchises such as Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter and more. While precise opening dates and full details haven’t been shared yet, the announcement was made as Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, a milestone year for the franchise.
＼速報／
✨”ポケモン新体験” 誕生へ✨
世界展開プロジェクトが始動！五感を刺激する超リアル体験を基盤に、ポケモンの世界をかつてないほどインタラクティブで豊かな方法で実現します。
📍ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパンで世界初公開に向け準備中。
…進化する！ pic.twitter.com/Qkp0nmqYlh
— ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン公式 (@USJ_Official) January 22, 2026
What We Know So Far
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Official confirmation — Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company announced the project together in early 2026, confirming that Pokémon will be added to the line-up of world-class attractions at USJ.
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Interactive and sensory experiences — The press release emphasized that the Pokémon experience will use cutting-edge creative and technical capabilities to make the Pokémon world feel rich and interactive.
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Global development project — According to Universal Destinations & Experiences (Universal’s theme park division), the project is part of a broader global initiative that’s set to first launch in Japan before being expanded to other regions.
At this stage, it’s still unclear whether the Pokémon experience will be a full themed land, a single attraction, or a combination of rides, shows, and interactive zones — similar to how Super Nintendo World and Wizarding World attractions operate. Universal has maintained tight details while teasing the scale and ambition behind the experience.
Why This Matters for Fans
Pokémon has appeared at USJ in various forms before — including live shows, parades and seasonal events like the “Pokémon Unstoppable Halloween Party” in 2025 that featured DJ Pikachu and DJ Gengar drawing crowds of families and fans alike.
However, this announcement represents the first official, long-term attraction developed directly with The Pokémon Company for Universal’s theme park ecosystem. That elevates Pokémon beyond temporary showpiece events or seasonal entertainment, positioning it alongside some of the world’s most iconic licensed theme park experiences.
The project also reflects Pokémon’s expanding cultural reach — building on other physical entertainment initiatives like PokéPark Kanto, a separate permanent Pokémon outdoor facility opening in Tokyo’s Yomiuriland in February 2026, which will let visitors explore Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town with hundreds of Pokémon characters.
Next Steps & Expectations
Universal Studios Japan has said that further details on the Pokémon project will be released “at a later date.” Fans can likely expect announcements regarding:
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Ride concepts and themed zones
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Characters and interactive features
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Merchandise shops and Pokémon-themed food
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Opening windows and ticket info
Given the popularity of Pokémon and how passionately theme park fans have responded to previous announcements, expectations are high for an ambitious experience that could attract visitors not just from Japan but worldwide.