Universal Studios Japan announced on Thursday that they would be bringing The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the theme park in Osaka, Japan as part of the global expansion of the Harry Potter-themed entertainment experience which first began nearly two years ago in Universal Orlando Resorts in Florida.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, according to the press release issued by Warner Bros and Universal Parks & Resorts, set to be built in Universal Studios Japan beginning in a few weeks for a tentative late 2014 open, will be the first international venue to host the Harry Potter park. In June 2010, the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter park, with Hogwarts castle and adjacent Hogsmeade village - two key fictional locations in the seven-part Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling - opened in Orlando, Fl.
"I was delighted to experience and enjoy the attention to detail, creativity and superb craft that went into the first Wizarding World in Orlando. I am equally delighted that the same level of expertise and enjoyment will translate to the new park in Japan," said J.K. Rowling in the May 10 Universal Parks & Resorts press release.
This past December, Universal Parks & Resorts announced that the second Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park was set to be built at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, though with a tentative 2015-2016, according to Universal executives at a press unveiling last winter. The Harry Potter theme park in Japan, which, stated in the press release, will also feature Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade village, will be the third official park announced, though judging by tentative opening dates, it will be the second open to the public.
"Harry Potter, the most wonderful and amazing story of our time, is coming to Universal Studios Japan. USJ is thrilled to be chosen to make the Harry Potter experience come alive for the people of Japan. USJ is committed to being the world's best Theme Park and by bringing this brilliant story to Japan and creating a fantastic experience is yet another validation of that commitment," said Glenn Gumpel, President and CEO of USJ Co., Ltd, in the press release. "USJ will recreate to the highest level of authenticity, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, created by Universal Studios in Orlando, which has been enjoyed and cherished by millions and millions of Universal Orlando's guests. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - USJ's commitment to bring the world's best to life."
