History
1994
Dec.
Osaka Universal Planning Inc. is established in Minato-ku, Osaka to plan, research, etc., for development and construction of large-scale theme park.
1996
Feb.
Master agreement regarding planning, construction and operation of theme park “Universal Studios Japan™” is concluded with American corporation MCA Inc. (current Universal Studios Inc.)
Mar.
Based on above master agreement, company name changed to USJ Co., Ltd.
1997
Apr.
Head office moved to Suminoe-ku, Osaka.
1998
Mar.
Licensing agreement (final contract) regarding planning, construction and operation of “Universal Studios Japan™” is concluded with Universal Group companies, including American corporation Universal Studios Inc.
Oct.
Construction of “Universal Studios Japan™” commences in Konohana-ku, Osaka.
2001
Jan.
Head office moved to Konohana-ku, Osaka.
Mar.
Theme park “Universal Studios Japan™” opens.
2002
Apr.
Attraction “Hollywood Premier Parade(TM)” introduced. (Ended August 2004)
2003
Apr.
Attraction “Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic(TM)” introduced.
Jun.
Attraction “Shrek’s 4-D Adventure(TM)” introduced.
2004
Jan.
Attraction “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man(TM) - The Ride” introduced.
2005
Apr.
Attraction “Happy Harmony Celebration” introduced.
2006
Apr.
Attraction “Peter Pan’s Neverland” introduced.
Jul.
“Land of Oz” area and musical show “WiCKED” introduced.
Aug.
Amended licensing agreement (amended and revised final contract) regarding planning, construction and operation of theme park “Universal Studios Japan™” concluded with American corporation Vivendi Universal Entertainment LLLP, successor to rights and obligations of Universal Studios Inc., and other Universal Group companies.
2007
Mar.
Attraction “Hollywood Dream - The Ride” introduced.
Mar.
Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Market.
2009
May.
SG Investments completes TOB.
Sep.
Delisted on Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Market.
2010
Feb.
Merger complete with SG Investments as surviving company absorbing USJ Co., Ltd, trade name of surviving company changed to USJ Co., Ltd on the same day.
Mar.
Attraction “Space Fantasy - The Ride” introduced.
2012
Mar.
New area “Universal Wonderland” opens.
2013
Mar.
Attraction “Hollywood Dream - The Ride - Backdrop-” renewed.
Jul.
Attraction “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - The Ride 4K3D” renewed.
2014
Jul.
New area “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” opens.
2015
Nov.
Comcast NBCUniversal acquires a controlling interest.
2016
Mar.
Attraction “The Flying Dinosaur” introduced.
2017
Apr.
USJ becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comcast NBCUniversal.
Apr.
New area “Minion Park” opens.
2018
May.
“Universal Spectacle Night Parade ~The Best of Hollywood~” introduced.
Oct.
Company name changed to USJ LLC.
2019
Apr.
Musical Attraction "SING ON TOUR” introduced.
2021
Mar.
New area “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™” opens.
Origin of Universal Studios®
In 1915, Carl Laemmle opened a film studio named "Universal®" on the site of a former ranch.
In those days, visitors to Universal Studios, who paid 25 cents per person for admission, could eat lunch at the studio commissary and, while sitting on outdoor bleachers, could enjoy watching silent films being made. It was the first time that a studio was open to people who were not involved in shooting a movie and allowed them to witness the behind-the-scenes action. This was a major turning point in the history of Hollywood and can be considered the first step in the origin of entertainment themed to the movies of Universal Studios.
Beginning of Universal Studios Hollywood ®
Universal Studios Hollywood ® opened in 1964 in the heart of the world's largest film and television studio. Here, you can experience live entertainment based on original movies and television.
Universal CityWalk ® expanded recently is part of this. Today, more than 100 million guests have stepped onto Universal's sprawling 400-acre set to experience some of the greatest film and television worlds in the history.
Beginning of Universal Studios Florida ® and Global Expansion
In 1990, Universal Studios Florida ® opened, and in 1999, Florida's second theme park, Islands of Adventure™, opened adjacent to Universal Studios Florida ®. In addition, the City Walk Orlando ® entertainment complex, a themed hotel, and a film and television production facility have been added to offer an super entertainment resort experience.
A New Development
Then, in 2001, with the opening of Universal Studios Japan, the history of Universal Studios® took a new turn. In addition to a selection of popular attractions from the parks in Hollywood and Florida, new attractions were developed specifically for Japan. It was a great challenge to provide people from around the world enjoyable entertainment based on American movies.
