SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ EXPANSION
NEW “DONKEY KONG COUNTRY™” AREA OPENS TOMORROW! Nintendo Representative Director & Fellow Shigeru Miyamoto, Park Super Fan Haruka Fukuhara, and Representatives from Universal Studios Gather to Celebrate on Eve of Grand Opening
GRAND OPENING EVE PARTY
Tuesday December 10th, 2024

December 10th, 2024

PARK

  Universal Studios Japan will open the world's first*1 “Donkey Kong Country”, a new area based on the world-famous Donkey Kong, tomorrow, Wednesday December 11th, expanding the popular SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Today, Tuesday December 10th, the day before the opening of the new area, a celebratory ceremony was held to commemorate the new area. 

  At approximately 5:30pm today, amidst the lush jungle of “Donkey Kong Country”, Mr. Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo Co., Ltd., Ms. Haruka Fukuhara, a popular Japanese actor who has become a fan of the park since her visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destination & Experiences, and J.L. Bonnier, President and CEO of USJ LLC, gathered to celebrate on the eve of the opening with “Donkey Kong”. At the celebration, the new “Donkey Kong Country” was illuminated with a spectacular light show that brightened “The Golden Temple”, the symbol of the area that rises at the far end of the jungle. Attendees also enjoyed entertaining performances that embodied the “Donkey Kong Country” theme of “PLAY WILD!”. 

  • *1 Based on in-house research regarding establishments themed with characters and worlds from the Nintendo brand.

  Ms. Haruka Fukuhara, who fully experienced the wild adventure of “Donkey Kong Country” ahead of the ceremony, saying "As I stepped into “Donkey Kong Country”, I was extremely impressed by the overwhelming quality. Through my experience in this area, I felt like I couldn't control my instincts and I was so thrilled by the feeling of becoming super energetic! I'm so happy that an additional place that we can be proud of to the world is born in Japan!"

【Summary of Statements】

Mr. Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo Co., Ltd. Representative Director and Fellow

Tomorrow, "Donkey Kong Country" will open. It is truly emotional to see the world of "Donkey Kong," which started from the game arcades in 1981, brought to life here at Universal Studios Japan.  The Golden Temple is amazing under the blue sky, but the view during the nighttime is also beautiful. The area is enjoyable for everyone in the family with experiences such as the mine coaster that every game player is familiar with, an exciting Meet-Up with Donkey Kong, and more!  Please enjoy the “real jungle “where you can hear the sounds of animals amongst the jungle beat. I am deeply grateful for the wonderful partnership we have with Universal Studios Japan and Universal Creative. 

Ms. Haruka Fukuhara, Actor

In "Mine Cart Madness™," I was so excited to jump over rails that look like being broken and went wild! Donkey Kong is a memorable game that I've enjoyed with my family since I was little. I was so happy because I actually met real Donkey Kong for the first time, and he even gave me a hug!  I also really enjoyed the activities that used my whole body, such as "Rambi’s Bongo Breakout," which everyone can enjoy together by catching the rhythm.
I was really looking forward to this day, but there were so many wonderful experiences that far exceeded my imagination and expectations. I'm also very happy that another wonderful place that we can be proud of is born in Japan, and I want to confidently recommend it to people all over the world! I hope you will all awake your instincts and feel super energized at the scaled-up SUPER NINTENDO WORLD!

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destination & Experiences

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD made its global debut here at Universal Studios Japan with its grand opening in 2021, followed by its launch at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023. Since then, it has continued to amaze guests worldwide with jaw-dropping experiences. It’s no exaggeration to say that the vibrant atmosphere in our parks every day is now a defining chapter in the history of Universal Destinations & Experiences.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is a global project, set to open in Universal Epic Universe in Orlando in May 2025, with plans to expand to Singapore afterward. More than just opening in multiple locations, we take pride in bringing the excitement and wonder of Nintendo’s world to Universal Studios around the globe, creating a major trend in the process.

Photos Left: Mark Woodbury
Photos Right: J.L. Bonnier

J.L. Bonnier, President and CEO of USJ LLC

With the grand opening of this new area, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will expand its current size by approximately 70% and greatly enhance the overall guest experience. A new era for theme parks begins here at Universal Studios Japan—the perfect place for the birth of Donkey Kong Country.  This long-awaited expansion, which fully immerses guests in the world of Nintendo by engaging all five senses, opens tomorrow.
We believe the expansion of this incredible area will have a significant positive impact on society. It will undoubtedly make our park an even more appealing destination, not only for visitors from Japan but also from around the world. 

■About Universal Studios Japan

  Universal Studios Japan belongs to the Comcast NBC Universal Group. Universal Studios Japan has succeeded in establishing its position as a major entertainment and leisure landmark attracting many guests in Japan as well as from overseas. Universal Studios Japan offers world-class entertainment such as authentic attractions and shows, based not only on Hollywood blockbusters but also popular entertainment brands such as Japanese anime, and a variety of seasonal events entertaining its guests with the world’s highest quality entertainment. Through “Super Amazing” and “Super Exciting” experiences made possible only at Universal Studios Japan, all park visitors are given the opportunity to break out of their shells and be “Super Energized” in the “Super Energetic District” that is Universal Studios Japan. 
  Universal Studios Japan has continued to evolve since its opening in 2001 and has recently accelerated its growth with the launch of world-class entertainment experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Flying Dinosaur which soars through the entire Jurassic Park area, Minion Park and the “Hacha Mecha Ride” where guests are able to enjoy the chaotic antics of the Minions, and Super Nintendo World, a new area where guests can unleash their passion to play in an immersive environment based on world renowned Nintendo characters and their worlds. 

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