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EconomicJapan·27 Aug 2026 · 1d ago

Universal Studios Japan to invest up to $1.88 billion in expansion

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Universal Studios Japan announced plans to expand its Osaka theme park with an investment ranging between 200 billion and 300 billion yen ($1.26 billion to $1.88 billion). The operator intended to develop a 60,000-square-meter site formerly occupied by a Nippon Steel factory, marking the park's first physical expansion since its 2001 opening. The project aimed to increase annual attendance beyond the current 16 million visitors as the park sought to accommodate rising numbers of overseas tourists.

Consequences

The park operator expected to formalize a lease agreement with the Osaka municipal government for the city-owned portion of the expansion site around 2028. This long-term development signaled a move to solidify the park's position as the most visited theme park in Japan.

Sources

Channel NewsAsiaNikkei Asia
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