Osaka-based Universal Studios Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of the American movie-based theme park, has indicated its intention to build a second park by 2020, just in time for the Tokyo Olympics. USJ is currently considering candidate sites in other regions of Japan as well as developing countries in Asia. Since Kanto is already home to the Tokyo Disney Resort, Kyushu and Okinawa appear to be top contenders domestically. If a site in Kyushu or Okinawa is selected, a significant economic impact can be expected, but given concerns over long-term demand in the face of a dwindling population, USJ is also exploring options in growing economies such as Taiwan, Jakarta, Indonesia and Mumbai, India. As opposed to its US parent, USJ has had success in making visible use of its popular mascot characters. The question is where to go next. Kyushu’s warmer climes make it a good choice within Japan. It also has hot springs and other tourism resources that attract numerous tourists from Asia. However, a new park on the island could lead to USJ competing with Huis Ten Bosch in Sasebo, Nagasaki for visitors. Meanwhile, the original Universal Studios already has a theme park on Sentosa Island in Singapore that caters to a richer clientele with a casino and integrated resort. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 2/21
