Universal Studios Hollywood announced on October 4th that the popular Japanese anime series One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen will be featured at its limited-time event, Universal Fan Fest Nights, from April 25 to May 18, 2025. The event, being held for the first time, will take place after regular park hours and showcase various popular franchises including Star Trek, Harry Potter, Back to the Future, and Dungeons & Dragons.
The inclusion of One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, both widely watched in the United States, highlights the growing recognition of Japanese anime as a customer draw at major American theme parks. Universal Studios Japan (USJ), one of Japan’s largest theme parks, will cooperate in implementing the anime-themed attractions, utilizing its expertise in incorporating Japanese pop culture elements since 2007.
USJ’s successful track record with anime-based attractions, such as the upcoming Super Nintendo World set to open in 2021, with a similar facility planned for Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, underscores the growing influence of Japanese entertainment on the global stage. The collaboration between the American and Japanese parks also points to the increasing importance of Japan’s theme park business and its attraction development know-how.
As Japanese anime continues to gain popularity as mainstream entertainment, events like Universal Fan Fest Nights showcase the potential for cross-cultural partnerships in the theme park industry. The inclusion of One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen at the 2025 event marks a significant step in the global recognition of Japanese pop culture and its ability to attract a diverse audience.
