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Universal Studios Japan Celebrates New 3D Experience “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”

(May 20, 2015 – Osaka, Japan) – To celebrate greater magic in the second year at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan, a ceremony for the announcement of a “new magical experience” and its advance premiere was held today, May 20.

The world’s leading attraction, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” has been evolved into 3D and will open tomorrow on May 21 as the first and only in the world.  With Harry Potter film talent Tom Felton and Katie Leung, and Universal Studios Japan’s ambassador SMAP, a spell was cast upon the magnificent Hogwarts castle to celebrate the opening of this new experience.

Thunderous cheers were heard from three hundred Harry Potter fans wearing scarves of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  When the ceremony started, the members of SMAP, Universal Studios Japan’s ambassadors, appeared on the stage in front of Hogwarts castle, and introduced Harry Potter film talent Tom Felton, who portrayed Harry Potter’s classmate and nemesis Draco Malfoy, and Katie Leung, who portrayed Cho Chang, famous for Harry’s first crush, made an appearance with Glenn Gumpel, Chairman and CEO of USJ, Co., when he announced the opening “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” in 4K3D, which has been evolved into 3D for the first time. The fans reacted with cheers and surprise.

Along with the fans, they all cast “Expecto Patronum” towards Hogwarts castle. Then the crowd squealed for joy as eagle, rabbit, weasel and stag Patronuses appeared on the walls of Hogwarts, followed by a special display of fireworks.

All the celebrities had experienced “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” prior to the ceremony.  Tom commented, “It was always a great ride, now it’s even more immersive.  I tried to grab the golden snitch several times. Then Katie said that I tried to grab the snitch but it was unsuccessful.  Coming face to face with the dragon and Dementor was terrifying.”

SMAP, who participated at the ceremony as Universal Studios Japan’s ambassadors, made the following statements:  Mr. Inagaki said “I am not good at rides, but I became addicted to the ride attraction due to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.”  Mr. Kusanagi commented, “It is awesome. I want everybody to experience it.”  “I was surprised that Universal Studios Japan made greater magic in the second year - the world’s best which is now beyond the world’s best,” said Mr. Katori.  “This attraction won’t disappoint the people who experienced the ride last year and it is too awesome to remember the previous one,” Mr. Nakai commented.   Mr. Kimura said “I am proud of having the world’s best and first 4K3D entertainment here in Japan.”

CEO of USJ Co., Ltd., operating company of Universal Studios Japan, Glenn Gumpel, made the following statement: “In 2014, so many guests visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan. I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you. As promised, Universal Studios Japan will continue to deliver the ‘World’s Best’ entertainment and will keep taking on new challenges.”

Ceremony Attendees

  • Glenn Gumpel, CEO of USJ Co., Ltd
  • Tom Felton, Actor, Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter movie series
  • Katie Leung, Actress, Cho Chang from the Harry Potter movie series
  • SMAP, Universal Studios Japan Ambassadors

Universal Studios Japan aims for the world’s best entertainment, a place where memories that last a lifetime are made.

Please call the information center （Tel : 0570-20-0606） for any general information in regards to Universal Studios Japan. The Official Universal Studios Japan website can be accessed via computer, cell phone and smart phone.

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