Universal Studios Japan Grand Opening Eve Celebration of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

(July 14, 2014 – Japan) – On the eve of its Grand Opening, Universal Studios Japan celebrated the much anticipated opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter today, Monday July 14, beginning at 7:15 pm. Approximately 1,000 specially invited guests celebrated the opening along with a dazzling display of fireworks.

At 7:15 pm this evening, guests arrived and walked the red carpet on their way to a specially constructed stage for these grand opening events in Hogsmeade village amid thunderous applause.

At approximately 7:40 pm, with the special guests gathered on the stage, including Tom Felton, who played Harry’s rival Draco Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” films, and Evanna Lynch who played Luna Lovegood in the film series and who also attended the April 18 opening date announcement event, joined the 1,000 Harry Potter fans and incanted the Lumos! spell together, illuminating Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade village in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The spell set off a magnificent display of fireworks, colorful confetti, and thunderous applause from the crowd marking the historic moment of the opening of this 45 billion yen national level project and its economic effect of 5.6 trillion yen over ten years.

“The craft and attention to detail across The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan is incredible and I will take away the memory of Hogwarts castle reflected on the Black Lake in particular. I’m delighted that Harry fans in Japan and around Asia can experience a physical incarnation that is so close to what I imagined when writing the books,” said J.K. Rowling.

Event Attendees:

    • Tom Felton, Actor: “Harry Potter” film series, “Draco Malfoy”
    • Evanna Lynch, Actress: “Harry Potter” film series, “Luna Lovegood”
    • SMAP Universal Studios Japan ambassadors
    • Becky Chairperson, Universal Studios Japan Fan Club
    • Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products
    • Ron Meyer, Vice Chairman, NBC Universal
    • Tom Williams, CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts
    • Glenn Gumpel, President & CEO, USJ Co., Ltd.

Be sure to check out the special interactive USJ website where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter and virtually experience every corner of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. www.usj.co.jp/harrypotter

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