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Kyodo News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
New Universal Studios Japan chief eyes expansion of park attractions
KYODO NEWS - 2 hours ago - 12:00 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism The new head of the operator of Universal Studios Japan has expressed eagerness to expand the park's themed areas, building on the success of attractions such as Super Nintendo World based on the universe of iconic video game character Mario. "We will develop in accordance with the market," said Taku Murayama, 53, who assumed his new leadership post at USJ LLC, which operates the theme park in Osaka in western Japan, effective Sunday. Universal Studios Japan will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, having regained popularity after 2014 when it launched The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an area centering on the British boy wizard series. It broadened the zone featuring characters from gaming giant Nintendo Co. last year with the introduction of the world's first attraction area based on the popular Donkey Kong series, aiming to garner more visitors from abroad as well as Japan. Murayama, who joined USJ in 2000 after receiving a master's degree from a U.S. university, added that the World Exposition in Osaka, which opened in April, is an "extremely good touchstone" for the growth of the area around the amusement facility. "I want to help enliven" Osaka together, Murayama said, referring to the integrated resort facilities, including a casino, taking shape next to USJ. He voiced hope that their proximity would be mutually beneficial in attracting visitors. With the service industry struggling to secure human resources as part of Japan's nationwide labor shortage trend, Murayama said, "We will actively adopt digital services and operate efficiently," adding he would also strive to improve the work environment. Originally from Tokyo, Murayama succeeded JL Bonnier, who had led USJ since 2015. Related coverage: Shanghai to open Harry Potter theme park in 2027 Ghibli Park to exhibit anime director Hayao Miyazaki's beloved car Disney-themed Shinkansen trains to begin service in Japan from Feb. 21
The Mainichi
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
New Universal Studios Japan chief eyes expansion of park attractions
OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The new head of the operator of Universal Studios Japan has expressed eagerness to expand the park's themed areas, building on the success of attractions such as Super Nintendo World based on the universe of iconic video game character Mario. "We will develop in accordance with the market," said Taku Murayama, 53, who assumed his new leadership post at USJ LLC, which operates the theme park in Osaka in western Japan, effective Sunday. Universal Studios Japan will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, having regained popularity after 2014 when it launched The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an area centering on the British boy wizard series. It broadened the zone featuring characters from gaming giant Nintendo Co. last year with the introduction of the world's first attraction area based on the popular Donkey Kong series, aiming to garner more visitors from abroad as well as Japan. Murayama, who joined USJ in 2000 after receiving a master's degree from a U.S. university, added that the World Exposition in Osaka, which opened in April, is an "extremely good touchstone" for the growth of the area around the amusement facility. "I want to help enliven" Osaka together, Murayama said, referring to the integrated resort facilities, including a casino, taking shape next to USJ. He voiced hope that their proximity would be mutually beneficial in attracting visitors. With the service industry struggling to secure human resources as part of Japan's nationwide labor shortage trend, Murayama said, "We will actively adopt digital services and operate efficiently," adding he would also strive to improve the work environment. Originally from Tokyo, Murayama succeeded JL Bonnier, who had led USJ since 2015.
Kyodo News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
New Universal Studios Japan chief eyes expansion of park attractions
KYODO NEWS - 14 minutes ago - 12:00 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism The new head of the operator of Universal Studios Japan has expressed eagerness to expand the park's themed areas, building on the success of attractions such as Super Nintendo World based on the universe of iconic video game character Mario. "We will develop in accordance with the market," said Taku Murayama, 53, who assumed his new leadership post at USJ LLC, which operates the theme park in Osaka in western Japan, effective Sunday. Universal Studios Japan will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, having regained popularity after 2014 when it launched The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an area centering on the British boy wizard series. It broadened the zone featuring characters from gaming giant Nintendo Co. last year with the introduction of the world's first attraction area based on the popular Donkey Kong series, aiming to garner more visitors from abroad as well as Japan. Murayama, who joined USJ in 2000 after receiving a master's degree from a U.S. university, added that the World Exposition in Osaka, which opened in April, is an "extremely good touchstone" for the growth of the area around the amusement facility. "I want to help enliven" Osaka together, Murayama said, referring to the integrated resort facilities, including a casino, taking shape next to USJ. He voiced hope that their proximity would be mutually beneficial in attracting visitors. With the service industry struggling to secure human resources as part of Japan's nationwide labor shortage trend, Murayama said, "We will actively adopt digital services and operate efficiently," adding he would also strive to improve the work environment. Originally from Tokyo, Murayama succeeded JL Bonnier, who had led USJ since 2015. Related coverage: Shanghai to open Harry Potter theme park in 2027 Ghibli Park to exhibit anime director Hayao Miyazaki's beloved car Disney-themed Shinkansen trains to begin service in Japan from Feb. 21
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Major airline reveals more flights and holidays to theme-park capital of the world from Scotland
More Scots will be able to jet off direct thanks to an added 5,000 seats ORLAND-GO Major airline reveals more flights and holidays to theme-park capital of the world from Scotland Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS looking to go on the holiday of a lifetime to the theme-park capital of the world are welcoming news that there will be more direct flights next year. Virgin Atlantic have announced they are extending their summer seasonal route from Edinburgh and Orlando for 2026. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 DOWNTOWN SKYLINE LAKE EOLA PARK ORLANDO Credit: Alamy 5 Virgin will increase its flights from Edinburgh to Orlando for summer 2026 Credit: Alamy The award-wining airline is adding an additional twelve return flights to Florida – the equivalent of almost 5,000 seats. Next summer Virgin will fly between the two cities up to three times a week from April to the end of October, instead of the two weekly services this summer. It further marks growth for Virgin Atlantic at Edinburgh Airport, its home in Scotland. And it comes just as Orlando's first new theme park in a quarter of a century Epic Universe opened at Universal Orlando resort. Universal's incredible new Epic Universe is home to five brand new hyper-immersive worlds themed on legendary franchises with rides, shows, and experiences. It features The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. The new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, is right next door and features its own private entrance to the park. 5 Epic Universe's Nintendo world Credit: Supplied 5 The Stardust Racers dual-launch coaster at Universal's new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Credit: EPA 5 Epic Universe and the new Helios hotel Credit: Supplied Holidaymakers can also visit Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, Walt Disney World Resort, Legoland, Peppa Pig world and Seaworld and much, much more. Orlando has hundreds of hotels to choose from as well as thousands of villas, houses and condos. Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: 'We know Orlando is a bit of a bucket-list destination, so this is fantastic news for families in Scotland who have long wanted to experience everything Florida has to offer. I was one of the first people in the world to visit Universal's new mega theme park – one attraction took my breath away 'The additional frequencies offer more options to our passengers and makes it even easier to leave Edinburgh in the morning and be arguing with your family in a Florida rental car by dinner time! 'We're excited to see Virgin Atlantic grows its presence at Edinburgh Airport and is another show of confidence in the market and its home in Scotland.' Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, commented: 'Orlando has long been one of Virgin Atlantic's top destinations, with thousands of Brits flocking to Florida every year for the warming climates and thrilling attractions, including the recent opening of Epic Universe. 'I'm delighted that our Scottish guests can soak up even more of the action with the extension of our Orlando flying programme this summer.' Currently Virgin fly to Orlando on Wednesdays at 2.30pm and Saturdays at 1.05pm. Return flights leave Orlando on Wednesday;s at 8.50pm and at 7.35pm on Saturdays. The new flights will take off on Thursdays from June 4-July 9 and September 17-October 22 in 2026 at 3.35pm, returning from Orlando at 10.20pm, arriving back into Edinburgh at 11.25am the next day.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
That new Universal Epic Universe theme park in Orlando? An MTSU graduate helped build it
Universal Orlando has opened the nation's first major theme park in more than 20 years — and a Tennessean had a big part in creating it. Susan Cummings — from Spencer, Tennessee, about an hour east of Murfreesboro — is the executive producer for the Super Nintendo World section of the buzzy new Epic Universe park in Orlando. Cummings, 57, a 1990 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, led a team that designed the part of the park that brings decades of Nintendo games to life. Super Nintendo World includes areas like Super Mario Land, Yoshi's Adventure and Donkey Kong Country. Cummings is even featured in Universal Studios' promotional video for Super Nintendo World. In a phone interview with The Tennessean, Cummings said she has been surprised at how emotional some of the park's first visitors got when they saw their beloved Nintendo games in 3D. "Oh, my gosh, I saw people wiping away tears and saying, 'I can't believe I'm here,'" Cummings said. "People have strong multi-generational ties to these games. They are places you'd never expect to actually visit. You just them on screens large and small, but you'd never expect to be there." Cummings, who has been working on Super Nintendo World for six years, said she loves seeing visitors' strong reactions. "That's the good stuff," she said. "You forget all struggles with construction and budgets when you see someone experience it. That's why you do it." Cummings moved to Orlando after graduating from MTSU to pursue her dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. A friend's brother, comedian Joby Saad, was working in Orlando, and Cummings started opening for his shows and serving as emcee. While trying to launch her own comedy career, Cummings started working for theme parks in Orlando to pay her bills. Soon, Cummings found herself working at higher and higher levels in the Universal Studios theme park world. Cummings credits her time as a theater major at MTSU with launching a career in entertainment. In addition to being part of student productions, Cummings performed stand-up for the first time in Murfreesboro after one of her professors, Deborah Anderson, got her a slot at an open mic night. "I also remember getting a lot of parking tickets outside Schardt Hall where I lived for a few semesters!" she said. Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: MTSU grad helped build that new Universal Epic Universe theme park
