"Wizarding World" to open in Japan
It looks like Harry Potter has put a spell on Japan because a new "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is set to open at Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan. This is good news for Asian fans of the famous book and film character. It's been a couple years now since the magician-themed park opened in Orlando and following huge success, it's now going to be re-created in Asia. Since Orlando opened the "Wizarding World" in 2010, the park number sky-rocketed. Universal Studios hopes to mimic the success in Japan.
Construction of the new theme park should start in the coming weeks with the official launch and opening of the newest Harry Potter park set for 2014. What can you expect at the park?
A life-size reconstruction of Hogwarts, the school that Harry and his accomplices attended as well as Hogsmeade. There will also be a ton of rides and some themed food stands. Anything flavoured jelly beans anyone?
Universal Studios sees this as an opportunity to bring the beloved tales and stories of Harry Potter to life as well as push up tourism in Japan, not only in Osaka. Harry Potter is big business, especially in Asia. In Japan alone, the movies grossed a whopping £550 million at the box offices.
There may also be a "Wizarding World" heading to Los Angeles but the Japanese version will open beforehand.
Have you been to the Harry Potter theme park in Orlando yet? Who is your favourite Harry Potter character?