It looks like Universal Studios Japan is looking to do more business with another Nintendo game property as the amusement park has announced it has inked a deal with The Pokémon Company.
“Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company will enter a long-term partnership to jointly explore groundbreaking entertainment that will immerse guests… with innovative technology and creativity beginning in 2022,” Universal Studios Japan said in a press release.
Details at this point are limited on the creative partnership between the two entities. We do know, according to a tweet from Universal Studios Japan’s Twitter account that multiple projects are currently in development with the first one scheduled for sometime in 2022.
“We are honoured to have a long-term partnership with The Pokémon Company while developing groundbreaking Pokémon entertainment at Universal Studios Japan for both fans and our guests,” Universal Studios Japan President and CEO, J.L. Bonnier said in a statement.
“The globally popular Pokémon characters combined with Universal’s innovative approach to creating authentic and one-of-a-kind theme park entertainment promise excitement for the entire family.”
Speculation is that the long-term partnership may lead to an actual theme park based on the monster-catching franchise, which was first rumoured back in 2018. Seeing how Universal Studios Japan in Osaka already has Mario theme park and with a Donkey Kong expansion coming in 2024, it seems more likely. The new deal between both companies definitely seems like it isn’t a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’.
“The incredible team at Universal Studios Japan have the creative vision and leading expertise in world-class theme park technology to imagine a uniquely Pokémon experience,” The Pokémon Company President and CEO, Tsunekazu Ishihara said in a statement.
“This strategic alliance with Universal Studios Japan reflects our commitment to continue delivering the joy of Pokémon in ever-evolving ways for years to come. We are looking forward to the day when we can welcome fans from around the world to all enjoy it together.”
