We may soon be able to visit the Pokemon theme park of our dreams. The Pokemon Company and Universal Studios Japan have established a long-term collaboration beginning in 2022. Although no plans for a theme park have been disclosed, Universal Studios Japan is home to the recently opened Super Nintendo World, a theme park land designed to seem like a world from a Super Mario game. “Beginning in 2022, Universal Studios Japan and The Pokemon Company will launch a long-term relationship to collaboratively explore new entertainment that will immerse guests into the world of Pokemon with innovative technology and creativity,” the two companies said in a press release.
No official announcement was made about a Pokemon theme park, but both companies acknowledged what the partnership seemed to indicate. “The incredible team at Universal Studios Japan have the creative vision and leading expertise in world-class theme park technology to imagine a uniquely Pokemon experience,” said Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokemon Company. “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.”
“We are honored to have a long-term partnership with The Pokemon Company while developing groundbreaking Pokémon entertainment at Universal Studios Japan for both Pokemon fans and our guests,” said J.L. Bonnier, President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan. “The globally popular Pokemon characters combined with Universal’s innovative approach to creating authentic and one-of-a-kind theme park entertainment promise excitement for the entire family.”
Over the course of the year, the Pokemon Company has opened or licenced a number of temporary attractions, the most of which have been in Japan. The Pikachu Outbreak Festival was a very popular annual event, with hundreds of thousands of spectators flocking to Yokohama to see dozens of Pikachu mascots assault the city. Niantic, the creators of Pokemon Go, has also held a number of successful live events.
Obviously, a Pokemon theme park would have far-reaching consequences for both the theme park industry and Pokemon enthusiasts worldwide. Universal Studios Orlando is also building a Super Nintendo World zone, so a successful Pokemon-themed land could eventually find its way to the United States. Stay tuned for further information.