Japan: Harry Potter theme park to open in Osaka
Twin actors James and Oliver Phelps, who played as Fred and George Weasley in all Harry Potter movies, during an announcement at a press presentation in Osaka on May 10, 2012. Universal Studios Japan unveiled plans to build the first international version of the theme park “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in Osaka, to be open in 2014.
Japan will soon get its own Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, it was announced on Thursday, according to Reuters.
The theme park, which will be located at Universal Studios in Osaka, is scheduled to open by 2014.
James and Oliver Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter movies, were present at the announcement in Osaka, and were greeted by Harry Potter fans in costumes, said AFP.
A spokesman said, "We will build several attractions, including a school for wizards," according to AFP. Universal Studios later added that the wizarding village of Hogsmeade would also be recreated in the theme park.
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The Osaka theme park will cost an estimated $500 million and will begin construction in the next few weeks, according to The Los Angeles Times. It will also include Hogwarts Castle and rides.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida has already drawn millions of fans, and another is being planned for Los Angeles.
The Harry Potter films grossed nearly $900 million in Japan, according to The LA Times, more than what they made in the UK.
Brad Globe, of Warner Brothers, said, "Harry Potter continues to captivate generations of fans around the world and we are delighted to announce this partnership… that will allow us to bring the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Asia," according to AFP.
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