Japanese entertainment continues to thrive as Universal Studios Japan (USJ) celebrates the 10th anniversary of its renowned Universal Cool Japan event. This year, the event features beloved franchises such as Detective Conan and Masquerade, showcasing the multifaceted appeal of Japan's popular culture.
Taking place at USJ, the event allows fans to immerse themselves not only in anime and manga but also in live performances. One of the main attractions this year is the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant, where diners can engage with iconic characters like Kogoro Mori and Ran. Guests get to enjoy various culinary delights based on Conan's universe as they work alongside these characters to solve intriguing mysteries.
One enthusiastic attendee remarked, “I was accused of being the culprit by Kogoro Mori!” This unique interactive dining experience creates unforgettable memories and thrills for Detective Conan fans.
Following the dining event, participants can also attend the Masquerade live show, titled “The Targeted Masquerade Ball.” Set within the elegant confines of the fictional Hotel Cortesia, guests become part of the drama when an unexpected incident disrupts the soirée. Detective Nitta from the Masquerade series appears to guide small groups through solving the mystery. Visitors are highly encouraged to experience this firsthand, with one source advocating for it as “an enthralling glimpse of mystery well worth attending.”
On another front, preparations are being made for those heading to school for the first time. Shogakukan has launched its “Spring Enrollment Campaign” for new first-grade students. The campaign runs from February 21 to March 31, 2025, offering special educational kits known as the Conan’s New Enrollment Support Box.
The spokesperson for Shogakukan stated, “The special box set always brings excitement to new students.” This exclusive kit includes various school supplies like pencils, erasers, and notebooks, delivered within a themed box, making the transition to school more enjoyable for little learners.
Additional perks include valuable discounts, such as 2,000 yen off the enrollment fee and various supplementary educational materials aimed at reinforcing key skills divided among six domains, including math and language. This promotion is being eagerly anticipated by both children and parents.
The excitement does not stop there, as the Detective Conan franchise gears up for the release of its 28th theatrical film, Detective Conan: The Phantom Flashback, slated to premiere on April 18, 2025. The film promises to captivate audiences with its thrilling storyline, set against the snowy backdrop of Nagano Prefecture and chronicling police detective Okasan's adventures.
The promo material hints at the storyline’s depth, saying, “The upcoming movie's setting shows the shadows of promises unfulfilled.” Fans can expect nothing short of heart-pounding twists and character development as they follow their favorite detective through snowy landscapes filled with intrigue.
With the ten-year milestone of Universal Cool Japan, the spring enrollment campaign, and the movie's release, the Detective Conan franchise is fully poised to capture the hearts of old and new fans alike. This convergence of events highlights the enduring popularity of Japanese pop culture and its ability to continuously engage audiences through innovative experiences and beloved storytelling.