Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is set to celebrate its renowned event "Universal Cool Japan" with a major new attraction inspired by the popular anime "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto." Marking the 10th anniversary of this cultural initiative, the event promises to deliver a spectacular experience from July 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026. With the anime's success—over 40 million copies sold since its inception—this collaboration is expected to draw significant interest from both local and international fans.
The news was revealed as part of an ongoing celebration of Japanese pop culture at USJ, showcasing how the theme park continually influences global entertainment trends. The attraction will allow visitors to enter the fictional world of "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto," experiencing the unique adventures of the main character, Maomao, and her interactions with the intriguing personalities of the series, including the strikingly handsome eunuch Jinshi.
"Kusuriya no Hitorigoto," created by author Natsu Hyuga and illustrated by Touko Shino, centers on Maomao, a young woman with a fascination for poisons and herbs who solves complex mysteries that arise within the imperial court. The enthralling blend of adventure and mystery has captivated audiences, making this collaboration a fitting addition to the theme park's offerings.
This attraction is not only the first of its kind for USJ but sets a precedent for future partnerships with acclaimed anime properties. Fans can expect an array of park-exclusive food and merchandise designed to transport them deeper into the story universe. Further details on these offerings and updates will be disclosed as the event date approaches, enhancing the anticipation surrounding the collaboration.
Currently, the "Universal Cool Japan" event features other attractions, including an interactive real mystery show, which will run until June 30, 2025. With this level of engagement, USJ demonstrates its commitment to pushing the envelope in providing immersive entertainment.
The event's overarching theme—“NO LIMIT!”—aligns with Universal's mission to enrich the visitor experience through elevated creativity and technology—taking beloved narratives and rendering them in exhilarating new formats. As a premier destination for themed entertainment in Japan, USJ has established itself as a hub of worldwide culture, drawing legions of fans to join in the festivities.
The announcement comes at a prime time ahead of the second season of the anime, which premiered its first part in January 2025, continuing to keep fans deeply engaged with the narrative. Major anime conventions, such as Anime Expo 2024 in Los Angeles, where over 3,400 fans gathered to celebrate the series, underline the global impact of the franchise. Similarly, the first season of the anime topped playback numbers on streaming platforms like TVer, winning the "TVer Award 2023" Special Award for its significant viewer engagement.
As excitement builds for "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto" and its portrayal of historical mystery, USJ's upcoming collaboration promises to be a highlight of the next year. With its multi-faceted approach that combines theme park attractions with anime culture, the event aims to transcend traditional entertainment boundaries, offering fans an unprecedented level of interaction with their favorite narrative.
Festivities at USJ are expected to provide a memorable journey into the world of "Kusuriya no Hitorigoto," presenting the intricate storytelling and character development in a live environment, coupled with the thrill of amusement park attractions. Visitors will get to blend excitement with their love for anime, ensuring the event’s high anticipated success as it showcases the longevity and evolving nature of Japanese pop culture.
