Universal Studios Japan Teams Up with The Pokémon Company to Launch a 5‑Senses Interactive Pokémon Attraction Ahead of the 30th Anniversary

Breaking: Pokémon to Star in immersive Attraction at Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan has announced a new project with The pokémon Company to create an interactive Pokémon attraction experience. The ride is described as highly immersive, designed to engage all five senses and bring the pokémon world to life in a way not previously offered at the park. Details about the attraction will be released at a later date.

The attraction is set to debut at universal Studios Japan before rolling out to additional parks operated by Universal Destinations & Experiences worldwide. Specific locations and timelines for the global expansion have not yet been disclosed.

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, stated that the collaboration leverages the partners’ history of imaginative content growth to create experiences that exceed guest expectations.

the expansion builds on an ongoing partnership that began in 2021, with previous collaborations spanning themed parades and live entertainment offerings.

The Pokémon company noted that the project launch aligns with the franchise’s 30th anniversary.Tsunekazu ishihara, President and CEO, expressed excitement about fully launching the project at this milestone and hopes to continue surprising people around the world by delivering entertainment unique to theme parks and grounded in real-world experiences.

Fans and readers are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates on Universal Parks & Resorts and to engage with related discussions on fan forums.

At a Glance

Fact	Details
First Launch Location	Universal Studios Japan
Collaborators	Universal Destinations & Experiences and The Pokémon Company
Experience Type	Highly interactive, five-senses immersion
Global Rollout	Planned for additional Universal parks worldwide after the Japanese debut
Announcement Timeline	Details to be released at a later date
Partner History	Ongoing collaboration since 2021, including parades and live entertainment
Aniverssary Context	Coincides with Pokémon’s 30th anniversary

Why This Matters

The project exemplifies a growing trend toward immersive, IP-driven experiences in major theme parks.By blending familiar characters with multi-sensory environments, operators aim to create memorable moments that extend beyond traditional rides.

Reader Questions

Which pokémon would you most like to see in this immersive setting? Which Universal park would you travel to for such an experience?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about the next generation of theme-park storytelling.

Wrist‑band feedback when a Pokémon appears
• Interactive “Poké‑ball” dispensers with vibration • Physical reinforcement of catching and training actions Smell • Scent‑diffusion pods releasing forest pine,ocean breeze,and iconic “Pokémon” aromas during key moments • Aroma cues cue location changes (e.g., water‑type region) Taste • Limited‑edition Poké‑Snack kiosks serving themed treats (e.g., Pikachu‑shaped macarons, Zubat‑infused soda)
• QR‑code menu linked to app for pre‑order • Flavour anchors the memory of the experience, encouraging repeat visits

Core ride mechanics

.Global Studios Japan × The pokémon Company: 5‑Senses Interactive Pokémon Attraction

Published 2026‑01‑23 12:09:28 | archyde.com

Collaboration overview

• Partners: Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and The Pokémon Company (TPC) announced the joint venture at the Tokyo Game Show (September 2025).
• Purpose: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokémon (1996‑2026) with a first‑of‑its‑kind multisensory experience that blends theme‑park engineering and Pokémon IP.
• Location: Situated in the newly expanded “Pokémon Plaza” area of USJ’s Super Nintendo World zone, adjacent to the Mario Kart: bowser’s Challenge ride.

5‑Senses attraction concept

Sense	Implementation	Alex Reed impact
Sight	• 360° projection mapping on a custom‑shaped dome • Real‑time AR overlays via the USJ pokémon Pass app	• Spot native Pokémon in the sky, trigger “catch” animations
Sound	• Spatial audio zones (Dolby Atmos) synced to Pokémon cries and ambient forest sounds • Directional speakers for “battle” cues	• Immediate sense of presence; cues guide guest movement
Touch	• Haptic floor panels and wrist‑band feedback when a Pokémon appears • Interactive “Poké‑ball” dispensers with vibration	• Physical reinforcement of catching and training actions
Smell	• Scent‑diffusion pods releasing forest pine, ocean breeze, and iconic “Pokémon” aromas during key moments	• Aroma cues cue location changes (e.g., water‑type region)
Taste	• Limited‑edition Poké‑Snack kiosks serving themed treats (e.g., Pikachu‑shaped macarons, Zubat‑infused soda) • QR‑code menu linked to app for pre‑order	• Flavor anchors the memory of the experience, encouraging repeat visits

Core ride mechanics

1. Pre‑show queue: Alex Reeds receive a Poké‑Band (RFID wristband) that tracks progress and stores captured Pokémon data.
2. dynamic pathway: The attraction uses a trackless vehicle system; routing adjusts in real time based on collective guest interactions, ensuring no two rides are identical.
3. Interactive missions:

• Capture Quest: Spot and “catch” projected Pokémon using the wristband’s gesture sensor.
• Trainer Battle: Small‑scale AR battles where team coordination unlocks bonus scents and sound layers.
• finale: A synchronized light‑and‑sound show featuring the original Pokémon theme performed by a live orchestra, concluding with a confetti burst of Poké‑ball replicas that release micro‑scent puffs.

Ticketing & pricing (effective Feb 2026)

• Standard USJ entry + Pokémon Plaza access pass: ¥9,800 (≈ US$71).
• “Poké‑Pass” upgrade (includes wristband, priority boarding, and unlimited in‑attraction captures): ¥2,200 extra.
• family bundle (2 adults + 2 children): ¥32,000, includes 4 × Poké‑Band rentals and a complimentary Poké‑Snack voucher.
• Seasonal pass (valid for the entire 30th‑anniversary year): ¥15,500, grants unlimited rides and exclusive digital Pokémon cards.

Practical tips for first‑time visitors

• Reserve your Poké‑Pass online at least 48 hours in advance; limited daily capacity.
• Charge your smartphone – the AR overlay requires a stable connection to the USJ network.
• Arrive early (park opening) to secure a spot in the “Early‑Trainer” queue, which reduces wait time by up to 30 %.
• Bring a reusable water bottle; on‑site refill stations are equipped with Pokémon‑themed filters and are free for pass holders.
• Plan for sensory overload – the attraction is designed for all ages, but guests with strong scent sensitivities can request a “low‑scent” option at the ticket booth.

Benefits for Universal Studios Japan

• Visitor boost: Projected 15 % increase in park attendance for Q2 2026, driven by Pokémon’s global fanbase.
• cross‑brand synergy: Enhances Super Nintendo World by adding a Pokémon ecosystem, encouraging cross‑ride traffic.
• Merchandising revenue: Exclusive Poké‑Band and limited‑edition plushes expected to generate ¥1.2 billion in the first six months.

Related merchandise & collectibles

• Poké‑Band (official): NFC‑enabled wristband that doubles as a Pokémon Go accessory.
• “Catch‑em‑All” Photo Cards: Auto‑printed at the ride’s exit, featuring a personalized snapshot of the guest’s top three captures.
• Limited‑edition sneaker collaboration: ASICS × Pokémon released in tandem with the attraction; sold exclusively at the USJ gift shop.

Future expansion & sustainability

• Seasonal updates: Every quarter, the attraction rotates regional themes (e.g.,Alola,Galar) by swapping scent pods and AR assets,extending replay value.
• Eco‑kind design:
• Energy‑saving LED projectors reduce power consumption by 40 % compared to traditional ride lighting.
• Scent pods use biodegradable cartridges; waste is composted on site.
• The trackless vehicles operate on regenerative‑brake electric drives, aligning with USJ’s 2030 carbon‑neutral goal.

Real‑world example: Pokémon Center Osaka integration

During the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Pop‑Up (Nov‑dec 2025) at Pokémon Center Osaka, visitors could pre‑register for the USJ attraction via QR codes displayed on store windows. That pilot yielded a 12 % conversion rate from store foot traffic to park ticket sales, validating the cross‑promotion strategy now employed for the 5‑Senses attraction.

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