Universal to Build Global Pokémon Worlds, Starting in Japan

OSAKA, Japan – January 27, 2026 – In a landmark announcement that has electrified fans and the theme park industry, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and The Pokémon Company today revealed plans for a groundbreaking, long-term global project. The collaboration will bring new, deeply immersive Pokémon experiences to life, starting at the Osaka park before expanding across Universal Destinations & Experiences' worldwide portfolio.

The move signals a significant deepening of the partnership between the two entertainment giants and represents a core part of Universal's strategy to integrate fan-favorite intellectual properties into its parks. While specific details about the nature of the attractions remain under wraps, the announcement promises "unprecedented and innovative experiences" that aim to redefine theme park entertainment.

A Proven Partnership Evolves

The global announcement is not the start of the relationship between Universal and Pokémon, but rather a monumental evolution. The two companies first forged a long-term alliance in October 2021, which has since yielded a series of popular, albeit temporary, entertainment offerings at Universal Studios Japan. These have included vibrant character appearances in the park's "NO LIMIT! Parade," which debuted in 2023, and special seasonal events like the "NO LIMIT! Summer Splash Parade" and various Halloween-themed shows.

These initial collaborations served as a successful proof of concept, gauging guest reception and demonstrating the powerful synergy between the world of Pokémon and the immersive environment of a Universal theme park. The overwhelmingly positive fan response has clearly paved the way for this far more ambitious undertaking.

"Since October 2021, Universal Studios Japan has been delivering Pokémon experiences such as parades and shows to guests from around the world," said Tak Murayama, Executive Vice President & General Manager at USJ LLC. "A bold new global project is set to begin at Universal Studios Japan... We are proud to launch this journey from Japan, delivering extraordinary moments filled with surprise and excitement that will far exceed our guests' expectations."

The timing is also deeply significant. The project's launch coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, a milestone that The Pokémon Company is keen to celebrate in a spectacular fashion. "As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we are thrilled to launch this new project at such a significant milestone," stated Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokémon Company. "Our mission is to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through Pokémon, and with this project, we aim to create theme park entertainment that surprises and delights fans around the globe."

Redefining Immersive Entertainment

Universal has built its modern reputation on its mastery of integrating world-class intellectual properties into tangible, breathtaking environments. The unparalleled success of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and, more recently, the technologically groundbreaking SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, have set the industry standard for IP-based immersion. This new Pokémon project is poised to be the next chapter in that playbook.

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, emphasized this strategy, stating, "Collaborating with imaginative and inventive storytellers fuels our ability to create and deliver mind-blowing attractions and experiences that shatter guest expectations."

While executives remain tight-lipped, the promise of "innovative technology and creativity" suggests the experience will go far beyond simple character meet-and-greets. Industry observers anticipate a multi-layered experience that could blend physical sets with interactive elements, much like the Power-Up Bands in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, allowing guests to feel like they are truly part of the Pokémon universe. The potential to create a full-scale region—complete with Pokémon Centers, trainer battles, and opportunities to "catch" virtual Pokémon integrated into the park—has set fan speculation ablaze. This aligns with Universal's "fan-first" approach, aiming to create attractions that are not just visited, but experienced.

A Global Strategy to 'Catch 'Em All'

Perhaps the most significant aspect of today's announcement is its explicitly global scale. The project will debut in Japan, Pokémon's birthplace, but it is destined for a worldwide rollout. The press release confirmed that "Universal Destinations & Experiences will deliver unique Pokémon experiences across the company's global footprint."

This positions the Pokémon project as a key pillar in Universal's competitive strategy against other industry titans like Disney Parks. While Disney has found immense success with its Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Avengers Campus lands, Pokémon offers Universal a similarly beloved, multi-generational global franchise with a uniquely interactive core.

Following the Japan debut, strong industry indicators point toward Universal Orlando Resort as a likely next destination. Speculation suggests a new Pokémon-themed area could be developed in the Islands of Adventure park. Other global parks, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Beijing Resort, and Universal Studios Singapore, are also considered prime candidates for future expansion. This phased global strategy allows Universal to build hype, refine the experience, and strategically deploy a major draw across its key markets over the next decade. The move represents a massive investment from parent company Comcast NBCUniversal and underscores their confidence in IP-driven entertainment as the future of the theme park business.

The Enduring Power of a 30-Year-Old Franchise

For The Pokémon Company, this partnership marks a crowning achievement in its 30-year journey from a pair of video games to a global cultural phenomenon. The brand's ability to constantly reinvent itself across games, trading cards, animation, and film has ensured its enduring relevance. Now, this partnership with Universal provides a permanent, high-profile physical home for its world, solidifying its status as a timeless piece of pop culture.

The move into large-scale theme park attractions is a logical and powerful next step. It follows a growing trend of creating physical Pokémon experiences, such as the recently announced "PokéPark Kanto" nature adventure park set to open in Tokyo's Yomiuriland. These ventures demonstrate a clear market demand for fans to step out of the virtual world and into the real one.

By embedding its universe within Universal's global network, The Pokémon Company not only creates a powerful new revenue stream but also introduces its world to new generations of fans in a uniquely compelling way. The collaboration promises to invigorate tourism, particularly in Japan, and serves as a powerful testament to the brand's lasting appeal. As fans eagerly await more details, one thing is certain: the worlds of theme park entertainment and Pokémon are about to be fused in a way that promises to be nothing short of legendary.