Universal Studios Japan
Osaka, Japan
Opening Date: March 18, 2021
Awards:
THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Theme Park Land 2022
THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Technical Innovation 2022
Nikkei Excellent Products and Service Award for Nikkei MJ Award 2021
During my tenure at Universal Creative, from 2018 to 2020, I served as Senior Attraction Designer - Design Management. Leading a talented team comprised of 3D artists, Concept artists, and illustrators, I spearheaded the development of groundbreaking visualization tools, graphic assets for the land, and compelling marketing materials. In my capacity as Design Manager, I established and implemented standards and 3D pipelines to enhance departmental efficiency and quality. Evolving with the project, I transitioned into an infield Art Director role, actively engaging in site visits, IP meetings, and shop visits to ensure the successful realization of our designs. Throughout this journey, my collaborative approach and unwavering dedication to excellence consistently delivered outstanding results.
A blue marquee near the Waterworld marks the entrance to Super Nintendo World.
As you embark down the grey pathway, you start to discover minor hits of colored elements, including a question block, green pipe, and dead block. Red and White wayfinding arrows are placed along the path to help lead you down the winding road. The pathway hides the land entrance and builds anticipation. There are a few hidden treasures along the way, including 8-bit score numbers of release dates, coin-shaped utility hole covers, and more. You can also purchase your power-up along the path and within the land itself.
Embedded into the floor are release dates written in 8 bit high scores as well as man hole covers in the shape of coins!
Along the Path is also beautiful green walls that echo the strata in the land.
Don’t forget to pick up a band to collect points in the interactive land. These bands are sold in several locations along your journey. Photo Credit: Source
A colorful star plaza emerges as you make the final turn on the path. In Star plaza, a large green warp pipe is marked by a giant marquee saying "Super Nintendo World." In front of the marquee is the perfect spot for a photo op. As you enter the green warp pipe, you hear warping noises and beams of light. You are warped into Peach's Castle as you make your way to the end. The tunnel's architecture blocks your direct view into the land to emphasize the warping effect.
Peach's Castle uses elements from various games to give die-hard fans little easter eggs. Peach's Castle also sets the stage for all gameplay within the land. Bowser Jr has stolen the Golden Mushroom from Peach's Castle, and it's the guest's job to help get it back. There are small glimpses of Bowser Jr stealing the golden mushroom in the lenticulars along the walls as well as on the door before you exit. A View of Mount Beanpole welcomes you into the Mushroom kingdom as you step out of Peach's Castle.
A beautiful sky mural was painted on the ceiling dome. This is an homage to many of the games but most closely to the Super Mario Odyssey game.
Inside Peach’s Castle are callbacks from Super Mario 64 including the warping paintings. These paintings were created as lenticulars to give a moving effect. If you look carefully you can also see Bowser Jr stealing the Golden Mushroom!
Exterior of Peach’s Castle
Guest are encouraged to explore the land and collect points and Key Coins. There are five Key Coin games within the land for the main gameplay. Guest must collect at least three key coins to unlock Bowser Jr Shadow Showdown and defeat Bowser Jr to get the Golden Mushroom Back.
Piranha Plant Nap Mishap (Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan)
Koopa Troopa POWer Punch (Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan)
Thwomp Panel Panic (Photo Credit: wdwnt.com)
Bob-omb Kaboom Room
Besides collecting Key Coins, Guests are placed on teams depending on their band choice. A scoreboard is located within the land and in the accompanying mobile app that tracks high scores and offers stamps as you complete missions. Guest are encouraged to punch blocks, try different games, find hidden gems, and meet the characters to unlock more stamps.
Hidden Tap Points throughout the land
Meet and Greet Characters
Hidden Easter Eggs
At the base of Mount Beanpole is Yoshi's Island. Guest enter through the yellow warp pipe and are taken into the world of Yoshi. The Yoshi's Island ride asks the guest to hop aboard a Yoshi and collect three eggs. The ride gives guests beautiful views of the entire Mushroom Kingdom and is perfect for children.
Queue area is designed to warp you into a Yoshi’s island aesthetic
Captain Toad’s Treasure map in the queue
Hop aboard a Yoshi and begin searching for the three eggs
As you enter into another green pipe you are warped into Yoshi’s Twilight Island.
In the preshow you are greeted by Toadette
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At the end of the ride you are greeted by Captain Toad who has the golden egg
Inside of the Toad House is the home of Kinopio's Cafe. Chef Toad greets you as you walk in, and you get looks into the toad kitchen in the dining area. The inside of Kinopio's Cafe is made of beautiful wood carvings created by the master craftsmen Toads themselves.
Ordering Counter (Photo Credit: tdrexplorer.com)
Seating Area (Photo Credit: tdrexplorer.com)
Menu (Photo Credit: wdwnt.com)
Across from Kinopio's Cafe is 1UP Factory. 1UP Factory is a retail shop filled with beautiful souvenirs from your visit.
Besides Kinopio's Cafe and 1UP Factory, a few additional retail and food locations are sprinkled throughout the land. Pitstop Popcorn and Yoshi's Snack Island are two small food kiosks located outside the Mario Kart and Yoshi rides. There are also carts that sell power-up bands, drinks, and Yoshi merch throughout the land. An additional retail shop for the Mario Kart ride is located next to Bowser's Castle.
Band Carts
Yoshi’s Adventure Merchandise Cart (Photo Credit: tdrexplorer.com)
Mario Motors (Photo Credit: videogameschronicle.com)
Yoshi’s Snack Island (Photo Credit: tdrexplorer.com)