USJ moves toward full-scale expansion of its site with investment of up to ¥300 billion, using 60,000 sq. m north of the existing park, including former Nippon Steel site, giving boost to Osaka’s international visitor strategy

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has emerged with plans for a full-scale expansion using approximately 60,000 sq. m of additional land north of the existing park to develop several new attractions. Investment is expected to total ¥200 billion–¥300 billion, and the land is believed to include property owned by Nippon Steel and the City of Osaka. The expansion is expected to be a long-term investment extending the park’s footprint onto external land beyond its existing parking areas and facilities.

The City of Osaka-owned land is reportedly expected to be leased around 2028, while the company aims to increase annual attendance from the current approximately 16 million visitors. The IPs to be introduced and the specific opening schedule have not been disclosed, and further details remain subject to future announcements. Alongside the reconfiguration of existing facilities, the expansion is expected to create additional capacity for queues, dining and retail, and event spaces.

The focus of the expansion is said to be not only the addition of 6 ha, but also freedom from land constraints and the creation of room for long-term growth. USJ has previously pursued higher-density development, exemplified by Super Nintendo World, but expansion beyond the current perimeter could create opportunities to enlarge areas beyond rides, extend visitor dwell times, and increase spending per visitor.

The move is also linked to Osaka’s strategy of becoming an international visitor destination and, together with the Osaka IR plan after the Expo, is seen as one of two major engines for attracting people and investment from outside the region. The expansion of USJ and the Osaka IR are expected by some to have a synergistic effect, stimulating accommodation, transportation, and tourism-related industries.