Japan will soon get its own Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, it was
announced on Thursday, according to Reuters. The theme park, which will be
located at Universal Studios in Osaka, is scheduled to open by 2014. James and
Oliver Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter movies, were
present at the announcement in Osaka, and were greeted by Harry Potter fans
in costumes, said AFP. A spokesman said, "We will build several attractions,
including a school for wizards," according to AFP. Universal Studios later added
that the wizarding village of Hogsmeade would also be recreated in the theme
park. The Osaka theme park will cost an estimated $500 million and will begin
construction in the next few weeks, according to The Los Angeles Times. It will
also include Hogwarts Castle and rides. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in
Orlando, Florida has already drawn millions of fans, and another is being planned
for Los Angeles. The Harry Potter films grossed nearly $900 million in Japan,
according to The LA Times, more than what they made in the UK. Brad Globe,
of Warner Brothers, said, "Harry Potter continues to captivate generations of
fans around the world and we are delighted to announce this partnership... that
will allow us to bring the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Asia,"
according to AFP. James & Oliver said on Twitter :
@OliverPhelps: Having a great time in Osaka at the moment.
Its been great to see that so many people are excited for the
WWOHP at universal studios Japan
@James_Phelps: I’m really excited to be here in Japan for
the wizarding world of harry potter announcement later
today… #LovingJapan