ϟ#254 Japan: Harry Potter theme park to open in Osaka introduced by The Phelps

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