OSKAKA, Japan – Universal Studios Japan announced Thursday that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to its park in Osaka.
This will be the first international version of the land that first opened at Universal Orlando Resort's Islands of Adventure park nearly two years ago.
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More than a hundred excited fans dressed in Harry Potter attire screamed with delight when the announcement was made.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando is credited with a 68 percent increase in theme park attendance.
Universal hopes to have a similar impact on Universal Studios Japan, creating thousands of new jobs and economic benefits throughout Japan.
"I was delighted to experience and enjoy the attention to detail, creativity and superb craft that went into the first Wizarding World in Orlando. I am equally delighted that the same level of expertise and enjoyment will translate to the new park in Japan," said J.K. Rowling.
The area will be a fully immersed environment and will include Hogwarts castle as its centerpiece, complete with the signature ride "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey."
The Japanese version is expected to open in 2014, two years before a similar land previously announced for Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal also plans to expand the original Wizarding World in Orlando, but has not confirmed details about when, where and how.
Insiders predict the London version of the Harry Potter world will be added to Universal Studios Park where the Jaws ride was recently demolished.