UPDATED: J.K. Rowling visits Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Japan!

by · July 15, 2014

UPDATE: MuggleNet has learned of a few features exclusive to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan!

The first is Gladrags Wizardwear, a clothing store located in Hogsmeade Village. Eagle-eyed visitors to the Universal Studios Orlando Resort might have spotted the storefront of Gladrags within the Hogsmeade section of Islands of Adventure, however guests cannot enter the store itself. In Universal Studios Japan:

Guests will be able to spot the pink dress Hermione Granger was wearing at the Yule Ball. This store has a calmer tone than the rest of the shops and has a wide variety of clothes, accessory and jewelry available.

The second is the inclusion of live owls to the park itself.

At the Owlery, handlers will be waiting guests with live owls that are training to become a good mail owl. Guests will be able to take photos with the owls and handlers.

With these two exclusives, as well as the inclusion of the Black Lake, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan is a must visit even for frequent visitors to Universal Studios Orlando Resort. Thanks to Jay Mohri for the tip!

In a press release from Universal Studios Japan and Warner Bros, it was revealed that prior to the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Japan, author J.K. Rowling previewed the park. Jo was given a guided tour of the new park and shared her thoughts regarding what she thought of it, including the addition of the Black Lake, which is not part of the US version in Orlando:

The craft and attention to detail across the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan is incredible, and I will take away the memory of Hogwarts Castle reflected on the Black Lake in particular. I’m delighted that Harry fans in Japan and around Asia can experience a physical incarnation that is so close to what I imagined when writing the books.” – J.K. Rowling

Tom Felton and Evanna Lynch attended the public grand opening of the park and interacted with fans, including helping them reveal Hogwarts and Hogsmeade with a spell familiar to fans of the series. MuggleNet was also represented at the opening, and a full report of the event will be posted soon, so keep checking back!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adGuCcnI6kk

 

Official Press Release

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

Ｔｈｅ Ｗｉｚａｒｄｉｎｇ Ｗｏｒｌｄ ｏｆ Ｈａｒｒｙ Ｐｏｔｔｅｒ

GRAND OPENING TODAY, TUESDAY JULY 15

Anxiously awaiting guests set to leave the ordinary world and take first steps into the wizarding world

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an area meticulously recreating the world of the Harry Potter stories, opened this morning (Tues., July 15) at 7:35 AM at Universal Studios Japan.

At approximately 7:15 AM, Mr. Tom Felton and Ms. Evanna Lynch, who both starred in the Harry Potter film series, joined USJ Co., Ltd., President & CEO Mr. Glenn Gumpel, and commenced an Opening Ceremony at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s entrance archway to much applause from guests anxious to enter. Mr. Felton and Ms. Lynch led the guests with the Revelio spell as the archway was filled with smoke, which slowly lifted to reveal Hogsmeade village prompting cheers from waiting park guests. Then so many guests stepped into Hogsmeade village with excitement and were welcomed by Hogsmeade villagers.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a 45 billion yen project with a 5.6 trillion yen projected economic impact over ten years, is sure to meet the expectations of a national level project of its size and attract many guests over the coming years.

Event Attendees

  • Tom Felton Actor: Harry Potter film series “Draco Malfoy”
  • Evanna Lynch Actress: Harry Potter film series “Luna Lovegood”
  • Glenn Gumpel Chairman & CEO, USJ Co., Ltd.

Be sure to check out the special interactive USJ website where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter and virtually experience every corner of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. www.usj.co.jp/harrypotter