Universal Studios Japan is reportedly considering an expansion that would add about 60,000 square meters of land beside the existing theme park in Osaka.
Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun, commonly known as Nikkei, reported the proposed development on August 28, 2026. Reuters subsequently reported the same details, including a potential investment of 200 billion yen to 300 billion yen.
Universal Studios Japan has not confirmed the project. In a statement issued August 28, the company said the information in the Nikkei report did not come from an announcement by Universal Studios Japan. The company said it would provide information when there were matters requiring disclosure.
However, Osaka’s mayor has promised via social media that more information will be released from the city’s side at the mayor’s press released this Thursday, September 3.
大阪市側の対応につき現時点でまだお伝えかないませんが、来週9/3市長定例会見で発信予定です。 https://t.co/RcyzKY5N8V
— 横山 英幸 (大阪市長) (@yokoyama_hide) August 28, 2026
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What the Reported Expansion Would Include
According to Nikkei’s report, Universal is considering using about 60,000 square meters of land next to the existing park.
The proposed site sits north of Universal Studios Japan. It includes part of land formerly associated with a Nippon Steel factory, according to Reuters. The reported development would extend the park beyond its current physical boundaries.
If the project proceeds, it would mark the first expansion of the park’s grounds since Universal Studios Japan opened in 2001. The park has added major attractions and themed areas during that period, but those developments have taken place within its existing footprint.
Jurassic Park Entrance at Universal Studios Japan – YouTube, Theme Park 101
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The reported expansion would give Universal additional land for new attractions and other facilities. However, the company has not disclosed what it would build on the site.
Potential 300 Billion Yen Investment
Nikkei reported a potential investment of between 200 billion yen and 300 billion yen for the project.
Reuters valued that range at approximately $1.26 billion to $1.88 billion based on exchange rates cited in its report.
The reported plan also aims to increase annual attendance. Universal Studios Japan recorded about 16 million visitors in 2024. That figure made it Japan’s most-visited individual theme park that year, and the third most popular theme park internationally, just behind Magic Kingdom in Orlando and Disneyland California.
Hollywood Area in Universal Studios Japan – YouTube, Theme Parks 101
The reported expansion comes as Japan continues to attract large numbers of international visitors. More space could give Universal Studios Japan additional capacity if attendance continues to grow.
The Park’s Previous Expansions
Universal Studios Japan has expanded its attraction lineup several times since opening without increasing the overall size of its grounds.
One recent example is Donkey Kong Country, which opened within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in December 2024. Universal said the addition increased the size of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD by approximately 70 percent.
That project expanded an existing themed area rather than adding land outside the park.
A screenshot of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto at Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan – YouTube, Nintendo
The distinction is important when considering the reported Universal Studios Japan expansion. The new proposal would involve additional property next to the existing park.
Universal has also continued to change existing areas. Sesame Street Fun World, for example, ended operations on May 10, 2026. Universal said the change would help make way for new experiences involving Sesame Street.
These projects show that Universal has continued to modify the park. They do not confirm that the reported land expansion will proceed.
Universal’s Pokémon Plans
Universal Studios Japan and The Pokémon Company announced plans in January 2026 to develop new Pokémon experiences.
Although not officially connected yet, many fans have theorized that the potential expansion would make room for the new Pokémon attractions.
What Happens Next
The next major development will depend on whether Universal proceeds with the reported land arrangement.
If Universal ultimately secures the additional land, the project could substantially increase the amount of space available for future attractions. It would also represent a change from the park’s previous approach of adding and replacing attractions within its existing boundaries.
For now, the confirmed facts are limited. Nikkei reported a possible 60,000-square-meter expansion and an investment of 200 billion yen to 300 billion yen.
What do you hope to see Universal Studios Japan add to its park? Have you had a chance to visit? Sound off and let us know!
