Universal Studios Japan mulls new Okinawa park: CEO

The Japanese-arm of American theme park Universal Studios is looking to build a new park on Okinawa to expand an already-successful franchise, its boss said Wednesday. "What the discussion has revolved around is opening another theme park in Okinawa," Universal Studios Japan (USJ) president Glenn Gumpel told local reporters in the western city of Osaka. USJ features Hollywood blockbuster movies such as Spider-Man, Jurassic Park and Harry Potter, in addition to popular characters from Sesame Street, Peanuts, Japan's Hello Kitty and others. "Especially after we opened attractions featuring Harry Potter, we have seen very good visitor numbers, which we expect to hit 12 million this fiscal year alone," said a USJ spokesman. Gumpel gave no details such as when the park is expected to open, the spokesman said, adding the plan is at its very early stage. The new park in Okinawa would likely feature something original from the subtropical island, instead of Hollywood themes, he said. USJ opened in the western commercial hub of Osaka in 2001, attracting many tourists from Asia.