Universal Studios Japan opens the world’s first “Donkey Kong Country”, a new area based on the world-famous Donkey Kong, on Wednesday, December 11th, expanding the popular SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Today, Tuesday,y December 10th, the day before the opening of the new area, a celebratory ceremony was held to commemorate the new area.
At approximately 5:30 pm today, amidst the lush jungle of “Donkey Kong Country”, Mr. Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of Nintendo Co., Ltd., Ms. Haruka Fukuhara, a popular Japanese actor who has become a fan of the park since she visited SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destination & Experiences, and J.L. Bonnier, President and CEO of USJ LLC, gathered to celebrate on the eve of the opening with “Donkey Kong”. At the celebration, the new “Donkey Kong Country” was illuminated with a spectacular light show that brightened “The Golden Temple”, symbolizing the area that rises at the far end of the jungle. Attendees also enjoyed entertaining performances that embodied the “Donkey Kong Country” theme of “PLAY WILD!”.
Ms. Haruka Fukuhara, who fully experienced the wild adventure of “Donkey Kong Country” ahead of the ceremony, saying “As I stepped into “Donkey Kong Country”, I was extremely impressed by the overwhelming quality. Through my experience in this area, I felt like I couldn’t control my instincts and I was so thrilled by the feeling of becoming super energetic! I’m so happy that an additional place that we can be proud of to the world is born in Japan!”
Donkey Kong Country will also be part of the new Universal Epic Universe opening in Orlando, Florida in 2025.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @iamcg83