“Super Mario” Theme Park Debut in Japan Set for Spring 2021

TOKYO, KOMPAS.com – A real-life “Super Mario” game will make its theme park debut at Universal Studios Japan in spring 2021.

The new area of the amusement park is part of the long-awaited “Super Nintendo World” zone in the western city of Osaka.

The "Super Mario" debut at Universal Studios Japan had originally been set for July 2020 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

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The theme park operator anticipated huge droves of tourists, but the cancelation of the Tokyo Olympics stemming from the coronavirus pandemic killed such expectations.

“Super Nintendo World” marks the gaming giant Nintendo’s entry into theme parks and will feature a ride based on the beloved green dinosaur Yoshi, the park said in a statement on Wednesday.

It will offer interactive attractions where guests can jump and hit blocks to collect coins and items, the park said, without elaborating on how this would work.

The opening was delayed as Japan imposed social distancing measures earlier this year to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

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In late February the whole park closed its doors, but it has gradually resumed operations since June, with sanitary precautions in place.

If all goes to plan, the park's new area will still open before the Olympic Games, which were also postponed due to the pandemic until July 2021.

Ahead of the full opening, Universal Studios Japan will open a Mario-themed restaurant next week, featuring food and beverages inspired by the Italian plumber and his friends and enemies, along with a gift shop. 

(Writer & Editor: HIH/KAF/AM/RMA, Agence France-Presse)

Source: http://u.afp.com/3K4T