SMAP to be Universal Studio Japan’s ambassador

The Japan branch of Universal Studios Parks & Resorts and Warner Bros’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction was originally unveiled in May 2012 with a target late-2014 opening date. The opening day will be July 15. The announcement was made in Osaka during a ceremony that included Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, U.S Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and Harry Potter production designer Stuart Craig, who helped plan and build the themed land.

The new attraction will be similar to the one in Florida and will include Hogwarts castle — the first of the new attractions to be unveiled today — Hogsmeade and multiple attractions.

SMAP was inaugurated as Universal Studios Japan founding ambassadors. In a commemorative ceremony held at Osaka last Apr 18th, the group also attended USJ’s new area- “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” – that will open on July 15th.

The studio spent 45 billion Yen to make “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” as close to reality as possible. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy who also attended the event wore mufflers as seen from Harry Potter movie. This is the first time that SMAP was given the “ambassador” title where they lined-up shoulder to shoulder with super VIPs in front of the Hogwarts Castle.

Shingo Katori was seen asking PM Abe for a handshake; this is the first ambassador role forNakai Masahiro and he feels honored; and Kimura Takuya is excited to tell anyone about the joy being in USJ.

Source : deadline, jnews, nikkan sport, jenews