Gotta Catch ‘Em All IRL: Pokémon Levels Up Universal Parks, Japan First (No Surprise There)
Universal Studios Japan announced a major collaboration with The Pokémon Company on January 22, 2026, to introduce groundbreaking immersive attractions that transport fans into the Pokémon universe, debuting in Japan and expanding worldwide to thrill gamers and anime enthusiasts alike.
Here’s the TL;DR...
Universal Studios Japan partners with The Pokémon Company for sensory-packed Pokémon adventures that hit all five senses.
This builds on their 2021 tie-up, featuring past events like parades and Halloween specials, timed for Pokémon‘s 30th birthday bash.
Details are scarce with no launch dates, but Japan leads the charge, followed by rollouts to other Universal locations.
As the planet’s top-earning media empire, Pokémon outshines even Disney‘s solo franchises in global revenue.
What’s in Store for This Fresh Pokémon Park Experience?
Specifics stay hush-hush so far. The focus lands on interactive setups that engage vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell for a truly enveloping feel. It’s poised to go beyond standard rides, perhaps letting you dive into trainer battles or Pokémon hunts up close.
Previous collabs at the park brought the NO LIMIT! Parade with Pokémon marching next to other stars and spooky Halloween tie-ins. Now, they’re pushing for lasting, hands-on features that evolve the fun.
Tsunekazu Ishihara, The Pokémon Company‘s president and CEO, commented: “Since our long-term alliance began in 2021, we’ve teamed up with Universal Studios Japan on genuine Pokémon moments like the NO LIMIT! Parade and Halloween events.” He tied it to the franchise’s 30th anniversary, framing it as a perfect celebration point.
Why Kick Off in Japan, and Where Does It Head Next?
Japan’s the obvious starting line as Pokémon’s homeland, dreamed up by Satoshi Tajiri in 1996. With Super Nintendo World already thriving there—complete with Mario vibes—and Nintendo’s ownership slice in The Pokémon Company, it slots right in.
Post-Japan premiere, the attractions will fan out to Universal spots in the U.S., Singapore, and elsewhere. Timelines remain TBD, but speculation points to potential rides, zones, or full-blown areas tailored for each park.
Tak Murayama, executive vice president at Universal Studios Japan, highlighted their solid Pokémon history since 2021 as the springboard for this “daring leap forward.” Ishihara added that they’re crafting “theme park magic to wow and thrill fans everywhere.”
How Pokémon Dominates as the Ultimate Media Juggernaut?
Pokémon doesn’t just rule—it’s the all-time revenue king among media franchises, pulling in over $115 billion since day one. That crushes standalone Disney hits like Mickey Mouse at $61.2 billion. Disney’s whole portfolio stacks higher overall, but Pokémon claims the crown solo.
Break it down: $103.6 billion from merch, $10.23 billion via mobile smashers like Pokémon GO, and north of $1 billion from films. Born from Game Boy roots, it ballooned into trading cards, anime epics, blockbusters, and endless gear. For Universal, this is a power-up to rival their Harry Potter or Nintendo draws, pulling in otaku and gamers by the horde.
Stack it against Star Wars ($65.6 billion) or Marvel’s cinematic chunk (within a $29.6 billion total), and Pokémon’s grip stays ironclad. It’s a beast that keeps powering up, just like its pocket monsters.
Buzz About Pokémon Invading Epic Universe in Orlando?
Rumors have swirled for ages about Pokémon crashing Universal Orlando. Epic Universe, fresh off its 2025 opening, packs Super Nintendo World with Mario thrills, but Pokémon could amp it up or snag its own turf.
Chatter includes overhauling spots like the Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure for Pokémon vibes. Other talks eye replacing Simpsons territory at Universal Studios Florida. Nothing’s locked in, but the worldwide expansion tease stokes the hype—Orlando’s tourist magnet status makes it a no-brainer.
Park watchers praise Universal’s immersive tech, seen in Epic Universe’s Dragon rides with cutting-edge bots. Pokémon might roll out similar for Pikachu encounters or arena clashes that feel straight from the games. If it drops, brace for epic queues and attendance spikes.
Why This Team-Up Shakes Up the Theme Park Scene for Fans?
Universal’s all-in on IP-fueled escapism, and Pokémon meshes seamlessly with Super Nintendo World’s wins. Japan pioneered that in 2021, with Hollywood in 2023 and Orlando in 2025—likely the blueprint here.
For anime buffs and gamers, it’s a portal off the console or screen. Picture chowing on Pokémon-themed snacks or battling in VR-style gyms. It extends a series that’s mastered blending digital and real-life vibes.
Rivals like Disney are eyeing this, given Pokémon’s cross-gen appeal. Even Universal’s niche parks in Texas or Vegas haunts could adapt bite-sized versions.
Might We See Dedicated Pokémon Zones or Just Extras?
Hints suggest it’s bigger than temp pop-ups. The “top-tier” tag implies major builds, maybe lands crammed with rides and stores. Universal’s Wizarding World proves they nail revenue-boosting immersion.
In Japan, it could fuse with Super Nintendo World thanks to Nintendo links. Abroad, tweaks might happen—Orlando going grand, Hollywood keeping it tight.
Costs and dates? Still in the dark, but more info’s coming. It’s a dream come true for folks who’ve grinded games or binged the anime, turning “gotta catch ‘em all” into real-world quests.
This alliance spotlights Pokémon’s timeless hook and Universal’s pivot to fresh IPs beyond Jurassic dino chases. As parks gear up post-downturn, this kind of draw keeps the energy high. Gamers and anime fans score new playgrounds, parks lock in loyal crowds—setting the stage for next-level immersive wins down the line.
Hat Tips
Dexerto, “Universal Studios reveals new “immersive” Pokemon experience with global rollout,” January 22, 2026 https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/universal-studios-reveals-new-immersive-pokemon-experience-with-global-rollout-3308004/
Universal Studios Japan official news, “Universal Studios Japan to Deliver Immersive Pokémon Experiences for Fans,” January 22, 2026 https://www.usj.co.jp/company/company_e/news/2026/0122
Wikipedia, “List of highest-grossing media franchises,” accessed January 22, 2026 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_media_franchises
The Hollywood Reporter, “Gotta Catch Em All: Universal’s Latest Theme Park IP Deal Will Bring Pokémon to Life,” January 22, 2026 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/pokemon-universal-theme-parks-japan-1236481477
Video Games Chronicle, “Official: Pokémon is coming to Universal Studios,” January 22, 2026 https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/official-pokemon-is-coming-to-universal-studios-japan
Disney Tourist Blog, “World-Class Pokemon Rides Coming to Universal Parks!” January 22, 2026 https://www.disneytouristblog.com/pokemon-attractions-announced-universal-studios-japan-orlando-florida
IGN, “Universal Studios Bringing ‘Pokémon World to Life’ as It Rolls Out ‘World-Class’ Attraction In Global Locations,” January 22, 2026 https://www.ign.com/articles/universal-studios-bringing-pokemon-world-to-life-as-it-rolls-out-world-class-attraction-in-global-locations
Article Compiled and Edited by Derek Gibbs on January 22, 2026 for Clownfish TV D/REZZED.