Universal Studios kicks off its annual Manga event in Japan

The world's top theme park event celebrating Manga has returned for 2019. Universal Studios Japan has opened its latest run of Universal Cool Japan.

The "Spring Term" of the fifth annual event features Detective Conan and Lupin the Third and runs through June 23, while the "Summer Term" kicks off May 31 and continues through August 25 and features Attack on Titan, Godzilla, Evangelion, and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon.

For the event, Universal has transformed its indoor Mack spinning coaster Space Fantasy - The Ride into "Lupin the Third Car Chase XR Ride." From the park's description...



Hop on Lupin the Third’s iconic escape vehicle and zip forward full-throttle! Race through the forest and swerve along the cliffs to escape Inspector Zenigata in hot pursuit! Join Lupin the Third's crew and make your escape on this thrilling, high-speed chase in a world that stretches as far as the eye can see, made possible with the power of XR technology!

In previous years, Universal has employed VR overlays on the ride for Final Fantasy, Evangelion, and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

For Detective Conan, the park is bringing back its upcharge escape room experience and adding a "Detective Conan: Mystery Challenge" where visitors will search the park for clues. Lombard's Landing is transforming into Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant and Azzurra di Capri is becoming Lupin the Third Ristorante Amore for the event, as well.

Here's the commercial for the event:

Universal Studios Japan is by far Universal's most-attended theme park — the fourth-most popular theme park in the world, with nearly 15 million visitors a year. Its Super Nintendo World land is now under construction for a planned debut next year.

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