'Wizarding World of Harry Potter' theme park is set to arrive in Japan in 2014

The Los Angeles Times has reported that the next Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park is now set to be opened in Osaka, Japan in 2014.

On Thursday, Universal Studios Japan will unveil their plans to build the first International WWOHP, which has been an enormous success in Orlando, Florida. The park in Japan is being build on vacant land and as a result will open ahead of the WWOHP at Universal Studios Hollywood, which has to rebuild areas of its theme park.

Japan is only the NEXT location for the theme park, as more are sure to follow suit. So why Japan? From the article: In a country of 127 million, more than 80 million tickets to Potter films have been bought and about 24 million books have been sold, giving the story of the orphan boy turned world-saving magician four spots among Japan’s top 10 all-time bestsellers.

Check out the concept art of the park right here: Daytime | Nighttime

Warner Bros. Consumer Products President, Brad Globe stated:

"This type of immersion is what the fans crave more than buying traditional merchandise. Our strategy is focused on theme parks because it's a different experience. They’ve read the books and seen the movies, but now they can enter the world."

In a statement, J.K. Rowling gave her stamp of approval to the newest addition to her Harry Potter empire:

"I was delighted to experience and enjoy the attention to detail, creativity and superb craft that went into the first Wizarding World in Orlando. I am equally delighted that the same level of expertise and enjoyment will translate to the new park in Japan.”

Congratulations to the wonderful fans of Japan! We are glad this deserving country will be immersed into the Wizarding World in such a brilliant way.

Thanks to our friends at Hypable for the tip!