Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced the closure of its popular night parade. The parade, which featured dazzling light shows and large floats featuring beloved characters, has been a fixture of evening entertainment at the Osaka-based theme park. Despite its end, USJ reassures fans that it has future evening events planned to amuse visitors.
The night parade at Universal Studios Japan is an iconic part of the theme park experience, drawing in many visitors for its spectacular showcase of lights, music, and characters. Its closure is likely to stir sentimental memories amongst locals and theme park regulars. In Japan, transient beauty – known as "mono no aware" – is a deeply valued concept. The ending of such a beloved tradition will evoke this ethos.
In the U.S. and EU, closures of popular attractions at theme parks like Disneyland or Universal Studios also induce strong emotions among fans, often leading to petitions, special farewell events, or nostalgic merchandise. Such closures are usually treated as key events, signalling the end of an era and sparking anticipation for the new attractions to come.