22 Apr – Harry Potter fans would have something to rejoice about soon as Universal Studios Japan's Wizarding World of Harry Potter would be opening this 15 July 2014. According to Rappler, the announcement event was attended by the Prime Mininister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Caroline Kennedy, and even actress Evanna Lynch (who played Luna Lovegood), among others.
The theme park would be part of the 108-acre theme park in Osaka, with attractions such as Hogsmeade Village, the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride and Hogwarts castle. The theme park reportedly cost USD 500 million to build and will have some similarities to the one already operating at Universal Orlando Resort and the phase two at Universal Studios Orlando, Florida, for which the latter is also expected to open later this year. Meanwhile, another Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction is currently under construction in Universal Studios Hollywood. The theme park is said to open in 2016. J. K. Rowling is also working with Warner Bros. on a film version of "Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them", a book written by Rowling in 2001 about the magical creatures in the Harry Potter universe. The author is also expected to make an appearance at the grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Japan this July.