Universal Studios Japan has announced that the Super Nintendo World will not open next month as planned. The Nintendo themed zone in Osaka Park was due to open on February 4 after its launch was postponed from last year, but with Osaka being placed under a state of emergency statement yesterday until at least February 7, it doesn’t more will happen. USJ says it will announce a new opening date as soon as the state of emergency is lifted.
The state of emergency in Japan was initially issued for Tokyo and its surroundings, but yesterday the order was extended to cover a total of 11 prefectures, including Osaka. The countermeasures are not particularly strong compared to the COVID-19 blocking restrictions elsewhere – people are discouraged from making non-essential trips out, and establishments like restaurants and cinemas are asked to close earlier in the evening – but it is obviously not yet the ideal time to open a theme park.
Super Nintendo World is an important project for Nintendo, representing the most ambitious attempt to expand its intellectual property in new business opportunities. The park was initially set to open in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which remain in serious doubt. When it opens, it will have attractions like an AR-powered Mario Kart roller coaster.