Universal Studios Japan: Your Guide to the One Piece Attractions

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a popular destination for theme park enthusiasts, and for fans of the globally acclaimed anime and manga series One Piece, it's an absolute paradise. Each year, USJ hosts One Piece Premier Summer, a seasonal event filled with immersive experiences, live shows, themed dining, and exclusive merchandise. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the One Piece attractions at Universal Studios Japan, including a look at the past, present, and future of this exciting event.

One Piece Premier Summer: An Overview

One Piece Premier Summer is an annual event at Universal Studios Japan that brings the world of One Piece to life. The event typically runs from summer to early autumn and features a variety of attractions and experiences, all themed around the popular anime and manga series.

One Piece Premier Show: A Live-Action Spectacle

The highlight of One Piece Premier Summer is the One Piece Premier Show, a live-action performance held at the WaterWorld arena. This high-energy show features thrilling battles, stunning effects, and an original storyline exclusive to the theme park.

Each year, the performance receives an exciting new storyline. In 2025, the show will feature Buggy the Clown, one of the Four Emperors, alongside Monkey D. Luffy.

Tickets for the One Piece Premier Show are sold separately and tend to sell out quickly, so it's recommended to purchase them in advance. In 2025, adult tickets cost ¥3,000, while children's tickets cost ¥2,000.

Themed Dining Experiences

One Piece Premier Summer also includes a range of themed dining experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves further in the world of One Piece.

From June 30th to October 6th, 2025, the Discovery Restaurant, located in the Jurassic Park area, will be transformed into the Straw Hat Pirates' Banquet Restaurant, offering a lineup of unique "banquet" menu items. For all the details, you can check out the One Piece Premier Summer Food and Drink article.

Sanji's Pirate Restaurant is another popular dining experience that invites guests to enjoy an immersive, story-driven meal. Sanji's Pirate Restaurant will have a pre-sale for Universal Prime Annual Pass/Grand Royal holders, followed by a lottery sale starting May 2, 2025 (Friday).

GO! GO! Thousand Sunny!

In addition to a commemorative photo with the Straw Hat Crew, you can also choose a special photo as a set.

There will also be cold drinks and frappes inspired by Zoro, Nami, and Jinbei, perfect for the hot summer, including a Swordsman Zoro’s Matcha Ice, Japanese-style matcha frappe reminiscent of Zoro’s three-sword style. Items for eating on the go include delicious new Orange & Bitter Chocolate Churrito and Captain Eustass Kid’s Spicy Red Chicken.

Exclusive Merchandise

No visit to One Piece Premier Summer would be complete without picking up some exclusive merchandise. A range of limited-edition items are available to purchase to commemorate the event, including:

A commemorative muffler towel to wave excitedly during the live show
Luffy's iconic straw hat
A fashionable "Marine" cap
A collectable T-shirt featuring the One Piece gang

Sales are limited, so be sure to grab your favorite items before they sell out.

One Piece Story Ride

New for 2025, guests can experience One Piece Story Ride, a high-speed, story-driven coaster experience featuring Luffy and Usopp.

A Look Back at Past One Piece Premier Shows

The One Piece Premier Show has been a staple of Universal Studios Japan's summer event lineup since its premiere in 2007. Over the years, the show has featured a variety of original storylines and characters, drawing inspiration from different arcs of the One Piece manga and anime.

2007-2010: Early Years

The initial shows primarily focused on singing and dancing rather than complex storytelling, with musical sections allowing for interactions with the crowd.

One early storyline involved the Deacon and his subordinates Ox and Crown taking control of Atoll, a water fortress, in search of a hidden treasure. Buggy also appeared, seeking information about the treasure, while the Straw Hat Pirates docked on the other side of Atoll.

2011-2013: New Characters and Challenges

In 2011, the Straw Hat Pirates encountered Ivankov and the Kuja Pirates led by Hancock at a party on an island where the Marines were based. They competed in a Maidenheart Competition for the right to join Luffy's party, but their rivalry was interrupted by the appearance of Enel, Arlong, and Spandam.

The 2013 show saw the Marines investigating a number of kidnappings on Paradise Island. The Straw Hat Pirates, joined by Kin'emon and Momonosuke, encountered a squad of Marines led by Smoker and Tashigi. They soon discovered that the host of the island's famous "KANAEMA SHOW" was a pirate in disguise, using the contest to capture people and force them to work as slaves.

2014-2017: New World Adventures

In the summer of 2014, the plot featured the Straw Hat Pirates and Trafalgar Law facing off against Smash, who had banned fireworks on Madatascar Island in the New World. The crew encountered a variety of enemies, including Hody Jones, Crocodile, Rob Lucci, Eustass Kid, and Buggy, all of whom were subordinates of Smash.

The 2016 show took place on Promise Land, an island where keeping promises was paramount. Vice Admiral Wilder trapped Pokke's father and promised to release him if Pokke helped him capture the Straw Hat Pirates. The crew was attacked by duplicates of previous enemies created by Pokke's abilities.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of One Piece Premier Show in 2017, the show was inspired by Summit War Saga. The show begins with the Straw Hat Pirates singing a song. Bentham is then reintroduced as the queen of Level 5.5 in a music number.

2021-Present: Wano Country and Beyond

From August 6 to October 31, 2021, the show featured the Straw Hat Pirates and Law in an original story set in Wano Country. Ace and Rosinante also made appearances.

In 2022, the show tied into the story of One Piece Film: Red and featured the Straw Hats fighting the Age Age Super Marines led by Yehudi on Soil Island.

In 2023, the story featured the Straw Hat Pirates helping Rebecca rescue the princesses Vivi, Shirahoshi, and Viola, who had been framed for various crimes and arrested by the World Government.

In 2024, the story involved the Straw Hat Pirates being targeted by a mercenary group called the Crimson Soldiers.

In 2025, the story features the Straw Hat Pirates landing on a certain island at the request of Bartolomeo.

Commemorative Booklets and Promotional Newspapers

To celebrate anniversary milestones, two Premier Show mooks have been released. In 2017, the first anniversary booklet was released, celebrating Premier Show's 10th anniversary. The booklet includes a note from Oda, as well as spotlights on previous Premier Shows and their antagonists. In 2022, the second anniversary booklet was released, celebrating Premier Show's 15th anniversary. Similarly to the first, it includes a note from Oda and spotlights on previous Premier Shows, as well as providing tag lines for each one.

Every year, around the time of the Premier Summer, promotional newspapers are given out to Universal Studios Japan visitors. These issues are identical, with only the recipient of the primary interview changing.

Meeting the Straw Hat Crew at Universal Fan Fest Nights (Hollywood)

While this article primarily focuses on Universal Studios Japan, it's worth noting that the Straw Hat Crew has also been meeting guests at Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. The "ONE PIECE" meet and greets are at the ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Gathering on New York Street in the Upper Lot.

There are three meet and greet spots:

Monkey D. Luffy greets guests in front of a mural featuring his ship, the Thousand Sunny.
Roronoa Zoro, armed with three swords, meets in front of map murals, sometimes joined by Nami.
Sanji and Usopp meet in front of the Straw Hat Pirates' flag.

Other "ONE PIECE" offerings at Universal Fan Fest Nights include special menu items and merchandise.

Planning Your Trip to Universal Studios Japan

If you're planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan to experience One Piece Premier Summer, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Purchase tickets in advance: Tickets for both the park and the One Piece Premier Show can be purchased online or through authorized travel agents. Buying in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Consider an Express Pass: An Express Pass allows you to skip the regular lines at select attractions, saving you valuable time.
Stay connected: Universal Studios Japan only offers free Wi-Fi at the park's entrance. Consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi device to stay connected throughout the park.
Book accommodations in advance: Universal Studios Japan has several affordable accommodations that are steps away from the park.
Get travel insurance: Travel insurance protects you against injury, cancellations, illness, and other unforeseen circumstances.

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