OSAKA: Universal Studios Japan’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Taku Murayama, has unveiled his strategic vision to further expand the park’s themed attractions, following the sustained success of areas such as Super Nintendo World.
Mr Murayama, 53, officially took the helm at USJ LLC, the operating company behind the Osaka-based theme park, on Sunday. With the park’s 25th anniversary approaching in 2026, he emphasised a market-aligned development strategy: “We will develop in accordance with the market,” he stated.
Universal Studios Japan has seen a resurgence in popularity since the launch of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2014. Building on this momentum, the park expanded its Nintendo-themed offerings last year with the debut of the world’s first attraction area based on the iconic Donkey Kong series. The move was aimed at drawing an increasingly international audience while maintaining strong domestic appeal.
Murayama, a Tokyo native and a long-serving member of USJ since 2000, holds a master’s degree from a United States university. He highlighted the World Expo, which opened in Osaka in April, as a significant catalyst for regional growth and synergy with the theme park. “The Expo is an extremely good touchstone for the development of the area,” he remarked.
In addition, Murayama expressed a commitment to fostering collaboration with nearby integrated resort projects—including casino developments—currently underway adjacent to the park. “I want to help enliven Osaka together,” he said, pointing to mutual benefits in visitor attraction.
Acknowledging ongoing labour shortages in Japan’s service sector, the new CEO affirmed a dual approach of technological integration and workplace enhancement: “We will actively adopt digital services and operate efficiently,” he stated, adding that improving the employee work environment remains a key priority.
Murayama succeeds JL Bonnier, who had led the organisation since 2015.
-Kyodo News
