New permanent ‘Detective Conan’ attraction opens at Universal Studios Japan

OSAKA — A stage play themed on the famous “Detective Conan” anime opened at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in this western Japan city’s Konohana Ward on March 22. It is the first permanent attraction at USJ featuring a Japanese anime series.

“Detective Conan 4-D Live Show: Jewel Under the Starry Sky” tells a story created by USJ just for the attraction. Visitors are invited to the unveiling ceremony of a jewel called the “Twilight Rainbow,” and must solve the mystery behind the precious stone alongside protagonist “Conan Edogawa.” Actors playing popular characters such as “Kid the Phantom Thief” also appear among the audience.

While a 3D movie is projected on a large screen measuring about 45 meters wide, actors playing the characters also appear on stage to drive the story forward. Special effects such as smoke and water splashes are added.

A USJ representative said, “‘Detective Conan’ is popular among inbound foreign tourists as well. We hope that a wide range of visitors will come and experience the tense and realistic atmosphere of this suspenseful story.”

(Japanese original by Makiko Nagao, Osaka Resident Bureau, Student Newspapers Editorial Department)