Universal Destinations & Experiences is no stranger to excellence, and while all eyes are currently on the opening of Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, Universal Studios Japan just achieved something amazing.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions – better known as IAAPA – recently held their IAAPA Honors 2025 ceremony in Rust, Germany. This gathering of themed entertainment venues from around the world is definitely a big deal, with no honor coming out of the awards ceremony higher than the 2025 Applause Award.
The Applause Award is the theme- and amusements park industry’s oldest and most prestigious award, first presented in 1980 to Walt Disney World for the exceptional and outstanding experiences at the Magic Kingdom. Since this inaugural winner, parks like Opryland USA, Dollywood, Cedar Point, and more have been awarded this incredible Honor. Universal Studios parks, across all of their properties, have been awarded the Applause Award twice – once in 1994 for Universal Studios Florida, once in 2006 for Islands of Adventure, though Universal properties (including Universal Japan) were nominated as finalists for several years in addition to the two they won.
Universal Studios Japan, as Asia’s most attended theme park according to the TEA/AECOM Global Attraction Attendance Report in 2023, was lauded by industry leaders recognizing “an amusement park or theme park whose management, operations ,and creative accomplishments have inspired the industry through leadership, foresight, originality, and sound business development.”
“Universal Studios Japan was chosen for its exceptional achievements in creating immersive and innovative guest experiences, and consistently setting new standards for theme park entertainment. The park’s dedication to excellence in every aspect, from attractions and shows to customer service and interrelation with Japanese culture and traditions, is an inspiration for the global attractions industry”, says committee Chairman Andreas Andersen. Anderson is the CEO of Liseberg, which has been in operation in Gothenburg, Sweden since 1923.
Universal Studios Japan was deeply honored to be the recipient of this year’s Applause Award; “We’re proud to be recognized for consistently pushing boundaries with new attractions and experiences that blend Universal’s immersive brand of storytelling with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled guest service,” said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences.
All of this comes hot on the heels of several new events, attractions, and improvements at Universal Studios Japan. Late last year, Theme Park Shark covered the opening of Donkey Kong Country, the expansion to the wildly popular and internationalized Super Nintendo World land that opened in 2021. Since then, Universal Studios Japan has announced an expansion to its Illumination property, Minion Park, meaning there will be more minion mayhem at the park than ever.
“Villain-Con – the biggest gathering of villains anywhere – has arrived at USJ and Minion Park is now bigger and badder! Come experience Illumination’s Minions in an all-new way while also enjoying Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Freeze Ray Sliders. The level of mayhem has been amped-up to infinity!”
Guests can watch Universal Studios Japan’s trailer for Minion Park on their official YouTube channel, [here].
Universal Studios Japan opened on March 31st, 2001, and will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year. To be granted such a prestigious award ahead of a milestone year has been an incredible experience for all involved in making Universal Studios Japan the premier theme park destination is Asia, and JL Bonnier, President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan, made note of such in his speech at the awards ceremony. “[T]ogether with our team members, we will continue to provide super-exciting and super-emotional experiences that energize people and society.”
Check back soon, as Theme Park Shark will continue to report on leaders in the themed entertainment industry like Universal Studios Japan, as well as theme park news from Disney, Universal, and theme parks from all across the world!
