Feature: 10 Years of Universal Cool Japan -Explore Detective Conan and Beyond

Universal Studios Japan kicked off the highly anticipated "Universal Cool Japan 2025" event on January 24, 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of this special showcase of Japanese entertainment. Designed to introduce guests from around the world to the unique appeal of Japanese entertainment, this annual event continues to capture attention with its diverse lineup of immersive experiences.

This year’s event spans the entire year of 2025. The first wave of content highlights two of Japan’s most iconic mystery franchises: Keigo Higashino’s Masquerade series and Detective Conan. On January 23, the opening ceremony saw actor Sota Fukushi surprise guests with a red carpet appearance and deliver a rousing declaration to launch the anniversary celebrations. Below, we’ll take you through the ceremony and provide an in-depth report on the “Peril at the Masquerade - Inspired by Keigo Higashino's Masquerade Series" and "Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant" experiences.

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Table of Contents

I. Opening Ceremony: Sota Fukushi Adds Glamour to the 10th Anniversary Launch
II. Universal Cool Japan 2025: First Wave Experience Report
　1. Detective Conan World
　　• Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant
　　• Detective Conan: The Escape - Prologue to the Flashback
　2. Peril at the Masquerade - Inspired by Keigo Higashino's Masquerade Series
III. The Evolution and Future of Universal Cool Japan’s 10th Anniversary
IV. Annex
　1. Full Message from Gosho Aoyama, the original creator of Detective Conan
　2. Universal Cool Japan 2025 First Wave Program Schedule

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I. Opening Ceremony: Sota Fukushi Adds Glamour to the 10th Anniversary Launch

On January 23, the eve of the grand opening, actor Sota Fukushi made a surprise appearance as the special guest of the Universal Cool Japan 2025 opening ceremony. Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, Sota took to the stage amid a flurry of cherry blossom petals, greeted by thunderous applause and cheers from the audience. He delivered a powerful opening declaration, amplifying the festive atmosphere.

A special highlight of the ceremony was the screening of a retrospective film showcasing the 10-year history of Universal Cool Japan. The large screen brought past events to life, and attendees appeared deeply moved as they reflected on the growth and evolution of the event.

Sota, reflecting on his own experiences, praised "Peril at the Masquerade" and "Detective Conan: The Escape.” “The live and immersive nature of the Masquerade experience feels as if it’s unfolding in a real luxury hotel. I could fully immerse myself in solving the mysteries, just like stepping into the world of a novel,” he said. Of the "Detective Conan: The Escape,” he remarked, “The overwhelming sense of entering Conan’s world and experiencing its extraordinary atmosphere was incredible. I had so much fun.”

Messages of congratulations were also shared from the creators themselves, including Keigo Higashino and Gosho Aoyama. These heartfelt messages emphasized the importance of bringing their stories to life through such an event and celebrated the global outreach of Japanese entertainment.

At the ceremony’s conclusion, Sota Fukushi delivered a powerful message: “Universal Cool Japan is an incredible opportunity to share the wonders of Japanese entertainment with the world. It’s truly amazing that Universal Studios Japan can help more people discover the unique appeal of Japanese entertainment. I also want to continue spreading my own value globally, just as Universal Studios Japan does.”

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II. Universal Cool Japan 2025: First Wave Experience Report

1. Detective Conan World

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Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant

One of the event’s main highlights is the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant, an immersive dining experience where guests can enjoy a gourmet meal while participating in a live mystery-solving show. Featuring beloved characters like Toru Amuro, Ran Mouri, and Kogoro Mouri, this experience allows attendees to become part of the story and dive deep into the world of Detective Conan.

The playful banter and comedic ad-libs from the characters keep the atmosphere lively, making each visit feel fresh and engaging. In line with the immersive focus of Cool Japan, the experience captivates with its ultra-realistic setting, placing guests at the center of the action. Adding to the excitement are interactive moments where guests may have the chance to speak directly with popular characters, a thrilling treat that energizes the entire venue.

The French-inspired multi-course meal is a feast for both the eyes and palate, with artistic presentations and exquisite flavors. Character-themed special drinks that come with a collectible coaster featuring random characters are also not to be missed. A personal recommendation is the “Ran's Peach Soda with Dancing Cherry Blossoms,” which is packed with fruit pieces.

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Detective Conan: The Escape - Prologue to the Flashback

Another centerpiece of Detective Conan: The World is the escape game attraction, Detective Conan: The Escape - Prologue to the Flashback. In the next feature article, we’ll dive deeper into this captivating experience. Stay tuned for a detailed report on the surprises and thrills that await!

2. Peril at the Masquerade - Inspired by Keigo Higashino's Masquerade Series

Making its debut at Universal Studios Japan, Peril at the Masquerade, inspired by Keigo Higashino’s acclaimed Masquerade series, is a standout attraction in the 10th-anniversary lineup. 

Making its debut this year, the immersive mystery show Peril at the Masquerade, based on Keigo Higashino’s original work, is one of the special features celebrating Universal Cool Japan’s 10th anniversary. Set against the backdrop of a luxury hotel’s masked banquet, the show’s defining element is its interactive nature, where guests don masks and become part of the story. The opulent set design and meticulous production create a lifelike environment, allowing participants to step into the world of the narrative. Guests can roam the venue, conduct investigative interviews, and immerse themselves in the thrill of solving the case.

Furthermore, the show features a multi-ending format where the story changes based on the participants’ choices. The compelling narrative leaves guests wondering, “What would have happened if I had made a different choice at that moment?” This dynamic storytelling deeply immerses the audience, keeping them captivated even after solving the mystery. The lingering intrigue is sure to inspire a desire to return and discover an alternate ending. It’s an experience that stays with you, almost addictive in its allure. Once you go, you’ll feel compelled to go back again. It truly is a one-of-a-kind experience.

After the show, guests can indulge in a luxurious Italian buffet inspired by the Hotel Cortesia. Discussing theories and unraveling the mystery over fine dining with friends or family adds another memorable layer to the experience.

Keigo Higashino shared his thoughts on the attraction: “I am thrilled to see my Masquerade Hotel brought to life at Universal Studios Japan. I hope many people will enjoy this unique event and cherish the memories it creates.”

Among the first wave of 2025’s Cool Japan attractions, Peril at the Masquerade comes highly recommended. This is a must-see not only for fans of the original series but for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind storytelling adventure.

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III. The Evolution and Future of Universal Cool Japan’s 10th Anniversary

“Universal Cool Japan offers an unparalleled opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite works and experience something truly extraordinary. By adding Universal Studios Japan’s unique experiential elements to these beloved stories born in Japan, we expand their appeal and deliver new value to audiences, both in Japan and worldwide. Universal Cool Japan continues to evolve as a platform for sharing the best of Japanese entertainment globally. We hope many people will experience Universal Cool Japan, where you can leap right into the world of incredibly popular works,” said Kensaku Misono, Director of Universal Cool Japan. He expressed his excitement about the event's uniqueness and its future potential.

This 10th-anniversary edition of Universal Cool Japan will run throughout 2025, continuing to offer guests new ways to experience the charm of Japanese entertainment. The synergy between world-renowned Japan-originated works and the immersive experiences they create has captured growing attention, painting an exciting vision for the future. What kinds of thrills and excitement await in the second installment of Universal Cool Japan? The evolving event shows no signs of slowing down, leaving us eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.

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IV. Annex

1. Full Message from Gosho Aoyama, the original creator of Detective Conan

“Universal Cool Japan is celebrating its 10th anniversary! It’s rare to find an event that recreates anime and manga worlds so vividly and allows fans to experience them firsthand. I’m so excited that Detective Conan World is part of the first installment celebrating the 10th anniversary!. The first Detective Conan attraction appeared at Universal Studios Japan in 2017, and I’ve visited almost every year since. Especially Detective Conan: The Escape—the puzzles are incredibly well-designed, and the entertainers, who seem like they’ve stepped straight out of the manga and anime, deliver such moving performances every time! Please enjoy the immersive world of Detective Conan in a way you can’t experience through the manga or anime, and leave feeling energized!

2. Universal Cool Japan 2025: First Wave Program Schedule

• Peril at the Masquerade - Inspired by Keigo Higashino's Masquerade Series (Immersive Mystery Show)
January 24, 2025 – June 30, 2025

• Detective Conan: The Escape - Prologue to the Flashback (Real Escape Game)
January 31, 2025 – June 30, 2025

• Detective Conan x Story Ride: Thrill Track Attack (Story Ride)
January 31, 2025 – June 30, 2025
Note: Closed February 5–24, 2025 for maintenance.

• Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant (Live Mystery Restaurant)
January 31, 2025 – June 1, 2025

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Photo Credit :[TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.　Calligraphy: SISYU　©Keigo Higashino/SHUEISHA　Detective Conan by Gosho Aoyama (published in Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine)　© 2025 GOSHO AOYAMA/DETECTIVE CONAN COMMITTEE　© SCRAP　Ayaka Ozaki]

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