Universal Studios Japan has announced details of its annual Cool Japan event, with new “Final Fantasy” and “Sailor Moon” attractions joining the pop culture celebration.

Running January 19 – June 24, 2018, Cool Japan showcases the coolest Japanese characters from anime, manga, and video games. The event first launched in 2015 and over the years has featured attractions based on Japanese hits “Neon Genesis Evangelion”, “Resident Evil”, “Attack on Titan”, “Great Detective Conan”, and “Monster Hunter.”

2018’s event looks set to be the best yet, with the addition of two of Japan’s biggest franchises, “Final Fantasy” and “Sailor Moon”!

© Universal Studios Japan / Square Enix

The new “Final Fantasy XR Ride” is a VR upgrade to one of the park’s rollercoasters, taking fans on a high-speed adventure through 30 years of Final Fantasy. The developer of the games, Square Enix, is producing the visuals for the ride and will be including fan-favourites Cloud (FF9), Lightning (FF13), Zidane (FF9), and the Warrior of Light (FF1).

Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano has even created a new logo for the experience.

© Universal Studios Japan / Square Enix

It is not confirmed which ride will receive the VR overlay, but last year’s Cool Japan used the aptly names Space Fantasy. For more info on Cool Japan 2017 check out Trish’s Universal Studios trip report in episode 82 of the TDRNow podcast.

Final Fantasy will launch alongside upgraded versions of last year’s “Great Detective Conan”, and “Monster Hunter” attractions on January 19, 2018.

Details on the Sailor Moon attraction are not available yet, but from the promo images, it seems like the attraction will feature old-school Sailor Moon and not the art style of the recent reboot. The attraction is set to join the lineup at Cool Japan during spring 2018 and will also run until June 24.

Cool Japan is just one of the ways Universal Studios Japan is upping its game and competing with Tokyo Disney Resort. Recently the park announced its Wonder Christmas event and construction is underway on the new Super Nintendo World, opening in 2020.

Images and information from the Universal Studios Japan website and Japan Today.

Are you planning a trip to Osaka to visit Universal Studios Japan? Be sure to read our guides on booking flights to Japan, buying a Japan Rail Pass, and even how to stay connected with Japanese mobile internet data.