New Theme Park to Open in Okinawa in 2025 for Nature, Luxury

Tokyo, Nov. 27 (Jiji Press)--Katana Inc. said Monday that it will open a new theme park in the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture, southernmost Japan, in 2025, focused on nature and luxury.

According to the marketing firm based in the western Japan city of Osaka, the theme park will be built on a site that previously housed a golf course straddling the village of Nakijin and the city of Nago.

The company will invest around 70 billion yen to build the 60-hecatre theme park, Junglia.

The plan for the envisaged facility was unveiled at a press conference held on the day in Tokyo by Katana CEO Tsuyoshi Morioka, who is known as the figure behind theme park Universal Studios Japan's turnaround.

Featuring air balloon rides and zip lines, Junglia will provide an opportunity for parkgoers to enjoy Okinawa's nature.

Morioka also said that the theme park will include a ride where people are chased by dinosaurs.

The theme park will also feature a spa, seeking to attract wealthy foreign tourists and others.

Morioka said that the theme park will bring related investments including for accommodation facilities to the northern area of Okinawa.

"We will utilize the nature of the 'Yanbaru' forest area in all its glory," Morioka said, stressing that the company will do everything it can to welcome visitors to Junglia in summer 2025.

The operator of USJ had considered building a facility in the northern area of Okinawa around 2014, but ultimately abandoned the idea.

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