Universal Park to Close AGAIN Due to State of Emergency

Universal Studios Japan announced today on Twitter that it would be temporarily closing for two weeks, beginning on April 25. The closure will run through May 11.

Universal Studios Japan tweeted:

[Notice of temporary closure] Universal Studios Japan has decided to temporarily close during the following period. ◆ Period: April 25-May 11, 2021 ※ It may be extended depending on the situation. Please check the following regarding the handling of tickets during the holiday period. http://usj.eng.mg/0234b

【臨時休業のお知らせ】
ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパンは下記の期間、臨時休業することを決定しました。

◆期間：2021年4月25日～5月11日
　※状況により延長する場合があります。

なお、休業期間中のチケットの取り扱いに関しては、以下よりご確認ください
https://t.co/LFxEMLEdpw pic.twitter.com/YOKex9Upmq

— ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン公式 (@USJ_Official) April 23, 2021

While the reason for the closure is not stated in the tweet, Japan has been seeing a recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Things have gotten so severe that the central government of Japan issued a state of emergency for both Tokyo and Osaka, where Universal Studios Japan is located.

The state of emergency was reported by the New York Times:

The measures will take effect on Sunday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said, calling them “a short and concentrated measure” to slow the virus’s spread during the Golden Week holiday, traditionally one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

In addition to Tokyo and Osaka, the states of emergency cover the neighboring prefectures Kyoto and Hyogo and will be in place until May 11. Together, the four prefectures are home to roughly a quarter of Japan’s 126 million people.

Not even one week ago, Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura announced that he would be asking the central government of Japan to declare a state of emergency due to the spread of COVID-19 cases throughout the city. The Kyodo News reported:

“It is necessary to request the closure of large-scale commercial facilities such as theme park and eateries where infection risks are high,” Yoshimura said, while noting that steps to be taken under a state of emergency are decided by the central government.

While the closure is only currently scheduled to run through May 11, it is possible that Osaka, and Universal Studios, may extend the state of emergency and, in turn, the theme park closure will remain closed until a new reopening date is announced. We will update our website when more information is released.

A state of emergency has also been declared for Tokyo, where Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are located. However, as of this writing, Disney has not stated that the two theme parks in Japan will close again.

How do you feel about Universal having to shut down again due to concerns surrounding the panedmic? Let us know in the comments!