Credit: Universal Studios JapanA court has upheld a verdict that allows Universal Studios to enforce a controversial ticket rule.
Whether it’s Universal, Disney, or Six Flags, all theme parks operate a little bit differently today than they did in the past. COVID-19 kickstarted plenty of changes, with Disney enforcing theme park reservations (which have now largely been lifted at Disney World) and seemingly all parks sending ticket prices soaring.
At Universal Studios, ticket prices have also increased – albeit not to the same controversial extent as Disney. However, its ticketing isn’t entirely without controversy, with one of its theme park resorts going to court over a debate on its policy to prohibit admission ticket cancellations and resales.
Court Upholds Universal Ticketing Policy
On December 19, Japan’s Osaka High Court ruled that Universal Studios Japan’s policy banning ticket cancellations and resales is lawful.
Universal Studios Japan is one of the country’s most popular theme parks, known for its attractions based on major film franchises. The park features themed areas like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and the recently opened Donkey Kong Country, and hosts seasonal events that draw visitors from across the globe.
Guests who purchased tickets to the park (which can get notoriously busy, even by Universal Studios standards) were left unable to sell or cancel their tickets for a refund.
When a lower court also declared this legal, the Kansai Consumers Support Organization took it to the Osaka High Court. It had previously been argued that USJ’s ticket terms—which prohibit ticket cancellations and resales—violated the Consumer Contract Act.
According to The Mainichi, the presiding Judge Yumiko Tokuoka upheld the view that USJ’s terms and conditions “aim to prevent ticket price increases and are reasonable,” aligning with the judgment from the initial trial.
However, the high court revised the lower court’s position on banning ticket resales to third parties, focusing on consumers’ freedom of choice. While the court recognized that such a ban might appear to restrict consumer rights under the Consumer Contract Act, it concluded that the clause did not infringe on consumer interests to a degree that would render it illegal or invalid.
The Kansai Consumers Support Organization, an Osaka-based nonprofit authorized by the national government to advocate for consumer rights, filed a case under its system filing lawsuits on behalf of consumers. The group aimed to eliminate clauses regarding the cancellation and resale of USJ admission tickets.
According to the group, consumer affairs centers across the country have received complaints about the park’s refusal to allow ticket cancellations. Hirokazu Murakami, the attorney representing the Kansai Consumers Support Organization, stated, “The fact that the court recognized user rights are being restricted is a breakthrough toward acknowledging the park’s terms as illegal.”
USJ released a statement on the verdict: “We believe that our claims have been upheld.”
Changes at Universal Studios Japan
With the recent opening of Donkey Kong Country, there’s more for guests to enjoy at Universal Studios Japan than ever.
However, the park has also been criticized in recent years for its lengthy attraction closures. Jurassic Park—The Ride shuttered for refurbishment in September 2023, marked as indefinite on the USJ website.
Meanwhile, Space Fantasy – The Ride has been closed since January 2023 and will reopen at the end of January 2025. Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Race, Sesame’s Big Drive, Universal Spectacle Night Parade: The Best of Hollywood, Wand Studies, and Snoopy’s Sound Stage Adventure are all also closed indefinitely, with Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic and Shrek’s 4-D Adventure set to join this list in January.
Do you agree with Universal Studios Japan’s ticket policy?