Universal Studios Japan's "Universal Cool Japan 2026" wraps up with a landmark collaboration: the park's very first tie-up with the beloved TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Starting May 30, 2026, three new experiences invite fans to step directly into Frieren's world.
Frieren Story Walk: Journey of Reminiscence
The highlight is Frieren Story Walk: Journey of Reminiscence, the debut installment of the park's new "Universal Story Walk" concept – a storytelling-style walk-through attraction. Using dynamic visuals, lighting, and sound that fill the entire space, the experience recreates key scenes from the series so visitors feel as if they are journeying alongside Frieren and her companions.
Voice actors Atsumi Tanezaki (Frieren) and Nobuhiko Okamoto (hero Himmel) attended the opening ceremony to share their reactions after experiencing the attraction. Tanezaki said: "Being in the same space as Frieren and the others was moving, of course, but when I felt the real-life distance to the boulder Fern had pierced, and when Frieren conjured the beautiful flower-field magic – there were so many moments I nearly cried! My eyes, ears, and all five senses were so happy to be inside the world of Frieren." Okamoto added: "From the moment I stepped in, it was the town and scenery from the anime. In the scene where you meet Frieren and the others, I saw Stark standing right at the same height as us and felt like he was right there – I'm living alongside Frieren and the others! Himmel's statue and the flower-field magic were so beautiful that all I could do was gasp… I nearly cried."
When asked about their favorite spells from the series, Okamoto said: "Genau's (a first-class mage) Digado Nacht – the spell that manipulates black-gold wings – it was so cool in the anime!" Tanezaki replied: "In terms of fun to say out loud, there's Aura's Azeryuse – the obedience spell that also appears in this attraction. My personal favorites are the small, funny ones: the spell that cleans dirty clothes in an instant, or the one that turns a red apple into a green apple. They're silly but always make me smile."
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End – Restaurant of Reminiscence
A new themed restaurant brings the anime's world to the table. The interior is filled with carefully placed details – motifs such as Fern's hair accessories and pumpkins shaped by magic.
Okamoto said: "Since I love to eat, I tried every dish. The three pieces of meat in Frieren's menu were just wonderful – tender and falling apart!" Tanezaki noted: "The soda in the color of sousgetsu grass, complete with Frieren's staff, felt like a refreshing breeze when I drank it. The interior décor was wonderful right down to the details."
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End x Story Ride – Bird Monster and the Carriage Journey
A high-energy ride rounds out the collaboration lineup. Okamoto described the experience: "I thought, 'There are still things this amazing in the world!' Frieren and the others speak to you directly, and at the same time you can hear YOASOBI's 'Yuusha' – the TV anime's first season opening theme – which is irresistible for fans! I wanted to go again and again." Tanezaki said: "While feeling the exhilaration of the coaster, I imagined being in the middle of a battle with the bird monster, and I fully savored the ride's movements matching the story."
Opening Ceremony
Standing before Himmel's statue – one of Frieren and friends' most cherished memories – Tanezaki and Okamoto declared the official opening: "Let's immerse ourselves in this adventure! Universal Cool Japan – Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, opening!"
Tanezaki shared a message for visitors: "This is a place where you can feel the world of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End with your entire body. I'd love for fans to experience it, and I hope those who haven't encountered the series yet can discover it here. Please enjoy it with your eyes, ears, taste, and all five senses." Okamoto added: "I thought, 'There was still another way to experience this series!' – fans will definitely love it. And if you're curious about Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, come here first and you'll understand its appeal. Please visit."
Event Period: May 30, 2026 (Saturday) – January 11, 2027 (Monday)
