A group of people, including a Donkey Kong mascot, stand behind a "Kong Play Wild!" sign in a lively setting with colorful lights and tropical decor.

Universal Studios Japan Hosts Donkey Kong Country Eve Ceremony

Lauren Shahan

Last evening, Universal Studios Japan held a Donkey Kong Country Eve Ceremony to celebrate the expansion of its Super Nintendo World.

A group of people, including a Donkey Kong mascot, stand behind a "Kong Play Wild!" sign in a lively setting with colorful lights and tropical decor.

Universal Studios Japan is the first to have Donkey Kong Country, a new land of the Super Nintendo World expansion. However, when Epic Universe opens in Florida in May 2025, it will also have its own Donkey Kong Country.

During the Donkey Kong Eve Ceremony, there was a special performance by dancers and musicians. Donkey Kong then appeared as the star of the show, reenacting his famous ground pound and making the pavement “shake” beneath the performers. After that, others were welcomed out to the event including J.L. Bonnier – President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan, Shigeru Miyamoto – representative director of Nintendo Co. Ltd, Mark Woodbury  -Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, and special guest actor Haruka Fukuhara.

Donkey Kong Country

First look at the empty Donkey Kong Country amusement park ride vehicle on a track, with themed wall decorations in the background at Universal Studios Japan.

Donkey Kong Country’s main attraction is the roller coaster, Mine-Cart Madness, which emulates one of the most iconic parts of the Donkey Kong games. 

In a theatrical FIRST LOOK at Universal Studios Japan, a person in a suit embraces the large, furry Donkey Kong character on stage, surrounded by vibrant bananas and flowers, bringing the magic of Donkey Kong Country to life.

Guests will also be able to meet Donkey Kong outside his treehouse and purchase a souvenir photo frame.

FIRST LOOK: Discover "Jungle Beat Shakes," a tropical-themed eatery straight out of Donkey Kong Country, with its thatched roof and vibrant palm trees, nestled in the lush greenery of Universal Studios Japan.

There is a counter-service restaurant in the land called Jungle Beat Shakes. The design is a tiki hut-style venue with a walk-up counter.

Two items guests can find at the Jungle Beat Shakes restaurant include a specialty hot dog and a DK Crush Sundae that comes with or without a souvenir barrel mug.

Experience the FIRST LOOK at Universal Studios Japan's new attraction, featuring a cartoon airplane facade with a sign reading "Funky's Fly 'n' Buy." Inspired by Donkey Kong Country, this adventure is adorned with vibrant tropical decorations.

The gift shop within Donkey Kong Country is Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy. This gift shop is based on an in-game location.

Donkey Kong Merch peek 6

Some merchandise guests can expect to see in the land include a Donkey Kong and Dixie Kong headband with both characters in barrels, a Nintendo World tin featuring Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, as well as a souvenir DK barrel filled with assorted snacks.

Will you be taking a trip to Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan once it officially opens? Let us know in the comments.

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