Universal Studios Japan joins Osaka's Tenjin Festival boat procession

On 25 July 2026, Universal Studios Japan marked its 25th anniversary by taking part for the first time in Osaka’s Tenjin Festival, one of Japan’s three major summer festivals. A specially decorated USJ boat sailed on the Ōkawa (formerly Yodo River), running from the boarding pier, turning near Hishō Bridge and heading toward Tenjin Bridge for roughly three hours.

The vessel featured USJ branding and characters, including SGM Ayakoshi Reika, the Water World character Deecon, and the park mascots Woody and Winnie Woodpecker. Before launch, Ayakoshi Reika urged the crew, saying, “25 years of entertainment power will lift the Tenjin Festival!” Deecon added a spirited call‑and‑response, while the mascots surprised the crowd during the fireworks finale. Spectators lining the river cheered the park’s inaugural participation, and the boat’s lights, lanterns and fireworks added vibrant colour to the traditional “fire and water” celebration.