07-15-2014, 03:21 AM
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 J.K. Rowling attends Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Japan grand opening
J.K. Rowling, who quietly previewed the grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan on Monday, briefly commented on what she thought of the second attraction worldwide, especially the addition of the Black Lake below Hogwarts - something not even featured in Orlando. Quote:
“The craft and attention to detail across The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan is incredible and I will take away the memory of Hogwarts castle reflected on the Black Lake in particular. I’m delighted that Harry fans in Japan and around Asia can experience a physical incarnation that is so close to what I imagined when writing the books,” said J.K. Rowling.
Photos and press releases from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter courtesy of Warner Bros. and Universal Studios Japan. 
 On the eve of its Grand Opening, Universal Studios Japan celebrated the much anticipated opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter today, Monday July 14, beginning at 7:15 pm. Approximately 1,000 specially invited guests celebrated the opening along with a dazzling display of fireworks.
At 7:15 pm this evening, guests arrived and walked the red carpet on their way to a specially constructed stage for these grand opening events in Hogsmeade village amid thunderous applause.
At approximately 7:40 pm, with the special guests gathered on the stage, including Tom Felton who played Harry’s rival Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, and Evanna Lynch who played Luna Lovegood in the film series and who also attended the April 18 opening date announcement event, joined the 1,000 Harry Potter fans and incanted the Lumos! spell together, illuminating Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade village in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The spell set off a magnificent display of fireworks, colorful confetti, and thunderous applause from the crowd marking the historic moment of the opening of this 45 billion yen national level project and its economic effect of 5.6 trillion yen over ten years.
 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an area meticulously recreating the world of the Harry Potter stories, opened this morning (Tues., July 15) at 7:35 AM at Universal Studios Japan.
At approximately 7:15 AM, Mr. Tom Felton and Ms. Evanna Lynch, who both starred in the Harry Potter film series, joined USJ Co., Ltd., President & CEO Mr. Glenn Gumpel, and commenced an Opening Ceremony at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s entrance archway to much applause from guests anxious to enter. Mr. Felton and Ms. Lynch led the guests with the Revelio spell as the archway was filled with smoke, which slowly lifted to reveal Hogsmeade village prompting cheers from waiting park guests. Then so many guests stepped into Hogsmeade village with excitement and were welcomed by Hogsmeade villagers.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a 45 billion yen project with a 5.6 trillion yen projected economic impact over ten years, is sure to meet the expectations of a national level project of its size and attract many guests over the coming years.
• Tom Felton Actor: Harry Potter film series “Draco Malfoy”
• Evanna Lynch Actress: Harry Potter film series “Luna Lovegood”
• Glenn Gumpel Chairman & CEO, USJ Co., Ltd.
Be sure to check out the special interactive USJ website where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter and virtually experience every corner of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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