The combination of media IP and theme parks dates back 70 years with the opening of Disneyland in California. With massive populations and fast-growing local media and creative industries in Asia, it’s worth checking the progress of merging local IP media with location-based entertainment.
Locally produced media content is increasingly integrating into the theme attractions through collaborations and self-developed attractions.
In Asia, online games and streaming platforms are, in many ways, larger and more vibrant than traditional film, television, and publishing.
The following is a recap of projects and trends with local IP and location-based entertainment in Asia.
Japan: Universal Studios Japan, nearly 20 years of local media IP collaboration
Universal Studios Japan pioneered the use of local media IP in theme parks with a One Piece-themed show in 2007.
One Piece is a popular anime that has been adapted for television, film, and, most recently, streaming. Local IP has become so popular that Universal now has multiple overlapping permanent and temporary experiences.
One Piece remains a long-standing summer favorite temporary live performance show that features an elaborate, open-air stunt show (One Piece Premier Show) and a pirate-themed fast-food restaurant.
Jujutsu Kaisen is a 4D theater experience that brings the hit manga/anime's sorcery and combat to life. IP theme dining options are available at existing restaurants, as well as theme merchandise.
Beyond Journey's End is a themed, immersive walkthrough experience based on the characters and stories of the fantasy anime Frieren. The walkthrough features IP characters in a themed environment with projection mapping and mixed media.
A themed restaurant is also available.
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan faithfully brings the world of the uch-loved compauter game to life Image courtesy of Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World is celebrating its 5th anniversary with its Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Super Mario is a legacy game IP, made into a theme park land and now a blockbuster motion picture franchise (with Universal Illumination Studios).
Super Nintendo World includes world-class dark rides and theme coasters, as well as extensive interactive play experiences using power-up band challenges. The highly themed environment features themed restaurants and retail shops, as well as character meet-and-greets.
Detective Conan originated as a manga 32 years ago and later became an animated television series. Detective Conan at USJ features both permanent dark ride and escape game experiences that change regularly with new and seasonal content. A Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant offers theme dining experiences that also change every 6 months.
Japan: Ghibli Park: authentic to the creative
Ghibli Studios is an award-winning animation studio in Tokyo, Japan, with a long history of creative storytelling and iconic visuals.
In 2022, it opened Ghibli Park in phases within the Aichi Commemorative Park near Nagoya. The theme park is relatively small but highly authentic to the Ghibli Studio aesthetic. The park limits daily visitor capacity to ensure a good visitor experience.
Korea: Lotte World Adventure: IP activations and upgrades
Lotte World Adventure had good success with multiple Pokémon activations in the spring and fall of 2025. Building on that success, Lotte recently opened a mini land using Nexon’s long-popular MapleStory online game, characters and stories.
Lotte World's Maple Island opened in April 2026 with new attractions plus themed F&B and retail
Maple Island includes a roller coaster, family ride, theme retail and theme food outlets. MapleStory activations and characters also appear in photo opportunities and a parade float in the indoor park.
Lotte has also announced plans for a “Kong x Godzilla: The Ride” based on Legendary Entertainment's and Toho Co. Ltd.'s Godzilla x Kong movie franchise.
The ride's opening date is yet to be announced.
China: growing domestic IP
While Shanghai Disney and Universal Beijing go from strength to strength, there is a growing use of domestic media IP in China. The government is strongly encouraging more domestic media IP in the attractions industry as both a means of growing internal capabilities and a way to support cultural confidence.
The biggest application of home-grown media IP in theme parks in China is the Boonie Bears franchise. The Boonie Bears animation franchise, developed in-house by Fantawild, includes several animated television series and full-length feature films.
Guests can have the opportunity to meet their favourite Boonie Bears characters at various Fantawild attractions Image courtesy of Fantawild
Fantawild, working in collaboration with local governments, designed, built and operates four stand-alone Boonie Bear theme parks as well as an entire Boonie Bear shopping mall in Shenzhen. Boonie Bear characters also appear in other Fantawild theme parks and water parks.
Pop Land, also known as Pop Mart City Park, is located within the popular Chaoyang Park in central Beijing. Currently covering 40,000 square meters, Pop Land comprises several lands and brings fan-favorite blind-box characters like Labubu, Molly, and Dimoo to life through immersive experiences.
The park also includes themed dining, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise. Pop Land is constantly evolving, continually adding new features and experiences.
Based on guest feedback, Pop Mart is refining and expanding the concept and looking to launch more Pop Lands in other cities.
China: Universal Beijing
Universal Beijing is celebrating its 5th anniversary and, taking a cue from USJ, integrating local media IP into new temporary IP experiences and activations.
IPs including Chang’an and Genshin Impact appear in the 2026 Universal Infinite Spring
This includes the Genshin Impact Interactive Zone, based on a very popular and highly successful open-world action role-playing game. The game has a particularly strong appeal among a female audience.
Universal created the Genshin Impact Interactive Zone with a fully themed IP environment, character interactions, and themed dining.
Universal also worked with Light Chaser Animation to create “Chang’an Grand Feast: an interactive dining experience”. Chang’an 30,000 Miles was a popular animated film set in the Tang Dynasty.
China: a new player
Chinese streaming service iQIYI opened its first tech-enabled theme park in February 2026 Image courtesy of IQiyi Land
The future is bright for local IP
Will we see more local media IP in Asian attractions? Absolutely.
Local media IPs are “waking up” to new opportunities; guests are appreciating the experiences, as reflected in their visitation and spending; and smart operators are achieving strong returns on investment.
The future of local media IP, whether developed in synergy with international IP or as stand-alone theme attractions, is bright in Asia.
