lifestyle

Universal Studios Japan

Fortunately, our families raised us with the encouragement that we could be children for as long as we wanted. Of course, this did not mean unlimited freedom from punishment or reckless nonsense. Rather, it meant loving support from our parents: knowing full well that growing up and adulthood come with challenges that are easier to face with a certain childlike lightness, we were literally encouraged to maintain and preserve our childlike spirit.

We are the generation that was sent outside in all weathers, where we played games we had invented ourselves until dusk, built huts out of man-sized grasses, brought our Barbie dolls and cowboy figures to life, jumped Matchbox cars over homemade ramps, had the wildest races on our folding bicycles, and conquered the steepest slopes on roller skates.

But even when the weather prevented us from playing outside and giving free rein to our creativity, we knew just as well how to keep ourselves busy indoors. We listened eagerly to adventurous stories on audio cassettes, drew, painted and crafted imaginary characters, listened to the latest hits of the 80s, watched hip cartoon and anime series of the 90s, or had great fun playing simple board games.
When the era of Gameboys and game consoles dawned in the late 1980s, the excitement was palpable: from then on, pixelated heroes such as Tekken, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Abe's Odyssey and Pitfall joined our analogue gaming world. However, the undisputed favourite was Super Mario. Thanks to Nintendo, you could become Mario yourself and fight your way through magical adventure worlds on a mission to rescue Princess Peach.

Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka not only immersed us in this colourful Super Mario world. With its wandering mushrooms and turtles, oversized coin blocks and collectible stars, red and white snap plants, a cute Kinopio mascot and the mysterious Bowser Castle, we were magically transported into the heart of the game. The highlight of this experience was undoubtedly the wild go-kart ride through Bowser's castle... We hadn't laughed so much in a long time.

In addition to Nintendo World, the worlds of Harry Potter, Sharks, Waterworld, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Jurassic Park and the Minions were not only highly detailed, but also extremely entertaining. In addition to fun rides, the themed shops in particular invited visitors to linger. It was difficult to decide between one thing and another. Had to decide? No! We bought what made us happy and would remind us of this joyful day for a long time to come.

One thing that couldn't be missing at Universal Studios Japan? Headwear! From droll headbands adorned with a wide variety of characters from all the studio worlds to hats and caps that, when combined with the fitting outfit, instantly transformed you into your favourite (game) character. And the best thing about it? Everyone wore one and no one felt uncomfortable. On the contrary: you could really feel the blossoming childlike joy of all the visitors. Everyone had a smile on their face, enjoyed the colourful and playful atmosphere and seemed to enjoy being a child again for a day. And us? Right in the middle of it all, fully immersed in this colourful park of magical worlds.

So if we may offer some well-meaning advice: stop trying to grow up too quickly. Hold on to your childlike self, your little mischief-maker, your joy and your innocence for as long as you can. Go out into the world with an open, carefree heart and remain enthusiastic. It's a game where you can only win.

Japan, November 2024. | All words and photos by The Sturgheons.