What this is
Every summer, Universal Studios Japan transforms its WaterWorld stage into a full-scale One Piece live action spectacular — and the 2026 edition pits the Straw Hat Pirates against the Kuja Pirates, the Marines, and a revenge-driven newcomer named Bendiger. Running approximately 80 minutes at 6:45 PM nightly, this is a stunt-heavy, pyrotechnic-laden theatrical show rather than a simple character meet-and-greet. The Premier Show is one of USJ's most anticipated annual events among One Piece fans, with original storylines written specifically for the stage.
Who should go
One Piece fans of any age, though the action-heavy format and evening timing make it especially rewarding for older kids, teens, and adult anime enthusiasts. Families with young children should note the 6:45 PM start and plan park time accordingly.
Good to know
Reserved-seat tickets are sold separately from standard USJ park admission — you need both a park entry ticket and a show ticket. Tickets are available via the official USJ website and major Japanese ticketing platforms; foreign credit cards are generally accepted on the USJ site, which also has an English interface. Convenience store pickup at Lawson or 7-Eleven is available for domestically purchased tickets. The WaterWorld venue is an outdoor amphitheatre-style space seating several thousand; bring a light jacket for evening performances as it can get cool, particularly in autumn. A limited-edition 2026 muffler towel is sold at the venue — stock is limited so arrive early if you want one. Note that the city listed in this listing is Tokyo, but Universal Studios Japan is located in Osaka.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.