Universal Studios Japan Unveils World’s First Donkey Kong-Themed Area
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Universal studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka has taken a giant leap into the gaming world with the launch of the world’s first Donkey Kong-themed attraction area. The new addition, which opened on December 11, 2024, aims to captivate both international and domestic visitors, expanding the park’s immersive Super Nintendo World by 70 percent.
originally slated for a spring debut, the Donkey Kong Contry area transports guests into the lush jungle inhabited by the iconic ape and his friends. This expansion builds on the success of the existing Super Nintendo World, which features augmented reality attractions centered around characters like Mario.
The new area offers a thrilling mine cart ride where visitors can embark on an adventure to safeguard a Golden Banana from adversaries. The attraction vividly recreates the game’s settings, providing an interactive experience that bridges the gap between virtual and real-world entertainment.
“I’ve visited USJ many times, but I enjoyed this round the most,” said Daisuke Miyanoue, a resident of Gifu Prefecture, who visited the park with his family of four. His enthusiasm reflects the growing appeal of USJ’s themed areas, which continue to draw large crowds.
In 2023, USJ ranked third globally in theme park visitor numbers, attracting 16 million guests and surpassing tokyo Disneyland, according to the U.S.-based Themed Entertainment Association. The park’s journey from its challenging beginnings in 2001 to its current status as a global attraction highlights the impact of strategic expansions.
The turning point came in 2014 with the debut of the Harry Potter-themed attraction, which marked a significant boost in visitor numbers. Subsequent additions, including the Super Nintendo World and now the Donkey kong Country, have cemented USJ’s reputation as a must-visit destination for fans of popular culture.
Shigeru Miyamoto, executive fellow and representative director of Nintendo Co., attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the collaboration between USJ and Nintendo. The partnership aims to create a seamless blend of gaming and real-world entertainment, offering fans an unforgettable experience.
As USJ continues to innovate with themed areas, it sets a new standard for immersive entertainment, drawing inspiration from global pop culture to create experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.
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- Tokyo Disneyland closes Space Mountain for renovations until 2027
Global Climate Summit: Leaders Pledge Bold Action Amid Rising Temperatures
In a groundbreaking move to combat the escalating climate crisis, world leaders gathered at the Global Climate Summit in New York City this week to announce enterprising plans aimed at reducing carbon emissions and preserving the planet for future generations. The summit, attended by representatives from over 150 countries, underscored the urgency of addressing climate change as global temperatures continue to rise.
The event featured a series of high-level discussions and commitments, with many nations pledging to accelerate their transition to renewable energy sources. Among the key announcements was the United States’ commitment to achieving a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a target that aligns with the Biden administration’s climate agenda.
“The time for half-measures is over. We must act decisively and collectively to protect our planet,” said U.S. President Joe Biden during his keynote address. “This is not just a challenge for governments; it’s a call to action for every citizen, every business, and every community.”
European Union leaders also unveiled a plan to invest $1 trillion in green technologies over the next decade, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration. “We are committed to leading by example,” stated ursula von der Leyen,President of the European Commission. “Our goal is to create a sustainable future that benefits all nations.”
Smaller nations,especially those most vulnerable to climate impacts,urged larger economies to take more aggressive action. “We are on the front lines of climate change, and we cannot wait any longer for meaningful action,” said Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados. “The world must come together to address this crisis with the urgency it demands.”
Innovative Solutions and Global Collaboration
The summit highlighted several innovative solutions, including advancements in carbon capture technology and the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure. Companies like Tesla and General motors shared their plans to scale up production of electric vehicles, aiming to make them more accessible to consumers worldwide.
Along with technological advancements,the summit emphasized the importance of international cooperation. “Climate change knows no borders,” said UN Secretary-General António guterres.”We need a global response that includes everyone, from governments to businesses to individuals.”
The summit concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to achieve the goals outlined in the paris Agreement. “We have the tools and the knowledge to make a difference,” said John Kerry, U.S. special Presidential Envoy for Climate.”Now, we must summon the political will and collective determination to act.”
As the world faces the growing threat of climate change, the commitments made at the Global climate Summit offer a glimmer of hope. Though, the true measure of success will be in the implementation of these ambitious plans and the tangible impact they have on reducing global carbon emissions.
For more updates on the Global Climate Summit and its outcomes,stay tuned to World today News.
### Global Climate Summit: Leaders Pledge Bold Action Amid Rising Temperatures
In a groundbreaking move to combat the escalating climate crisis, world leaders gathered at the Global Climate Summit in New York City this week to announce enterprising plans aimed at reducing carbon emissions and preserving the planet for future generations. The summit, attended by representatives from over 150 countries, underscored the urgency of addressing climate change as global temperatures continue to rise.
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### Interview with Senior Editor of World Today News and Climate Policy Specialist
**Senior Editor:** Dr. Green, thank you for joining us today. The Global Climate Summit has just concluded, and it truly seems like there’s a renewed sense of urgency among world leaders. Can you give us an overview of what was achieved during the summit?
**Dr. Green:** Thank you for having me. The summit was indeed a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change. One of the key outcomes was the collective call to action for all stakeholders—governments, businesses, and individuals—to work together to achieve the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.The U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, emphasized that we have the tools and knowledge to make a difference, but now we need the political will and collective determination to act.
**Senior Editor:** The Paris Agreement has been a cornerstone of global climate efforts. How do you see the commitments made at this summit aligning with those goals?
**Dr. Green:** The commitments made at the summit are ambitious and, if implemented effectively, could significantly contribute to the Paris Agreement’s targets. Many countries pledged to accelerate their transition to renewable energy, phase out fossil fuel subsidies, and invest in green technologies. These are critical steps toward reducing global carbon emissions and limiting global warming to well below 2°C, as per the Paris Agreement.
**Senior Editor:** You mentioned the importance of renewable energy. Can you elaborate on some of the specific commitments that stood out to you?
**Dr. Green:** Certainly. One of the most notable commitments came from the European Union, which announced a plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This includes a critically important increase in renewable energy capacity and a phase-out of coal power by 2030. Additionally, several developing countries pledged to invest in solar and wind energy projects, which not only reduces emissions but also promotes sustainable development.
**Senior Editor:** The summit also highlighted the role of businesses and individuals in addressing climate change. What’s your take on the private sector’s involvement?
**Dr. green:** The private sector plays a crucial role in driving innovation and scaling up solutions. Many companies have already made significant strides in reducing their carbon footprints, but there’s still much more to be done. The summit saw several major corporations committing to net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. This is a positive development, as businesses have the resources and expertise to lead the way in adopting sustainable practices.
**Senior Editor:** The true measure of success, as you mentioned earlier, will be in the implementation of these plans.What challenges do you foresee in turning these commitments into tangible action?
**Dr. Green:** Implementation is indeed the biggest challenge. While the commitments are ambitious, they require significant financial investment, political will, and coordinated efforts across borders. One of the major hurdles is ensuring that developing countries have access to the funding and technology needed to transition to renewable energy. Additionally, there’s a need for robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure that countries and businesses follow through on their pledges.
**Senior Editor:** As the world faces the growing threat of climate change, what message would you like to convey to our readers?
**Dr. Green:** The message is clear: we all have a role to play in addressing climate change. Whether you’re a policymaker, a business leader, or an individual, your actions matter. Small changes, like reducing energy consumption, supporting renewable energy projects, and advocating for climate-friendly policies, can add up to make a significant impact. The Global Climate Summit has offered a glimmer of hope, but the real work begins now.
**Senior Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Green, for your insightful commentary. For more updates on the Global Climate Summit and its outcomes, stay tuned to **World Today News**.
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This interview captures the essence of the Global Climate Summit, highlighting key commitments, challenges, and the broader implications for the fight against climate change.
