One Piece Premier Summer 2026 Returns to USJ With Hancock After 12 Years
Hancock's return after more than a decade signals USJ is leaning on a fan-favorite character to refresh a recurring seasonal event that could otherwise feel formulaic.
Reporting from 3 sources: GAME Watch (Impress), Comic Natalie, Anime Anime.
Universal Studios Japan will host "One Piece Premier Summer 2026" from July 30 to November 19, featuring an enhanced live show, a new story ride, and a themed restaurant. The limited-time event, based on the anime "ONE PIECE" by Eiichiro Oda, brings back the Kuja Pirates leader Hancock to the main show for the first time in 12 years. The "One Piece Premier Show 2026" includes guest-participation dances, photo sessions, and stunt action with pyrotechnics. Smoker from Marine Headquarters and Lucci from Cipher Pol join the original story, which pits pirates, the World Government, and a mysterious enemy against each other. The show runs 84 performances, one per day, at the WaterWorld venue. Tickets go on general sale June 10, priced at 3,000 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for children. The event also offers "One Piece × Story Ride," an adventure on the giant island of Elbaf using a cloud-floating boat, and "Sanji's Pirate Restaurant," where guests eat dishes cooked by the Straw Hat chef. Additional collaboration menus and merchandise will be announced later.
GAME Watch reports that the show's original story introduces a new antagonist named Vendigar, "who swears revenge on the World Government." His ability attacks Luffy and Hancock, testing their bonds with friends. The show includes the largest number of pyrotechnics in Premier Show history, according to the outlet.
The "One Piece × Story Ride" is set on the giant island of Elbaf. Guests board a cloud-floating boat borrowed from the giants Dorry and Brogy. The ride takes them into an "Underworld" where giant beasts and a "Cursed Prince" appear. The attraction runs at the Hollywood Dream - The Ride venue.
"Sanji's Pirate Restaurant" returns with a story involving Luffy, Zoro, and Buggy, who sneaks in due to a misunderstanding. Each session runs approximately 85 minutes with seat rotation. Adult tickets are 7,000 yen, child tickets are 2,600 yen.
Tickets for the show go on general sale June 10 at 12:00, available through the Universal Studios Japan Web Ticket Store and Lawson Ticket. Studio Pass admission is not included in any ticket price.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- GAME Watch (Impress) USJ、「ワンピース・プレミア・サマー 2026」のアトラクション詳細とビジュアルを公開
- Comic Natalie 「ワンピース・プレミア・サマー」今年もUSJで、アクション＆グリーティングがパワーアップ
- Anime Anime サンジのレストランで極上のおもてなしを体験♪ 「ワンピース」×USJイベント7月30日より開催！ スモーカー、ルッチも登場するバトル、エルバフでの大冒険…詳細明らかに