Following reports that representatives from Universal Studios Japan were looking into potentially opening a new theme park on the island of Okinawa, the interested party has taken the rather surprising step of dropping the well-established Universal name in favour of the unknown ‘Nangoku Resort’.

Translating to “Southern Country”, a term often used to refer to Japan's tropical regions and islands, the new name does away with the Universal brand, something strongly entrenched in the Japanese market.

The naming decision has raised questions as to how much of a link the new park will have with Universal Japan, and even if it will have any relation to movies which the park is famous for.

Universal Studios Japan’s president, Glenn Gumpel, said in March that the theme park would be smaller than Universal Studios in Osaka and Tokyo Disneyland, and would use the island as a main focus for inspiration. Okinawa is currently trying to sell itself as an Asian tourist destination and a Universal theme park was seen as a huge step towards solidifying that stance, though possibly less so without the Universal branding. Leisure developments on the island are also hampered by a large US military presence, with half of US forces in the region sited on Okinawa.

The location and planned opening date for the newly-christened Nangoku Resort are yet to be revealed, but possible sites include Okinawa’s Ocean Expo Park and Neo Park Okinawa.

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