Why Are Japanese Theme Parks So Run Down?

[@pizzaforbreakfast1832]

Also in Japan, most of their theme park were built in the 90s, when the Japanese economy was booming. Since then, the economy has stagnated, which may be why not many smaller parks can afford new coasters or repaints

[@molybdnum]

This is absolutely a crucial factor. Not just a booming economy, but a bubble economy - parks were built overbig and in riskier locations assuming that growth would continue. Think of Dubai's artificial islands and the 2008 global financial events; that's what happened in Japan when the 90's bubble burst, and what you're seeing today is the survivors barely hanging on.

[@masterknife8423]

Japan's economic boom was in the 80s not the 90s

[@jeniferpepe1939]

PizzaForBreakfast 1 then how did many parks close after the accident and not before

[@wolfieeeee256]

alright mr spirited away

[@Exodon2020]

@@justiful9215 Germany has the second-oldest and our Parks are doing fine.

[@troykawahara4496]

I think another huge factor that touches all aspects of Japanese society is its work culture. Working in Japan can be grueling and soul sucking, so people may not only not have the time to visit the parks, but they may not have the energy either. Famously, the work culture has contributed to declining birth rates, which I think also feeds back into the current issues facing these parks, since there are fewer families and thus fewer people who have a “reason” to go to these parks. Actually, come to think of it, I know the Japanese government has been trying to promote dating to help increase the birth rate, so maybe they should work with these parks and help them financially so that young people have a place to go on a date. It’s not a silver bullet, but it is something. All that said, I really like your encouragement of tourists going to visit smaller parks. Every large park was likely a small park at one point, so supporting small parks gives them the opportunity to grow into something great. And you may have some great discoveries and stories as you appear to have had in your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@GammaCatch]

"Work Culture" is one of the better euphemisms. Propagandists sunk that one right in.

[@じょうぶつするお]

About 30years ago, many Japanese parks open because it was needed by the people. then parks wasn't update their atractions for long. I think that is why a lot of people is gone from the amusement parks to the other kind of leisures.

[@rkr9861]

More than that, it's also travel and touring culture. When the Japanese want to go somewhere, they go all at once at the same time. When I was in Japan from 98-03, I observed the attendance thing with zoos, aquariums, museums, and shrines as well. 95% of the time, dead empty. On "The day"? JAM PACKED.

[@Lil_Angry_Bitch]

Your comments contradicts itself because if Japan's Work culture was the issue, Millions of people wouldn't be flocking to Tokyo Disney or Universal Japan giving the rides 3 hours wait times.

[@mikiqex]

I was told pretty much every school field trip to Tokyo is also going to the Disneyland. That's quite an attendance right there.

[@KagetsukiRei]

I live in Japan and have 3 children, and I'm in range of 3 large parks, one of those three is very famous. I've also been to USJ. Just some comments: * Basically most parks are empty during the school/work days, year round. * Most parks operate on school/work days in the weeks leading up to large vacations or after large vacations to get ready. They clean up, test the rides with small batches of people, etc. with a skeleton crew of attendants. You were there in that period before summer break. * Many parks are shutting down because the rides they offer aren't any better than the ones that are offered at large, regular parks in Japan. By regular parks I mean parks with swing sets etc. that are just in a neighbourhood - many of these parks run mostly by the city have acquired things like merry go rounds, rail guided cars, even go-carts and you can enter them without any admission fee and rides are inexpensive. Maintenance and staff is mostly done by "silver" class workers, who are retirees who are paid a minimal salary by the city and just do it because it's something they want to do to keep busy (and because many of them like kids). My local park has bumper cars, a train, two flying rides, a ferris-wheel, a merry-go-round, a rail-guided car, a small roller-coaster, a pool, tennis courts, a lake with a walking trail, two full playgrounds with slides, swings, and jungle gyms, and a work room where children can do arts and crafts or do their homework while their younger siblings play, etc. and the most expensive ride is only 200 yen. The public park one town over is bigger than mine and includes more attractions including a giant pirate ship jungle gym and a pool with water slides. There's also something you're specifically missing about the parks "not being updated". There is a specific "showa" look that most of these parks try to maintain on purpose. That late-80's style is not only in these parks you viewed - it's in NEW parks and even the city run parks. I don't know how to describe it other than this is how most Japanese people, and myself included in that, not only expect the park to look but also how we want the park to look. The same goes for the food you'll find at the park, the park characters, etc. There's something just a little retro but comfortable about this, and it's sort of become a staple memory in generations of Japanese people that is probably why it persist this way.

[@xt3100]

wow thanks for all of the details. that is very interesting to read.

[@j.johnson7891]

That explains a lot and makes sense. Thanks for sharing

[@jimhason5193]

I've lived in Japan for the majority of my life and I can safely say that the main reason the parks are so empty is because of the Disney and Universal parks. Everyone in Japan knows everything about Mickey mouse, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Minions (especially minions), etc. It's crazy. Some of these people haven't even seen any of the movies and are "fans" who buy all the merch because everyone else has them.

[@vianjelos]

I noticed that Universal Japan has a minon craze...so I always assumed Japan had a bigger love for minons than americans(where only middle aged aunts/grandmas and kids like them)...Im not sure why tho, Japan has far cuter mascots.

[@coreym162]

Thank you! I was wondering if anyone mentioned this. It plagues the East big time.

[@gdkeen3307]

Do other parks in Japan have branded character theming? It nakes me wonder the extent that Warner and Peanuts characters really have on attendance at the Six Flags and Cedar Fair chains.

[@campkira]

they don't get enough visitor... alot of park are in far out place and they never do anything new.... fujiq itself also had a problem. alot of park are now let people in for free in case of bad weather and so on...

[@thomasgrabkowski8283]

its actually a global phenomenon. The rise of conglomerates that build massive theme parks and increasing ease of travel, have effectively killed off small amusement parks aimed towards locals, that were popular in the 20th century

[@benjaminfriedman9107]

I think Taylor forgot to address the elephant in the room Japan’s aging population older people don’t generally like going to theme parks

[@HYDRAdude]

Japan's aging population problem is really overblown. Many European countries, such as Germany, have even worse aging populations yet their parks are doing fine.

[@zorndeslammes]

@@HYDRAdude Those countries have immigration. Japan does not, which is why there's a fascinating number of people making content about stuff like abandoned settlements on the northern island.

[@williambrown8249]

Yeah, Germany would be shrinking at a similar rate as Japan if it weren't importing people from Africa and the Middle East by the millions. But Japan will never do that.

[@Mark-Mark-Mark-Mark]

@@HYDRAdude Incorrect, Japan has a larger aging population problem than Germany.

[@ciello___8307]

@@williambrown8249 they are starting to allow more immigration btw lol

[@Silvarret]

I think the issue of Expoland and the Japanese love for IP's makes a lot of sense sense! personally, I think there could be two more factors at play: first, there's the Japanese asset bubble crash of the 90's. Until then, Japan was the richest nation in the world and rapidly developing. After the bubble crashed, investment decreased, and the economy never returned to pre-bubble levels - and I suspect the same goes for investments in theme parks. Then there's the declining (rural) population across Japan. The population of Japan in general is decreasing, but especially in the countryside, as people continue to move to big cities. Especially young people and young families, the main target demographic of theme parks, have left the countryside. Hence why I think big, well-maintained theme parks in major cities in Japan continue to see good attendance (e.g. Nagashima Spaland, Tokyo Disney, USJ, Yomiuriland), and most of the desolate theme parks seem to be in more remote areas.

[@meintzwama6294]

Thanks! You're mentioning exactly what I felt like was missing in the video. Also want to mention that there are two mistakes in the video: first, parks like Toshimaen and Misaki Park or not small family-owned parks, but parks owned by huge corporations that simply get rid of them or replace them because of the lack of profits, or to increase profits, and second, parks actually are more busy in other periods of the year, it's just concentrated in specific periods, such as national holidays or the times when parks have big events like illuminations, also a popular thing in Japan.

[@marcustulliuscicero5443]

Also the rapidly rising average age of the Japanese population. 60 years and above are like a third of the population by now, and that age group just isn't the prime target for theme parks. And given how xenophobic large parts of Japanese society still are, Japan is also unlikely to attract much immigration. Long story short, Japan's screwed.

[@TheMcgillacuddy]

That's really interesting how they were never able to return to the peak of their economy. Would you happen to know the factors that played into the constant decline of the economy? (Btw love you PC creations)

[@metrofilmer8894]

Silvarret very good point. The average age in Japan is almost 2x the world average. The population is also shrinking meaning there’s less people in amusement parks target Demographic

[@azi_yt]

Are you gonna finish that? As in that pizza-themed Gyroswing in Fuji-Q?

[@eugeneszsz]

The foundation of all amusement parks are “kids” Japan has the slowest birth rates in the world. I worked in Knotts and Disney and on the busiest days it’s filled with stroller traffic and tons of boisterous kids.

[@MyargonautsJason]

Disneyland in Tokyo is much more a destination for teenagers and young couples than it is for families. Just a different mindset here in Japan about the parks.

[@eugeneszsz]

@Ad Lockhorst Yes immigration is another factor, Japan needs to open up, and who would be the expected immigrant? most likely the Chinese. Although there is a lot of historical and political animosity between the 2.

[@eugeneszsz]

@@MyargonautsJason Oh ya i agree different parks attract different demographics, coaster parks are for the 16-25 group and other parks are more for social ambiance. But it all comes back to the low birthrate in Japan. If theres no kids, 18 years later those same mature coaster parks will have fewer teens and adults visiting.

[@sabell1276]

@@eugeneszsz China’s National Intelligence Law codifies existing practice and adds significant new principles. The law establishes a clear divide between civilian and military security functions. It establishes working groups on intelligence and national security on a geographic and functional basis. In establishing legal principles for the operation of state security agencies, the law makes it clear that the agencies support Party rule, and the economic and social interests of the state. Citizens have a duty to cooperate with state intelligence and security agencies.

[@skimrizzle9598]

@@eugeneszsz japan doesnt need to open up immigration doesnt fix anything

[@the__patrick4138]

This is so sad. When parks start opening back up, I will feel way more comfortable buying food and souvenirs knowing that the park is likely not in the best financial position, especially these small, independent parks.

[@CoasterStudios]

They need us now more than ever!

[@zacg_]

What I find really annoying is the fact that Disneyland became world renowned based mostly on original attractions and not on IP based attractions (with the exception of Fantasyland.) To this day many of the most beloved Disney attractions were not based on IPs, but the company has turned their parks into permanent advertisements for their movies and shows. Furthermore, it seems to have worked and they have shaped the guest expectations. That's not to say characters don't belong in parks. Most people know that Magic Mountain used to have orginal characters before it was purchased by Six Flags. But now every park feels the need to have well known IPs to draw crowds. Looney Tunes, DC or Marvel comics, Disney movies, Harry Potter, The Peanuts Gang, Sesame Street, Spongebob and even Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer are all not only found in but expected at these parks. But parks shouldn't need them to be great. They can have orginal characters or no characters. They can have orginally themed rides or unthemed rides. The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Jungle Cruise, the Tiki Room, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Its a Small World, Space Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds, the People Mover and the Carousel of Progress were all original attractions. Disney should be doing more of that and other parks should feel more comfortable doing their own thing. I think Disney has convinced people that the point of going to a park is to see something you're already familiar with and that isn't something that smaller parks can pull off very well. But parks don't need to be familiar to be great. They should be appreciated on their own terms.

[@SeanFlaharty]

Thanks for doing this video, Taylor. While I am still baffled how the parks are so empty, I am happy to have visited them. I do wonder what parks will be closed by the next time a Japan tour is in store. Then again, I am surprised Tobu Zoo was still open for our visit so maybe a lot more of those parks will remain open for years. Another great video!

[@alexanderimhof357]

Yeah, Japanese kids don't have one large vacation like we do here, just a bunch of split up smaller breaks. I don't think the crowd levels at some of these smaller places would be any different than my local small parks when school is in session. My sister lives in Japan, and she says to be honest everyone just goes to Disney, Universal or Fuji Q because they are accessible, and much better

[@zorndeslammes]

I think a lot of people pointed out the fact that Japan doesn't have immigration (like at all; there basically isn't a way to legally immigrate to Japan and become a citizen) in tandem with the low birth rate leading to an exceptionally old country. European countries with below replacement birth rates have immigration. US states with below replacement birthrates have immigration. Japan does not. The other important factor here is the structure of the Japanese park industry. Japanese theme parks are basically American trolley parks in the early 1900s. Almost all of them including Disney are owned by railroad companies. This was poorly understood in the West for years and for some extent still is (there's some exigent literature on the phenomenon but not a ton) in part because of a vast language barrier between Japan and the West. The fact that the accident happened at Expoland IMO is not what is killing the industry there but rather a symptom of what was killing it: cost cutting leading to rides not working or failing in dramatic fashion, both of which lead to attendance decreasing. I've seen people get in flame wars now with other members of the coaster community for well over a decade on this very subject. Sean's experiences in 2005 mirror that of everyone's trip reports I've ever seen from the region in over 20 years, and of course his return visit as well. The low number of new rides built year-over-year in Japan vs. the number of closures I think is further evidence that the park scene there has been unhealthy since the long period of economic stagflation hit the country in the early 1990s. The inability of people to communicate with Japanese coaster fans (of course we can now, I know I do) combined with the truth that the hobbyists have generally been trained to support the amusement park industry as a form of PR naturally disuades people from simply voicing the obvious.

[@nightsunhawk]

@gilbert martinez You mean dead soon? Cause thats whats going to happen in a few decades if birth rates continue to decline, first an economic crash and then death

[@MattMcIrvin]

That was my guess: the Japanese aren't having many kids and their population is rapidly aging. Amusement parks are usually geared to families with kids and to teenagers. When there's an endless, increasing shortage of kids, a lot of them are going to shut down.

[@fastpenguin274]

everybody's at Disneyland lol

[@GM-nl2go]

Lmao

[@tiedough7481]

True though ::

[@mikeschagen4983]

Sadly they are, yeah. Even though its next level, theres no way for these local parks to compete with Disney.

[@alexfitzpatrick1527]

It is sad, but Disney is in the financial position to be able to renovate their parks consistently, drawing in previous visitors. And their attractions also attract a larger demographic so new theme park visitors in Japan (and the rest of the world honestly) are more likely to go Disney. Don't get me wrong, Disney parks are probably my favourite parks out there. But local parks should get some more love.

[@screamingclockplays]

Or Universal, or Fuji-q Highland.

[@HYDRAdude]

Japan has so many amazing IPs, it's astonishing that they seem to rely so much on foreign IPs to succeed. Screw Harry Potter, I would kill someone for a Gundam themed land.

[@ciello___8307]

Japanese people love disney and foreign IPs.

[@qupumamegoma]

YES!! This I totally agree with.

[@luigi55125]

So basically, we like their stuff because it's different to us, and they like our stuff because it's different to them, and both are indifferent to their own stuff?

[@transfo47]

There are, for example Resident Evil at USJ.

[@transfo47]

@@ciello___8307 There are definitely Japanese attractions, for example Resident Evil at USJ.

[@MikeVice]

Trust can be a big issue. When a accident happened at De Efteling in the Netherlands in 2007, where the Python rollercoaster got stuck on the top of the lift and suddenly started rolling again with the constraints already lifted, I didn't dare to get on it until it switched to different carts. Luckily there were no casualties. Lately the coaster has been completely rebuild from the ground up in with the exact same track. I think it's a lot safer now, because I trust people learn from making mistakes. But yeah, international competitors don't make it easy for the local parks.

[@MaxThrills]

I LIVE IN SENDAI RIGHT NOW AND I STILL CANT GET OVER SENDAI HIGHLANDS REMOVAL! (benyland was crowded tho which is also in Sendai)

[@mazdas]

One accident and everybody bails on parks nationwide? Soft.

[@MaxThrills]

I went to Nasu highland recently and I swear there was less than 100 PEOPLE THERE! it was almost creepy! (Did a vlog too:)

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

What is the distance (does not have to be exact) from your home for Nasu highland, Tokyo Disney sea, Fuji q, yomiruland, Tokyo dome city Coz I am kinda curious what your home park is

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

For me, Cedar Point is 5hrs 30 mins La Ronde is 5hrs Six Flags Darien lake is 2hrs 30mins Canada’s Wonderland (my home park) is 35 mins Kennywood is 5hrs 30 mins Kings Island is 8 hrs Waldameer is 4hrs Sea breeze 3hrs 30 mins Marine land 2hrs Anything in the New York City-Newark metropolitan area 8hrs Knoebels 6hrs The Great Escape 6hrs Six Flags Great Adventure 8hrs 30mins Hershey Park 7hrs Dorney Park 7hrs I live in Toronto, Canada Despite the short drives, I have only been to 4 of these parks and have only 46 creds

[@MaxThrills]

Ok lol, so by car: Nasu highland - 2h 30mins DisneySea - 4h 30mins Fuji-Q highland - 5h 30 mins Nagashima spa land - 9h :( Tokyo dome city - 4h thanks for asking:)

[@MaxThrills]

WOW! 30 mins away from Canada’s wonderland!

[@mr.rollercoasters]

Glurgh

[@klaussstele]

Can’t relate to going to Disney and universal. In my mums words: “I am not spending that much money to queue for a children’s rollercoaster all day”

[@notapplicable6985]

@Ad Lockhorst Some people go soley for the rides. But I agree it would be wonderful if parks had more theming.

[@BalooDumptruck]

@Ad Lockhorst small indie rides suck, disney rides rules

[@Neville60001]

@Ellie, also having to buy a season pass to go to them.

[@asmrtpop2676]

Ad Lockhorst because they like disney stuff....duh

[@TheWhitePianoKeyProductions]

@Ad Lockhorst went to Disney back in the day, had to cue constantly, not even that many rides in Disney even. Went to efteling last winter. did all the rides, did my favourites a couple times. Was fed up with everything when the park closed. so had a good full day. Would never be able to have that at Disney with their long cue times.

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

PS, the stealth clone at space world is being built at a park in Russia

[@qhello_producer]

I heard about the Zaturn relocation as well

[@justsamoo3480]

Maurer Looper is getting relocated too 😁😁

[@sourworld757]

justsamo o Opp. M m m mom on

[@drdewott9154]

@@lordatkinson2046 Gone. It was never even listed for sale. Then again selling something that big and that old is a hard sell. Zaturn was easy because it was modern and compact, even with it's 200ft height. And Venus wasn't much different. Very compact, could practically be installed anywhere.

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

@@drdewott9154 About Titan MAX, that + it was a terrain coaster. Venus GP is actually being rebuilt at Himeji Central Park.

[@linux_doggo]

I do love the locations of the parks in japan, with like huge forests in the background and a thin fog over the rooftops, looks beautiful.

[@ChrisCcron10]

I've visited most of the Tokyo area parks the last three years. Most of the parks are actually not family-owned, but actually part of pretty large businesses that also operate rail lines, zoos, aquariums, and other attractions. Tobu Zoo is owned by The Tobu Group, the same company that owns the Tobu Railway as well as the Tokyo SkyTree, and multiple hotels, golf courses and other attractions. Sea Paradise, Seibuen, and Toshimaen are both owned by Seibu Holdings, a company that owns also a bunch of rail and bus lines, resorts, golf courses, and their own baseball team. Fuji-Q is managed by Fujikyuko, a company that operates the train line to the park, several hotels around Mt. Fuji, the bus systems to the park and also GrinPa, a smaller park in the area. Youmiuriland is owned by the company that owns the Yomiuri Giants baseball team, a horse racing track, golf courses and a few other things. I do have to think that the reason why we are seeing some of these parks look different is because that the companies are focusing their interests on other parts of their business and less to them. This doesn't mean that they aren't trying to stay relevent as most are focusing on partnering with popular shows, anime, and people to host special events at certain points in the year to increase attendance. Tobu Zoo partnered with the anime Attack on Titan and sold special merchandise that tied in with the park, food, and decorations and meet-and-greets with the Japanese voice artists. They did another before that which brought in a surge of people thanks to Grape-kun, a penguin who took a liking to a cutout of one of the characters. Fuji-Q did a lot of this over the years with also Attack on Titan, Sword Art Online and a few other anime and groups. The parks are trying and I do agree that I am concerned on many of them like Tobu, and Hirakata Park, especially with the virus. But places that have other resorts nearby them like Fuji-Q, Lagunasia, Hamanako Pal Pal, Yomiruiland, and Nagashima are ones that I am not worried would close.

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

which is why Taylor did not mention them.

[@bigblueamusementproductions]

Sean is a great guy! It was an honor to meet him at Kings Island a couple of times and I love how he recognized my screen name! Taylor is great too! I loved meeting him at KI too! I'd love to go to Japan someday. However, flights are very expensive and really long over the Pacific! I hope these smaller parks last longer since I hate seeing smaller family owned parks close!

[@Demon-POT]

I feel like the parks when they open want VERY bright colours, so after a few years, the colours fade out, and then the maintenance dont up keep and maintain anything.

[@wanaan]

Asian culture lesson from an Asian-Empty places are considered “awkward” because the staffs will have no one else to look at but you. Therefore an empty place will never get guests. It’s a vicious cycle.

[@MatthewNash]

I'm not Asian, but I can totally get that. It's uncomfortable when you're the only person eating in a restaurant for example.

[@Nopi9]

Not just Asian culture a lot of business and shops and restaurants suffer from that. When people see an empty resteraunt. The don’t eat because the assume it must be a bad restaurant and it’s a vicous cycle.

[@Nopi9]

I’ve seen this happen in other countries and I’ve reacted the same way myself I see an empty park and think something must be wrong so don’t go

[@AirtimeThrills]

This was a great mystery video. Its hard to believe that 1 accident 13 years ago could be a major reason for this. But it could just be a cultural thing thats hard for us to grasp.

[@tiedough7481]

They are very careful. Cautious and calm. It’s like a culture.

[@staringcorgi6475]

Also probably disneyworld

[@darrenmullins4276]

That accident was in 2007. I visited Japanese parks in 2005 and 2006 and found them to be very empty then.

[@KyosBlog]

I heard from quite a few Japanese people already that they don't eat at certain fast food chains, because they had some incidents with bad meat 15 years ago in some stores.

[@amaizeing.dumbass5123]

Has been a crackdown in car culture activities since both the niko circuit loose wheel incident who killed one attendant Edit: also should I said also about the odaiba car meet in which participated almost one thousand car owners in a local parking lot, where some things went out of control around the nearby streets. Hence why I say "both" before

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

Because everyone only goes to Tokyo Disney resort and USJ since they are disney and universal parks they always get TONS of people

[@apothecurio]

@@Rolling_Coasters except japan is way way smaller. If you live far away from a Disney or Orlando park in the USA. It's usually way further away and there is less encouragement to go.

[@williambrown8249]

@@Rolling_Coasters I think it's also worth noting that Disney and Universal are EXPENSIVE in the US. A one-day ticket to a WDW park costs around $130 (up to $170 during peak times). By contrast, a one-day ticket for Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea is only around $70 (USD). So I can imagine that there's less demand for cheaper alternatives (think Fun Spot, Six Flags, etc.) when the premium parks themselves are affordable.

[@transfo47]

@@Rolling_Coasters Disney Tokyo and USJ both do crazy numbers.

[@zacg_]

I totally noticed this in your videos. They seemed like they all had boring concrete walking paths with uninspired decor. The main interesting thing was that the color schemes were vibrant but even then they seemed faded.

[@AnimalzyNL]

I commented on this on your video about one of the parks in the trip as well. These parks give of such an odd vibe. Thanks for giving some insight! Also really liked the way you did the dialogue on this video.

[@max_the_t]

Sad how one accident can ruin an entire industry :(

[@darrenmullins4276]

I visited parks in Japan in 2005 and 2006 before moving there in late 2006. I can tell you that empty parks were part of the experince before 2007 when the Expoland accident happened.

[@coydog7902]

In learning so much about Japanese politics in this comment section wow

[@StamfordBridge]

In Japan word gets out quickly whenever Americans are going to visit a park and all the locals avoid the park that day.

[@williambrown8249]

If it's TPR, I can't blame them.

[@newdelhiman3083]

@FN-1701AgentGodzillaRangerPrime-ElThey're apparently massive ass holes to other enthusiasts

[@coydog7902]

Do they think we are immature weebs?

[@Sakura_Matou]

This is false, the only tourists we resent in Japan as a whole are Swedish youth and the Chinese.

[@newdelhiman3083]

@@Sakura_Matou Based.

[@declanc3412]

This just shows how different our society’s are. At my home park over Texas a woman fell of the new Texas giant. If this were Japan my home park would of been doomed but here we dont care about trust, we just go to have a fun day.

[@prakesh2904]

That was an operational failure. She was too large to ride and no one informed her of that. Six flags also never used the test seat provided. They also added seatbelts afterwards as a redundancy. So it’s not about blind trust. There were significant safety improvements afterwards. Though I do agree that if it was an independent park like one of these, they would be doomed.

[@declanc3412]

Pranav Joshi yes, but I’m talking from the gp’s perspective. If we want to talk about what happened we can talk all day. People dont know of all of the safety features on the ride. They just think she fell off because the train failed.

[@drdewott9154]

I mean the same could be applied to a ton of stuff, for better or worse.

[@zoeyneal]

over texas is my home park (even though it’s about 5 hours away from where i live in texas) i remember being terrified of that accident when i was younger. but now i know it was because the operators didn’t tell the woman she was too heavy to ride

[@ayajade6683]

If the case of a single death causing massive amounts of trust lost killing the industry then why didn't the 2011 Wenzhou train collision do the same if caused 40 deaths and injured almost 200 more. It honestly sounds like correlation not causation

[@CoasterHour]

Very interesting video I think with the current situation it is inevitable that at least a few parks you visited during your last trip will close. For me I really hope that my smaller bucket list parks like Nasu Highland, Hamanako Pal Pal, Yomuriland, Tokyo Joypolis, Yokohama Cosmoworld, and Parque Espana are able to survive. If any park has to close I’d be ok with Tobu Zoo especially if they were able to relocate Kawasemi.

[@StamfordBridge]

Agree with all of that.

[@milagros77to]

Those small parks will be hurt when super nintendo world and the Disney Sea expansion open.

[@coydog7902]

Imagine a Splatoon themed ride or pokecoaster

[@kyuubithekitty]

One thing I’ve also noticed about parks in Japan is that the rides are often pay per ride as opposed to all inclusive like they are in Disney or USJ so a lot of the time it does feel cheaper to go to the big park for a day instead of having to think in terms of buying ride ticket after ride ticket

[@ChrisCataluna]

Toshimaen and Tokyo Summerland were my home parks when my dad was stationed at Yokota Air Force Base from 92-98.

[@HYDRAdude]

RIP Spaceworld, I always wanted to go there.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

There's still something strangely appealing about the worn-out parks. Maybe it's because it just reminds me of Spirited Away lol

[@Wlerin7]

Spirited Away is the real reason they're all run down. It's an aesthetic choice! (笑)

[@EllisG123]

Thanks for the heads up! Live in japan and I do my best to check out as many as possible !! Didn’t realise the parks where in this state ... it’d be really sad to loose them

[@ohhpvv3056]

I wish I had a local theme park in Portugal there are no theme parks

[@Neville60001]

That's sad to hear. Stupid question, but woul you welcome a Disney path in Portugal?

[@jeffc1347]

Japan's economy has had little to no growth for almost 30 years.

[@th3thrilld3m0n]

Great video!! When I visit Japan, hopefully in the next year or two, I expect only to visit some of the more major parks, as, I am a theme park enthusiast, but I also don't want to dedicate my vacation to parks.

[@Frankie2012channel]

I'm an OLDER Japanese Person (not in Japan but IN America but I have my own experiences). The older you get, you just don't want to ride COASTERS as much. That was a thrill when I was in my 20s and 30s. Not any more. It hurts my back and my spine. Older folks don't care about coasters. That adrenaline rush is great until you hit past 50. NOTE that since Japan's population is AGING, the 'dark rides' like Disneyland and Universal are most popular. I myself have no interest in a bland roller coaster with no 'theming'. All my relatives only want to go to themed places like DIsneyland and have NO interest in simple coaster rides, regardless of how new or death defying they are.

[@itsyaboilogan642]

Taylor, thank you for shining some light on these small parks who need help. You are helping so many people and truly making a difference in the world.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

A big problem is INVESTMENT. You need to keep your ride line up fresh. Most of these parks are running togo rides from the 80s and 90s. What japan parks need to get are some rmc or a hyper of some kind.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

I'm glad you had Sean Flaharty~ He's such an awesome enthusiast :)

[@mokeimusic]

I lived in Japan for 18 years. During Japans economically boom in the 90s they built so many amusement parks. I lived in Mukogokayeun which was a train stop basically built for a amusement park.Two train stops down was another amusement park. I know of the Honda Amusement park that was only a few stops away as well. In short Japan has way to many parks left over from the boom days and natural selection is wittering them down.

[@viewer-of-content]

Weren't a lot of Japanese theme parks built or built up before the Asian Financial Crisis? Lack of funds and debt could very well be why so many theme parks get run down and close. If you combine financial troubles with the aging/declining customer base of the Japanese population than you guarantee dangerous ride conditions and closures.

[@tobin1677]

I totally buy the trust thing though. I was actually talking a bit with my class today about roller coasters and which park they want to go to (USJ or Disney) and when I mentioned wanting to go to Nakashima because I like rollercoasters the Japanese teachers first reaction was "wow, aren't they dangerous?"

[@harry.mov__]

3:14 solid track profiling👌

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

That track profiling looks like something a beginner on No Limits 2 would build a coaster

[@BAKU2K2]

Sean stated that transition was surprisingly smooth despite how funky it looks.

[@_lucas_1k_]

RCT3 profiling

[@EDDIELANE]

I wouldn’t be able to visit a rundown park in Japan without thinking I would be spitired away at some point…. which brings me to this, why is there no Ghibli-Land?

[@vacafuega]

Actually, there are current plans to open one near Nagoya! Supposedly it will open in 2022.

[@chris_allupinya5613]

Sean is a coaster legend

[@ThrillRidez]

Very good video Taylor and Sean. Those Japanese parks look very unique for sure. Thanks for sharing your insight and hopefully they stay open just long enough so we can all check them out?

[@hidazip]

5:47 The Baishinji Park(2nd from top) was one of my favorite. I used to go there every year all the way from Tokyo. No interesting rides or exciting stuff, just a good old amusement park with a somewhat depressing feeling roller coaster. But that was fine. It was at the Sea, the view was great, the staff were really really nice people(they let me ride the coaster over and over again without getting out when there were no other people). Now it's just a generic park with an Instagram friendly station directly at the beach.

[@eliasmertens9313]

I know this probably sounds awful, but I don’t even know if I would even want to visit some of those smaller Japanese parks when I go to Japan. I mean, some of those parks just look so sketchy. I generally am super trusting of even sketchy looking attractions, but some of those parks look like they are abandoned.

[@wingwaabuddha]

The reason is ... the economic bubble of the 90's. Japan was super modern, and still is, but really infrastructure has been on the decay ever since. It's kind of like why NYC subway is so garbage despite being a modern world city like NYC, it was built long ago, and is too expensive to rebuild (of course) or update. Also, places like Tokyo Disney etc, are much more attractive. Many of the japanese parks (besides disney etc) were built during the economic boom of the 90's when it seemed like everyone had money. Times have changed ------ Comment update -- well damn thought I was being clever, I guess everyone knew about the economic bubble

[@jamesklatt]

Because most theme park in the US and Europe are considered destinations.

[@Wlerin7]

@@jamesklatt Meanwhile theme parks in Japan are just concert venues.

[@DuecePiece]

Ahh my friend Sean, great guy! Awesome video as always Coaster Studios! 👍🤘

[@jasonyau326]

For whatever reason in Asia, for things to have wide appeal to families and children, it must be tied to a familiar IP to be accepted and be successful. For instance the Annual Christmas mall displays in Hong Kong that draw in the biggest crowds are all tied to a popular IP whether it be Disney, Sanrio, Universal, etc. Associating with a famous IP maybe interpreted as a sign of quality I guess

[@newdelhiman3083]

They're recognisable and are more relatable I suppose.

[@metrofilmer8894]

Thanks for clarifying this. Seeing many videos in Japan. Looks like all the park the parks (minus universal, Disney, Fuji-Q and Nagashima Spa Land) are run down with older coasters. They still have the a Giga and Hybrid. This was very informative. Great work. Keep Up The Great Work Taylor and Stay Safe

[@aoitamashii]

Japan overall has a very "If it's not broke, don't fix it" mentality. For example: There was one ryokan I stayed at which still used rotary phones for room service and had A/C units so old the "remote control" for them was actually on a cord: Both were very clean, but since there was nothing wrong with either of those, they weren't replaced. By comparison, the US sees many hotels renovating their interiors every 5 years, and in general many businesses and entertainment venues seem to replace things well before seems due. That may go a long way to explaining why it's very hard to find a hotel in the US for less than $100/night, and in the rare cases you find something like $40-50/night they are super sketchy, whereas in Japan I stayed at many very clean and decent ryokan or business hotels for $30-40/night. That isn't to say there aren't situations where I don't understand the lack of upkeep. Like when I visited Nagano and stepped into the station: They have a very large winter Olympics logo on the wall from when they hosted in 1998, but the paint is faded and missing in areas. Anywhere in the area I saw with Olympic branding, the signage was similarly faded. Something like that seems like it would be a point of pride for the area and a little bit of paint would be cheap. Yet there it remained.

[@MyargonautsJason]

Nice vid. As a teacher who works with school kids age 12 to 17, I can tell you that they all want to go to Disneyland and USJ. And when they open Nintendo World at USJ, it's gonna me a massive draw, maybe even bigger than the Disney Parks. Kids here go to school all year practically, and when they do get time off, if their family can afford it, maybe they can go to ONE park... and you're right, the IP parks are gonna win out.

[@japanlifestory]

Two easy explanations: 1. Location - Everybody moves to the big cities. There isn't a large enough population interested in these theme parks in cities that are out of the way. 2. Popularity - Everybody goes to the big cities and those are where the main parks are at: Disneyland in tokyo/chiba, USJ in Osaka, FujiQ in Kanagawa. Smaller parks that are still near big cities would be Yomiyuriland and Cosmo World in Kanagawa and Joypolis in Tokyo (Odaiba).

[@jackcapell8471]

I love reading the coasterstudios comments becuase all my favorite coaster KZbinrs comment on your videos. Guess your that good bro even silvarrate watches you that's aweosme!

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

I feel like Kawasemi will be relocated to the USA in a few years

[@CoasterStudios]

If tobu zoo closes, I wouldn't be surprised if Kawasemi gets relocated somewhere. Personally, I think it would go to Europe or China as opposed to America.

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

Oh ok

[@xcoasterenthusiast]

I can see it work well in Kentucky Kingdom

[@aj.guevarra12]

If they put that close amusement prk in Philippines it have many people coming for sure

[@anonyslime]

You brought up the shinkansen and I think that idea actually directly factors into the smaller parks closing also. Japans public transport makes significantly easier to travel to the big parks than say one of the Disney parks in the USA

[@1337fidoS10]

"Support your local park!" 8:37- *my local park* Okay, okay, I'll go.

[@clownfromclowntown]

No wonder spirited away initially takes place at an abandoned park. It must be common

[@gmoney2734]

Hey Taylor. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the 2021 Gilroy Gardens B&M Strata Coaster.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Oh goodness

[@JamesTaylorMain]

Is this a joke?

[@Yukendoit]

During golden week you have a massive amount of guests. Weekends kind of suck to visit these things just because they can get busy, if you ever go during the week ie if you a touring the country you will probably have a great time out there because the number of people will be lower. However yeah IP's killed Nara Dreamland even though that was suppose to be the first franchised Disneyland. Great video!

[@abrandenburg10]

It sucks that in Japan the big parks have such a monopoly on the industry instead of increasing the market size like they do here. For me my love of the Disney and Universal parks is what got me into more regional parks like Busch Gardens, Six Flags, etc. Which allowed to me to have even more to enjoy in addition to what I grew up with. Sad that for most of the Japanese public it doesn't work like that

[@foxtrainzenko]

Yomiuriland is busier in the fall and winter months because of their light shows (they usually close in the evening). I'm surprised you didn't bring up Japan's oldest roller coaster and theme park. It's such a weird place, like a time capsule.

[@jacobnieuwstraten4430]

This was a great video! I hope you do more like it. I like the more analytical look at the parks, I find it pretty interesting. Maybe that's just me though...

[@vincentfalcone9218]

Seems they are essentially a 4 park country (Disney, Universal, Fuji Q, Nagashima). From what I've seen the other parks don't really have much to offer outside of some strange quirks.

[@goldenpun5592]

I remember coming across a random blog and I sat there reading it for hours looking at pics of these random people going thru japans theme parks and I remember they said that one of their favorite coasters was at a park that was super sketchy and looked like a diet disneyland.

[@Siriastimeflies]

I was waiting for Toshimaen! I went there last year because a group I like was performing on stage. It felt exactly the way you describe it: stuck in the 90s, dicolored... I haven't heard about it changing, but very recently they announced closure.

[@milmil5350]

Japan is very small -- it's basically an island. That being the case, Tokyo Disney, Universal Studios,... that's all you need. Plus you've got better attractions all over Japan: the Gundam Cafe, Pokemon store, Naruto village, etc.

[@chanchimi]

I wonder if park attendance is hit or miss. I've been to Cosmo World in Yokohama three times in different years. Two of the times it was relatively empty, but one time in January, the line for the ferris wheel took over an hour.

[@Elite2547]

Live right near Fantasy Island and when they announced they were closing after 58 years it broke my heart. 😢 the Silver Comet coaster there was awesome.....

[@nick_XIII]

I lived in Japan from '02 to '08 and our family visited Space World every summer. I was so sad to hear it was shutting down.. It had the coolest "horror house", it was alien themed and used sound files from StarCraft. I was/am a huge SC nerd, so it felt like I was in the game, running through tight "trenches" with the sounds of Zerglings and Hydras roaming around above me.

[@Mike__B]

I think you nailed it at the end of the video, the public largely probably doesn't care about rides in a general sense. They want to be immersed in the whole story and that goes with theming of something that they have some association with, whether that be Harry Potter, or Disney even if it's just as a general brand (DisneySeas doesn't seem too high on Disney characters, but it says "Disney" on it, so it's all good). Plus it wouldn't surprise me if it was the little things that made it all worth it, standing in line? What do you see? Do you just see chain rails, maybe a garbage can, and basically just a long snake of people to cram them all in? Or are you see scenery, maybe some level of story associated with the ride you're on or something other than just asphalt and rails? Yeah the former is your "amusement parks" the later are your "theme parks" (Disney, Universal, etc)

[@villek3722]

I guess because people will go to high quality parks like disney, universal and fuji q high land🤷‍♂️

[@Cosmic_Cretin]

Still a different culture compared to North America where we go to local parks all the time and only sometimes go to the big parks. Perhaps the difference comes down to size, Japan is a lot smaller and because of the superior transit systems it makes it easier to reach the grande parks more easily and more often.

[@ciello___8307]

@@Cosmic_Cretin yeah its a lot easier to go to Tokyo disneyland/disneasea in Japan since the public transit is so good. Tokyo Disneyland is really clean and always crowded. Same can be said for Fuji Q - I heard they have trains that drop you off at the park

[@saiphaniutkarshkethana8519]

Thank you so much!! Really great information 👌👌🙏😇

[@fabiantombers4966]

Astonishing how you made it through the whole video without talking about the bubble crash in the 90s and the Financial Crisis 2008/09 at all. Japan, and especially Japans working class was hit massively. Wages went down, working hours went up and consumption suffered hard. When nobody can afford to ride, or repair the parks bc people are struggling to put food on the table or pay their landlords, it's no wonder that all the small parks will be ate up by large international copyright brands. It's a problem with capitalism and not with the paint job.

[@ratking948]

Nailed it. The main reason.

[@SpleenDawg]

my brain: when will he talk about Highlander from hansa-park

[@TheNinjaDC]

I feel there are two key roots to this: (1) Japan's economic bubble burst, (2) demographic shifts A lot of these parks were built before or planed before Japan's economy busted. This had its direct effects on park growth, but severe indirect consequences. With the economy stalling and propped up by insane work ethics, it has caused a major demographic shift with few children. Essentially these parks faced a similar situation as Detroit. Detroit was built to be a Chicago level city, but the economic shifts created a city built for twice its population (or more). Thus Detroit became known as an abandoned & empty city, despite still having a decent metro population. Because while it is still a good population, it was not what the city was built around.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

Hopefully you can visit Everland in South Korea and ride T Express one day. That is one of the only parks in Asia that are not as run down, and is actually really pretty ~

[@killervirgo]

Great video. Was wondering if you tried to reach out to any Japanese roller coaster enthusiasts to get their perspective?

[@stillbuyvhs]

Oh! Misaki Park looked so nice; they had the 2nd oldest coaster in Japan. Heard rumors last year that they'd close this year, but I thought they found a way.., I've read a couple other reasons you missed: 1) Economy: A lot of parks were build during the economic boom in the 80's. When the economy crashed in the 90's they fell behind. 2) Birth rate: Apoarently young Japanese are waiting to start families, or they're having smaller families. Fewer kids=fewer kids attractions.

[@robhuanout5443]

Coaster Studios: "Japans theme parks could do with new rides and some TLC UK Theme parks: "Hold my refillable coke cup"

[@kevin-727]

Good explanations and ideas as to the low attendance. I pondered why when following the Japan coaster tour.

[@roxynano]

This might be important to bring up but there is an anime series called Amagi Brilliant Park and it is all about trying to save a struggling Japanese park from going under. It is also done my favorite animation studio, Kyoto Animation. Plus they’ve made many references to Nagashima Spa Land in A Silent Voice. I would definitely say that most likely they are coaster enthusiasts too!

[@martina5296]

Updating and moving with the times and maintaining the rides, streets, buildings, etc costs alot of money. The very sad part is that, unfortunately, family owned anything can't survive without money and making those businesses unique and special and FUN! Maybe a retired/former Disney "imagineer" could help? Not to compete against a strong monied conglomerate, but to think outside of the past dull rides and hire younger marketing team, too. Nostalgia works like magic on people's childhood memories.

[@coral8363]

"this isn't a train station, its an abandoned theme park!"

[@AdvancePlays]

I haven't seen if you've been to many UK parks, but all of this really rings true here too. Places like Alton Towers and Thorpe, which are pitiable in their own right compared to the likes of USA and mainland Europe, completely deprived the rest of the country's smaller parks of customers.

[@SwitchbackSylveon]

According to RCDB, Himeji Central Park is getting Venus GP from Space World, although it was in storage at Rusutsu Resort and never built before moving to Himeji, and it may not actually be built at Himeji

[@VestedUTuber]

The whole licensed IP thing isn't just in Japan, or with amusement parks. You see it all over the place. The fact of the matter is, you can make something new and no one will bat an eyelash, but as soon as you put a familiar face on it it sells like hotcakes.

[@BalooDumptruck]

@Ad Lockhorst orginal things =/= better gimmie something I can relate to than some knock off attempt at imagination created by a problemactic person who problematic views

[@douglasjgallup]

It’s the same in the US, isn’t it? The major theme parks get big new attractions on the regular (Cedar Point, Magic Mountain), smaller theme parks get infrequent additions (Michigan’s Adventure), and small local parks get very infrequent investment (Camden, Lakeside).

[@keheungan]

I guess people just go to either Disneyland or Universal Studio. I really love USJ! My favorite is their backwards roller coaster

[@thekoasterkings151]

I agree with what you said. As you said, the parks suffered due to the fatal accident. In addition to what you said, I think that these smaller parks never got enough money to build new attractions, and banks probably didn't trust the parks with huge billion yen loans. Nagashima and Fuji-Q seemed like they had huge lines despite the fact that they don't have world-famous intellectual properties because it seems like either the banks believe that those parks are reputable, or they have loads of money. On the other hand, smaller parks have had enough money to buy new rides, which leads to them not attracting crowds, which leads to them continuing not to buy new rides.

[@Cruznick06]

Tokyo Disney Sea is still the BEST theme park I ever went to. It is the Disney experience boiled down to an absolute perfect science (I was there way back in 2006). Universal Studios Japan has the draw of anime IP experiences as well. It is sad to hear about these parks failing, they've always looked so interesting to me. I wish I could afford to go and get to these parks before they're gone. I havent been to a theme park or amusement park in years. I was going to go last spring but well, we know what happened.

[@leestadden5316]

Any chance you’ll do a review of the wooden CCI Excalibur at Funtown Splashtown USA in Maine?

[@CoasterStudios]

its on my to do list!

[@ryancurley2351]

Coaster Studios I’m planning on going to Great Adventure for my birthday this year which is expected to be open, in your opinion, what’s the best coaster besides El Toro. Sorry it’s kinda unrelated to the video but the video is good, we have to save these family owned Japanese Parks