Photo/Illutration An artist’s concept of an attraction called Donkey Kong Country that is due to open in spring 2024. This image was provided by Universal Studios Japan. ((c) Nintendo)

OSAKA--It’s on like Donkey Kong!

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) announced that a new area of the amusement park will open this spring, featuring Nintendo Co.’s beloved, banana-munching video game character.

The envisioned area, named Donkey Kong Country, will be an set up in the park’s Super Nintendo World, which is now under construction for expansion, USJ announced on Dec. 5.

The main attraction of Donkey Kong Country will be a themed ride where visitors can hop in a mine cart and run along a track--just like in the iconic video game franchise.

The park will also reproduce the jungle home of Donkey Kong and his friends for visitors to explore.

Super Nintendo World, which cost more than 60 billion yen ($407 million) to construct, opened in March 2021. It offers an attraction themed on the Mario Kart racing title and a restaurant that stars Nintendo characters.

The expansions to Super Nintendo World will increase its size by 1.7 times. Costs of the project have not been made public.

J.L. Bonnier, president of USJ LLC, the operator of the theme park headquartered in Osaka, expressed great confidence in the quality of the new attraction, stating that he is already looking forward to the day when people can enjoy the expanded park.

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