Osaka, Japan -
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure opened to rave reviews in 2010 and has been delighting fans ever since. Its success prompted the construction of another Wizarding World at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. But Universal isn't stopping there; the Harry Potter brand is about to take a trip overseas to Japan. Universal has released plans to open a Wizarding World of Harry Potter section to Universal Studios Japan.

According to the Los Angeles Times the bill for the new addition will come in at around $500 million. This addition will include the iconic Hogwarts castle as well as the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. Both of these attractions have been a huge hit at the Orlando location.

Over time the Harry Potter series of books and movies have been an enormous hit in Japan. The Los Angeles Times reports that movies grossed nearly $900 million in Japan. Also, the books have grabbed four of the top ten spots on Japan's list of all-time best sellers.

The new addition is currently scheduled to open during 2014, which is actually sooner than the previously announced addition at Universal Hollywood in California. This is a result of construction being easier at the Japan park since it has more room for expansion. Construction in California has to include renovation and removal of existing attractions that will slow down the time table for construction.

In a statement released by the series' author J.K. Rowling and posted by the Los Angeles Times she said, ""I was delighted to experience and enjoy the attention to detail, creativity and superb craft that went into the first Wizarding World in Orlando. I am equally delighted that the same level of expertise and enjoyment will translate to the new park in Japan.”