Celebrating Gratitude at Universal Studios Japan: THANKS LOVE MONTH 2026
Universal Studios Japan (USJ), managed by LLC USJ, is set to launch its special commemorative month,
THANKS LOVE MONTH 2026, running from
May 8 to June 21, 2026. This event encourages guests to express their gratitude and love not just for their mothers and fathers, but for anyone important in their lives.
A Special Experience
In anticipation of this unique month, USJ is hosting an experiential event titled
"The Flower Shop That Blooms with 'Thank You'" in Tokyo, from
May 7 to May 10. This exclusive event will allow guests to convey their heartfelt messages to loved ones through a delightful interactive experience.
At approximately 10:30 AM on May 8, the flower shop, created to commemorate THANKS LOVE MONTH, officially opened its doors in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Attendees were greeted by beloved characters such as Elmo and Cookie Monster, creating a warm and festive atmosphere adorned with colorful decorations.
The
Thanks Flower Planter machine, specially developed for this event, forms the centerpiece of the experience. Participants eagerly awaited their turn, and as they approached the machine, they expressed their gratitude by saying “thank you.” This led to the flourishing of unique, personalized flowers, embodying their feelings.
The Magic of Personal Touch
Guests marveled at the transformation of their kind words into exquisite flowers, and many placed their completed flower cards on display, showcasing their gratitude. Digital stamps were also offered, allowing attendees to share their creations online, thus extending their appreciation to essential people in their lives. The venue buzzed with smiles and shared moments of gratitude.
Event Details
- - Title: The Flower Shop That Blooms with 'Thank You'
- - Date: May 7 – 10, 2026
- - Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (May 7 only from 10:35 AM)
- - Location: Event Space in front of Sanagi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- - Entry Fee: Free (Pre-registration required, registration closed)
During the event, participants were given exclusive Thank You flower cards. Each attendee received one card, adorned with a unique flower design, chosen from thousands of variations based on their expressions of gratitude.
A Blossoming Thank You
As guests stood before the
Thanks Flower Planter, they spoke words of appreciation into the microphone, which were instantly transformed into two flower cards: one for themselves and one to share. These cards could be used as heartfelt gifts to family and friends or displayed on a large board at the venue, beautifully illustrating the community's gratitude.
A QR code featured on the cards allows further sharing online, facilitating a broader connection to loved ones who might be far away, enabling meaningful exchanges of appreciation.
USJ initiated this month to encourage gratitude beyond traditional holidays. By broadening the scope of appreciation to encompass friends, partners, and colleagues, THANKS LOVE MONTH underlines the importance of expressing thanks regularly in today’s diverse societal fabric.
This year marks the fifth iteration of this heartwarming initiative. The park has amplified its programs, including a brand-new greeting show called
GIFT OF THANKS to further encourage guests to express their gratitude joyously during this meaningful season.
Voices From Participants
Many participants shared their thoughts:
- - “I'm so happy to see Universal Studios Japan’s event in Tokyo! I wanted to express my gratitude to my husband, who helps me with the children.” (Family from Tokyo)
- - “I believe in expressing gratitude often, but it’s rare to have a dedicated event like this. Today, I made sure to tell my sister how much I appreciate her help.” (Sister from Kanagawa)
- - “We just got married in March and felt thrilled about the theme. It gave us a chance to express our thanks to each other.” (Couple from Tokyo)
Spreading Gratitude Together
Hayato Tsuruhaya, Head of Corporate Communications at USJ, remarked:
“Through this, we aim to create moments of gratitude not just within our park but throughout society. By celebrating together, we hope to nurture a culture of appreciation.”
The
THANKS LOVE MONTH encourages everyone to take a moment for saying “thank you” to those around them, transforming occasional gratitude into daily actions. The event hopes to foster connections through shared joy and appreciation, aiming to create a more grateful society.
More About the THANKS LOVE MONTH
This initiative urges people to realize that expressing gratitude doesn’t have to be confined to days like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. By celebrating LOVE for all significant people in our lives, guests are encouraged to practice gratitude all year round. THANKS LOVE MONTH aims to continuously promote appreciation beyond specific occasions, enriching relationships and fostering a sense of community.
USJ strives to enhance the appreciation culture through entertainment, emphasizing the importance of gratitude in everyday interactions. The special event inspired by the theme
“Celebrating Life through Appreciation” encapsulates the spirit of unwavering gratitude we can all share.
About Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is part of the Comcast NBCUniversal Group, recognized as a premier entertainment destination. The park has been delivering unique experiences since its inception in 2001, featuring attractions and events that focus on global entertainment brands, from Hollywood films to beloved Japanese animations. As the park prepares for its 25th anniversary in 2026, it promises to unveil fresh experiences that ignite joy and excitement among all its guests.