This morning, Universal Studios Japan have shared a press release about the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Japan.  Evanna Lynch, Tom Felton and even Jo herself were in attendance. The theme park is now officially open and guests can enjoy the attractions!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an area meticulously recreating the world of the Harry Potter stories, opened this morning (Tues., July 15) at 7:35 AM at Universal Studios Japan.

At approximately 7:15 AM, Mr. Tom Felton and Ms. Evanna Lynch, who both starred in the Harry Potter film series, joined USJ Co., Ltd., President & CEO Mr. Glenn Gumpel, and commenced an Opening Ceremony at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s entrance archway to much applause from guests anxious to enter. Mr. Felton and Ms. Lynch led the guests with the Revelio spell as the archway was filled with smoke, which slowly lifted to reveal Hogsmeade village prompting cheers from waiting park guests. Then so many guests stepped into Hogsmeade village with excitement and were welcomed by Hogsmeade villagers.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a 45 billion yen project with a 5.6 trillion yen projected economic impact over ten years, is sure to meet the expectations of a national level project of its size and attract many guests over the coming years.

Event Attendees

• Tom Felton Actor: Harry Potter film series “Draco Malfoy”
• Evanna Lynch Actress: Harry Potter film series “Luna Lovegood”
• Glenn Gumpel Chairman & CEO, USJ Co., Ltd.

Be sure to check out the special interactive USJ website where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter and virtually experience every corner of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. www.usj.co.jp/harrypotter

J.K. Rowling, who previewed the park privately, had the following to say about the park (and The Black Lake, which is only at the Japan park):

The craft and attention to detail across the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan is incredible, and I will take away the memory of Hogwarts Castle reflected on the Black Lake in particular. I’m delighted that Harry fans in Japan and around Asia can experience a physical incarnation that is so close to what I imagined when writing the books.” – J.K. Rowling

Evanna and Tom addressed teh fans and said the following:

“Thank you for sharing your passion and your enthusiasm for the films and books with us as all because it means so much after all these years to still have that love. And thank you for welcoming us to this part of your celebration,” – Evanna Lynch

“I’m so excited to see the Japanese fans getting the opportunity to walk through this fabulous park. Very pleased to see some Slytherin t-shirts over there as well. Some home support, so thank you very much for having us.” – Tom Felton

Also, our friends at Mugglenet are in attendance and have put up their first report from the Grand Opening celebrations, read it here and make sure to check out their photos!

A quick video a fan posted during the opening celebration may be watched below:

In a new interview with Independent.ie, Evanna Lynch talks about her life post-Harry Potter. She talks about her recent trip to the Philippines with UNICEF.

“That was the really strange thing,” she muses down the line from her home in Los Angeles. “These people were living in tin huts with no sanitation, but they had camera-phones and knew instantly what ‘Harry Potter’ was.

“On the trip, I wanted to learn about the country and really get my hands dirty, but I found I was having to be a celebrity. I thought to myself ‘this is so useless’, and I felt like a bit of a bimbo, to be honest. But after a while I was like, ‘get over yourself’. These people want hope, and that’s what helps them in the long term. What they want is a voice in the world.”

“I’m aware of my ignorance of countries that have suffered disasters,” she says. “I often get caught up in feeling sorry for myself, and I have to work hard to combat that. Nothing forces you into gratitude more than being in a disaster-struck country.”

She also talks about when one of her projects, Monster Butler, which also starred Gary Oldman, was dropped (we originally reported on the film in June 2012):

“When ‘Monster Butler’ fell through at the last minute, I was heartbroken for a few weeks, but it was my first big lesson in LA,” Lynch admits. “I remember Jason [Isaacs] saying to me that to move out to LA, you have to make sure you really want it,” she continues. “People aren’t doing you any favours here. You can’t coast on something you did before as there are so many talented and ambitious people here.”

She goes on to talk about her other job, as a yoga instructor:

“The funny thing is that I’ve been told that to make it as a yoga teacher in Los Angeles is harder than making it in Hollywood,” she laughs. For now, she gives private sessions, and the occasional public class, where she mercifully doesn’t get recognised for her most famous alter-ego.

“Anyone who has been through an eating disorder needs to do something physical to give themselves peace of mind,” she explains. “I don’t believe in nourishing just one part of the soul or mind or body: I want to pay attention to all of them. I don’t think anyone can just be an actor. Acting jobs, when they come along, I see them as a real gift … but I needed a real person job. Acting can be very solitary, and very ‘me-me-me’. Yoga puts it all back in balance.”

Read the full interview, here.

During the Diagon Alley Media & VIP Preview last week we got to participate in a bunch of Q&A sessions with cast members. Last, but not least, we’re sharing the panel featuring Bonnie Wright, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, James Phelps and Oliver Phelps.

P.S. Let’s all wish Matthew Lewis a Happy 25th Birthday today!

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We partnered up with Mugglenet on the Red Carpet during Diagon Alley Media & VIP Preview week and we can now share the video. Check out our interviews with Bonnie Wright, Warwick Davis, James & Oliver Phelps, Matt Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter, and Evanna Lynch! Enjoy!

Book your vacation to Diagon Alley now!

Today we have our photos from Diagon Alley Preview week to share! Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Bonnie Wright, Domhnall Gleeson, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Tom Felton, Warwick Davis, Helena Bonham Carter and Robbie Coltrane participated in various press activities during the week and we were there to document it! View all the photos in the gallery.

We will post some shots from inside Diagon Alley soon (along with a quick recap) as well as videos from the event to share within the week from a Q&A session held in The Leaky Cauldron Thursday morning to red carpet interviews.

Please make sure to link back to us if you take these photos.

Universal has posted a video recap of Diagon Alley Preview Week, which finished today. Matthew Lewis, Tom Felton, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Domhnall Gleeson, Robbie Coltrane, Helena Bonham Carter and Warwick Davis were in attendance.

(If you look closely you’ll also see yours truly with Matt)

Book your vacation to Diagon Alley now!