OSAKA -- Universal Studios Japan, a theme park under construction on Osaka's waterfront, will open March 31, USJ Co. President Akira Sakata announced Monday.

Located on the Konohana Ward waterfront, the 54-hectare park is expected to feature 18 attractions showcasing Hollywood blockbusters such as "Jaws" and "E.T.," film animation processes, and other themes related to the U.S. movie industry.

The grand opening was fixed to coincide with the beginning of spring break at schools, Sakata told reporters.

"It is going to be just like U.S. culture moving into the park. It's going to be the world's best theme park where visitors can experience scenes from exciting movies," he said.

The park hopes to draw an estimated 8 million visitors in its first year of operation.

The price of a one-day pass, including fees for all park attractions, is set at 5,500 yen for adults, 3,700 yen for children and 4,800 yen for those aged 65 or older, according to the company.

Travel agencies will start accepting ticket reservations on Feb. 7 for entrance between March 31 and April 14.

Advance tickets for April 15 or later are already on sale.

The park will be the first opened overseas by Universal Studios Inc. of the United States, which runs similar attractions in Hollywood, Calif., and Orlando, Fla.

USJ is 25 percent owned by the Osaka Municipal Government and 24 percent by Universal Studios.

Japanese firms, including Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd., Sumitomo Corp. and Hitachi Zosen Corp., have minor stakes.

USJ aims to introduce attractions each at a cost of 3 billion yen to 4 billion yen.