By Natsumi Mizumoto Kyodo News Many Kansai residents are counting on Universal Studios Japan to help revive Osaka's stagnant economy, but the higher the expectations, the greater the looming sense of anxiety as its launch next Saturday draws closer.
"I'm wondering if information is sufficient" in areas besides the western Japan region, which is naturally enthusiastic about USJ," said Junko Sanada of the JTB travel agency.
The Osaka municipal government is the largest shareholder in the venture, owning 25 percent of USJ Co., the park's operator. Universal Studios Inc. of the United States holds a 24 percent stake, while Japanese firms such as Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd., Sumitomo Corp. and Hitachi Zosen Corp. have minor stakes.
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