OSAKA -- The operator of Universal Studios Japan began auditions Tuesday in Osaka for entertainers to work at its theme park due to open here next spring.
USJ Co., which manages USJ, said Osaka is the last venue for auditions in Japan. The company said it has already held auditions in Tokyo and Fukuoka. The theme park will open in Osaka's Konohana Ward.
A total of 1,200 people have applied for the 180 positions, which include actors, dancers, comedians and other entertainers, the company said.
Tuesday's auditions were for actors. On Wednesday, dancers were auditioned, and comedians will try out Friday.
The Osaka-based company also plans to hire 150 foreign entertainers. It held auditions in the United States in September and will hold others in Australia later this month.
Meanwhile, USJ officials said Tuesday they plan to dedicate one of the studios in the Osaka Theme Park to the late cartoonist Charles Schulz.
The studio will be named Snoopy Studio after the popular beagle in Schultz's "Peanuts" cartoon. Schulz died of cancer in February.
Robert Gault Jr., vice president of USJ, said it is regrettable that the cartoonist, who took part in designing the studio, died before its completion.
"Mr. Schulz said to me he was excited with the plan of the studio. We want to dedicate the studio to him," he said, adding two Universal Studios theme parks in the U.S. do not have such a facility.