OSAKA -- Large crowds flocked to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka after it opened March 31, prompting the company to call the opening period a success.
Norman Elders, an official of park operator USJ Co., said at a news conference Saturday that the number of visitors in the first week fell within the firm's expectations.
He added he is confident the annual total of visitors will exceed the projected 8 million.
While there were some minor problems during the park's first week, including the temporary suspension of some attractions such as "Water World" and two-hour lineups for popular attractions, USJ has not yet restricted entrants, which it must do when 39,000 visitors enter the park.
People visiting the park this weekend had to purchase advance tickets, as did those who went on the opening weekend of March 31 and April 1.
When asked to compare the park to Tokyo Disneyland, USJ's main competitor, some visitors said the attractions at USJ are more enjoyable and that adults can also enjoy the facilities. Others complained the sight of nearby highways turned them off and were frustrated that height requirements for some rides prevent children from using them.