Universal Studios Japan launched their press event for the upcoming nighttime activities, dubbed the 'Expecto Patronus Night Show', set to begin around Osaka's Wizarding World of Harry Potter this Friday for all fans. The festivities on Tuesday evening included appearances by local Japanese celebrities like Saori Yoshida, who warded off 'Dementors' flying around a lit Hogwarts Castle.

On Tuesday, April 18, Universal Studios Japan partnered with Olympian and Harry Potter fan Saori Yoshida to preview the “Expecto Patronum Night Show,” a large-scale night show in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that features chilling Dementors, brave students and defensive spells.

This exclusive press event was attended by special guest Saori Yoshida and more than 200 Harry Potter fans, who received a first-look at the show, which opens to the public on Friday, April 21. During the night show, students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry cast extraordinary spells that illuminate Hogwarts Castle and the foggy　Black Lake, and banish the Dementors that have descended.

Saori Yoshida talked about her experience with her excitement: “I was so moved to actually see a patronus. The Dementors made me so scared. It is absolutely the world’s best experience.” She is a big fan of the Harry Potter films because she looked up to Harry Potter, who was brave in the face of adversity and evil.

Harry Potter fans who participated in the ceremony also spoke about their impressions with excitement. A 20-year-old woman from Osaka, said, “The impact of seeing the Dementors hovering above was beyond my imagination. The show was so authentic and realistic that we are overwhelmed with excitement.” A 20-year-old woman from Osaka, said, “This was like nothing I have ever experienced. Everyone should visit The Wizarding World and check out this show”. A 30-year-old woman with her child from Hyogo said, “The show was so immersive that I actually felt like I was fighting alongside the students to defeat the Dementors. My entire family had a fun day exploring this magical world.”

Two new magical spells – Aguamenti and Alohomora – will also debut on April 21, further expanding the ever-popular Wand Magic experience.