Experience the World of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto at USJ! Ootsuka Takewo, Voice of Jinshi, Explores the Mystery Walk
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of its special event “Universal Cool Japan” by holding “Universal Cool Japan 2025” for approximately one year. Kicking off the summer lineup from July 1, 2025, are attractions based on *Kusuriya no Hitorigoto* and *SPY×FAMILY*. Ahead of the grand opening, Ootsuka Takewo, the voice actor who plays Jinshi in the *Kusuriya no Hitorigoto* TV anime, visited the park to experience the “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Mystery Walk.”
Ootsuka-san was absolutely thrilled enjoying the full-fledged mystery solving entertainment. After cracking the case, he had the chance to meet the real-life Maomao and Jinshi characters and also sampled the original food and drinks inspired by the series, including a drink in Jinshi’s signature color.
Ootsuka-san first took on the “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Mystery Walk,” where, armed with an investigation report, he traced the truth behind a “mysterious versatile medicine” alongside Maomao. He truly became a “pharmacist” for the day, exploring the park, searching for hidden clues, and progressing through the mystery, his face beaming with smiles as he arrived at the answers himself. When it came time to fold the medicine paper, he was surprised as something gradually appeared, and upon completing it, he even shared his joy with plushies of Maomao and Jinshi, showing a sweet side.
Having successfully uncovered the truth and experiencing the fun of solving mysteries with Maomao, Ootsuka-san shared his impressions: “At first, I wondered how it would go, but it was really fun going to various places in the park and finding clues! Maybe Jinshi shouldn’t just leave all the investigations to Maomao; sometimes he should do them himself. That way, he might be a little more considerate towards Maomao (lol). It truly felt like I was solving the mystery alongside Maomao. Whether you solve it or not, I hope everyone enjoys it while using the hints (Maomao gives)!”
Following the mystery walk, Ootsuka-san participated in the much-anticipated character greeting, meeting Jinshi and Maomao, who appeared right before his eyes, leaping out of the anime world. The moment he met Jinshi, Ootsuka-san waved his hands in great excitement, exclaiming, “It’s the real thing!” He couldn’t help but flash a hearty smile watching the comical conversation unfold between Maomao and Jinshi, the character he himself voices.
Incident solution: “It was amazing! The level of completion was so high. To actually see them moving and existing, Jinshi is genuinely cool! He was so cool I couldn’t help but become formal! I felt like I should watch from afar, wondering if it was alright for me to approach. It’s wonderful how they expressed Maomao and Jinshi with such high resolution. Maomao and Jinshi were truly there. It’s my first time seeing real-life characters moving with my own voice. The back-and-forth between Maomao and Jinshi was funny! I purely enjoyed it as a guest,” said Ootsuka-san excitedly after receiving a special bookmark directly from Jinshi as thanks for solving the case.
Finally, at “The Dragon’s Pearl,” he experienced the cold noodle combo colored “green,” like Maomao, and featuring steamed buns, as well as the beautiful “purple” Jinshi-colored drink, a lychee-scented citrus beverage. Regarding the “Maomao’s Colorful Sudachi Cold Noodle Combo,” Ootsuka-san commented, “It was delicious! The portion was just right, perfect for the upcoming summer season. It’s also great when you might feel a bit tired! It has a lively look, just like The Apothecary Diaries, and is very easy to eat!”
Next, tasting the “Jinshi’s Lychee-Scented Citrus Drink,” inspired by the character he plays, Ootsuka-san said, “It’s refreshing and easy to drink! I hope everyone mixes Jinshi’s drink and sparkles! You can really feel the image of the work, and the taste is incredibly delicious – I was so impressed. It’s perfect for the coming season!”
As a surprise for visiting guests, Ootsuka-san left his autograph on the “special bookmark” received from Jinshi and on the event decorations. This signed “special bookmark” is planned to be displayed at “The Dragon’s Pearl.”
In addition to the *Kusuriya no Hitorigoto* “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Mystery Walk” that Ootsuka-san experienced, the *SPY×FAMILY* attractions – the “super real” spy world VR coaster “SPY×FAMILY XR Ride: Operation Hyperdrive” where you run through a spy world with the Forger family, and the “story ride” “Story Ride: Exciting! Outdoor Class Trolley Experience” where you can have a blast with everyone from Eden Academy by stepping into the story – are all being held for a limited time until January 4, 2026.
(C) Natsu Hyuuga・Imagica Infos／”The Apothecary Diaries” Production Committee
(C) Tatsuya Endo／Shueisha・SPY×FAMILY Production Committee
Calligraphy: Shishuu
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & TM Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) J.K. Rowling.
MINIONS TM & (C) 2025 Universal Studios.
(C) Nintendo
TM & (C) Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & (C) 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
《Koutarou Nakase》
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