USJ 25th Anniversary – Part 7 - The Reunion Party

 March 31, 2026

The day of the 25^th anniversary arrived at last!

After breakfast, we gathered up all the things we had to take with us and arrived at the Hotel Keihan Universal Tower, where the party would be held.

This is the same location where we’d held the delayed 20^th anniversary party two years before. Atsuko Sera did a terrific job of making the arrangements using basically the same information as the last party.

Signs were posted around the hotel showing the way.

We had to set up some things and get ready for registration. Atsuko, two of her friends, and I would be checking people in. She had already printed blank nametags and had them ready for attendees to add their names.

Larry was helping with the setup inside the room where we would meet and eat our lunch.

Atsuko also had two of her friends from the A/V team with her to set up the microphones and queue up a video she had brought to show.

Before long, other guests started to arrive. So many familiar faces! It was great to see them all again—Americans and Japanese.

We had agreed that I would give the opening remarks with Atsuko translating. I provided her with the text ahead of time.

Several people spoke, including Mike Davis, who was involved with USJ from the very beginning, and Dave Froelich, the A&E Director during construction. He shared a message from Dave Burkhart. Again, Arsuko translated. Also, Shinkawa-san spoke with Masa Suzuki translating. Funny moments!

Mike Davis sharing memories

Masa Suzuki translating for Shinkawa-san.

Some folks returned to Japan for the first time since we finished the park.

Sharon Kawamoto, David Streshinski (Stresh-san), returning for the first time.
With Ritzuko Oki Onishi (who still lives there).

Front: Returning team members Cecelia & Lou Noy.
Back row: Chie Yoshimi (Document Control) Ritzuko Oki Onish (translator),
David Streshinski (FDM Area 3).

George & Donna Johnson with Lou Noy

We enjoyed a lovely buffet lunch

And lots of great conversation

Me with “my girls” and Dote-san photobombing our picture

Noriko, Atsuko, and I handing out door prizes

Ann & Jim Kriss with Cecelia & Lou Noy

Ann & Jim had visited with friends, and their 90-year-old grandmother sent lots of lovely bags she had made with kimono fabric. Ann & Jim shared them with us.

Larry and I with Janet & Masa Suzuki and Dave & Joyce Froelich

Jim Kriss, Karen Chrepeck, and Terumi Igarashi

The team—united again

But the party wasn’t completely over. Next time: The party continues.