{
  "id": 10570850,
  "title": "USJ Performers Raise Concerns Over Harsh Working Conditions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/usj-performers-raise-concerns-over-harsh-working-conditions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T00:50:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "News On Japan",
    "slug": "news-on-japan",
    "url": "https://newsonjapan.com/article/150894.php"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Universal Studios Japan performers are raising concerns about harsh working conditions, describing the physical and mental demands of their roles as excessive. Some entertainers claim they are engaged under outsourcing contracts rather than as regular employees. Characters such as Mario and Luigi require performers to handle heavy equipment, with some performers reporting the gear can weigh up to 30 kilograms. Performers may appear five times a day, with each appearance lasting around 30 minutes, and up to 10 hours of total time at the workplace. Breaks between performances are limited, as they are used for costume changes, equipment checks, and reviewing for any issues during the previous appearance. One performer described becoming physically and mentally exhausted, with tears coming without warning and stomach pain triggered by simply thinking about performing. They also noted that working in heavy costumes during hot weather is a significant physical burden. These concerns have been raised as many performers joined the theme park after aspiring for years to work there, which may make them more willing to tolerate difficult conditions due to their passion for entertainment and character performance.",
  "summary": "Performers at Universal Studios Japan are raising concerns about demanding working conditions behind the Osaka theme park's colorful shows and character appearances, with some describing the work as an example of employers taking advantage of workers' enthusiasm for jobs they once dreamed of doing. (News On Japan)",
  "key_points": [
    "Performers at Universal Studios Japan complain about harsh working conditions.",
    "Characters like Mario and Luigi involve heavy equipment handling.",
    "Performers may work up to 10 hours daily with limited breaks."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The complaints from Universal Studios Japan performers highlight a mismatch between their grueling working conditions and their often-aspirational entry into the role, suggesting a need for better labor practices.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}