What You’ll Learn
- What happens in NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI and how the roughly 20-minute show unfolds
- Featured characters, songs, and highlights of the water and foam effects
- Full-video timeline and tips for getting more out of the show
NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI is a nighttime show that debuted at Universal Studios Japan in summer 2026.
This interactive show features park characters in yukata and performers dancing to festival-themed music while unleashing huge bursts of water and foam.
After watching the entire performance, its biggest appeal is clear: there is much more to it than simply seeing the characters or getting soaked.
Over about 20 minutes, the excitement steadily builds—from a colorful opening with Woody and Winnie Woodpecker, to an adorable My Melody and Kuromi segment, an energetic middle section filled with water and dance, and a finale joined by the Sesame Street friends.
For the full summer event dates, other shows, food, tickets, and touring tips, see the USJ Summer Event 2026 “Universal Summer Matsuri Night” Guide.
What Kind of Show Is NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI?
NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI is a limited-time summer night show at Gramercy Park that combines dance, water, foam, and lighting.
Its theme is a traditional Japanese summer festival reimagined with USJ’s modern flair.
The stage incorporates designs inspired by taiko drums, oversized fans, and lanterns. Meanwhile, vivid neon colors fill the costumes, video screens, and lighting, creating the excitement of a music festival or dance party rather than a traditional Bon dance.
Another key feature is that the characters appear in separate segments rather than all at once.
The mood keeps changing throughout the approximately 20-minute performance, so guests can enjoy cute characters, energetic dancing, or a full-body soaking.
↑ Tap the image twice to play the video
Five Highlights of NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI
Woody and Winnie Kick Off the Summer Festival
Woody Woodpecker and Winnie Woodpecker open the show.
Dressed in colorful Japanese-inspired costumes, the pair appear with the performers. As they dance at center stage, they invite guests into the summer festival.
Woody and Winnie appear not only at the beginning but also in the final all-character gathering.
They frame the entire performance from start to finish and serve as the faces of NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI.
Look beyond the characters and pay attention to the performers’ drums and the timing of the changing background visuals.
The Contrasting Charm of My Melody and Kuromi
About three minutes and 30 seconds into the show, My Melody and Kuromi appear.
My Melody wears pink, while Kuromi’s look features black and purple. Their costumes combine neon colors with Japanese motifs while preserving each character’s personality.
When they dance side by side, watch for the contrast between My Melody’s sweetness and Kuromi’s slightly mischievous moves.
Starting at around 6:31, the two also lead a talk segment. They call out to the audience and set up the soaking-wet second half.
The first half is especially important for anyone hoping to see My Melody and Kuromi up close.
The Water Starts After About Seven Minutes as the Excitement Builds
The full-scale water effects begin just after the seven-minute mark, not immediately when the show starts.
The first half gives guests time to appreciate the characters, costumes, and dancing. Then the mood changes dramatically after My Melody and Kuromi’s talk segment.
Once the water starts flying, the audience shifts from watching the show to participating in the summer festival.
Performers spray water toward the audience as mist and splashes spread across the stage. Droplets sparkle in the lighting, creating a dreamlike scene unlike a daytime water show.
Guests near the front may get their faces, hair, and clothing soaked. Protect phones, cameras, and anything else that should not get wet before the show begins.
Because the stage water jets spray at fixed angles and directions, guests standing in a direct-hit zone may continue getting soaked.
For details on the special viewing area and how to prepare for the water, see the USJ Summer Event 2026 Guide.
The Dancing Stays Exciting Even Without Characters on Stage
The performers are just as important to the show as the characters and are a major highlight in their own right.
In the middle section, dancers perform with oversized fans and glowing Japanese-inspired props.
The broad arm movements and call-and-response choreography contain elements of Bon dancing, but the formations and pace are modern. The result feels like a Japanese summer festival fused with a club event.
In the festival-hype dance beginning around 10:40, easy-to-follow choreography encourages guests to raise their hands and move to the beat.
There is no need to memorize difficult choreography. Simply follow the performers, clap along, and copy the basic movements to join in.
Performers appear not only at center stage but also on the sides and upper levels. Be sure to look up during the climax.
Elmo and Friends Join for an All-Character Finale
At about 13:55, Elmo, Zoe, and Abby appear.
The arrival of the Sesame Street friends in the second half makes the stage even livelier.
Then, at around 15:16, Woody and Winnie, My Melody and Kuromi, and the Sesame Street friends reunite for the all-character finale.
The final four minutes layer water, foam, soap bubbles, lighting, video, and dance into the show’s most visually packed sequence.
Performers also appear on the upper stage, expanding the action both vertically and across the front.
Focusing only on close-up views of the characters may cause you to miss the upper-level dancers and the foam effects that surround the entire stage.
Watch your favorite characters closely in the first half, then take in the entire stage during the second half to fully appreciate the scale.
Characters and Order of Appearance
At the performance covered for this report, the characters appeared in the following order.
| Time | Characters and Segment |
|---|---|
| 0:00 | Woody and Winnie appear; summer festival opening |
| 3:38 | My Melody and Kuromi appear |
| 6:31 | My Melody and Kuromi talk segment |
| 7:14 | Full-scale water effects begin |
| 13:55 | Elmo, Zoe, and Abby appear |
| 15:16 | All characters gather for the finale |
| 18:20 | “USJ’s summer festival is the best!” talk and final segment |
Not all of the characters remain on stage throughout the show.
The show gives dedicated moments to Woody and Winnie, My Melody and Kuromi, and the Sesame Street friends in that order before everyone gathers at the end.
Knowing when your favorite character appears makes it easier to plan the photos or videos you want to capture.
Songs and Musical Highlights
The music for NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI was produced by music producer and DJ tofubeats.
At the performance covered for this report, the show featured original music along with familiar songs such as:
- mihimaru GT “Kibun Jojo ↑↑”
- NiziU “Super Summer”
- The Black Eyed Peas “Pump It”
Rather than playing the tracks unchanged, the show arranges them to flow naturally into taiko beats and festival calls.
The song selection is not aimed only at children; it also includes music adults can enjoy with the energy of a festival or club event.
The show’s unique charm comes from balancing the cuteness of a character show with the cool energy of a dance event.
Songs and production elements are subject to change.
Not Just for Kids: Why Adults Can Enjoy It Too
With My Melody and Elmo in the cast, the show may initially look like a children’s character performance.
In reality, the large dance ensemble, formations, neon lighting, music remixes, and water-and-foam effects give adults plenty to enjoy.
Especially from the middle onward, the focus shifts from simply watching characters to the entire venue moving and celebrating with the music.
Children can dance with the characters while adults enjoy the music, lighting, and performers. With different ways to have fun, the show works well for families and groups of friends alike.
Full Video of NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI
Watch the full video to see the atmosphere, character movements, and the amount of water and foam used in the show.
Video Timeline
- 0:00 Opening / Woody and Winnie appear
- 2:25 NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI opening talk
- 3:38 My Melody and Kuromi appear
- 6:31 My Melody and Kuromi talk segment
- 7:14 Water effects begin
- 10:40 Festival-hype dance
- 13:15 Festival-hype talk
- 13:55 Elmo, Zoe, and Abby appear
- 15:16 All characters appear
- 18:20 “USJ’s summer festival is the best!” talk
Location and Showtimes
| Show name | NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI |
|---|---|
| Location | Gramercy Park |
| Event period | July 1 (Wed)–August 26 (Wed), 2026 No event on Friday, August 21 |
| Regular showtimes | First show: 7:15–7:35 p.m. Second show: 8:10–8:30 p.m. |
| Duration | Approximately 20 minutes |
Showtimes and content may change or be canceled due to weather, operating conditions, or other circumstances. On the day of your visit, check the USJ official app or the official USJ website for the latest show schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Which characters appear?
Woody and Winnie Woodpecker, My Melody and Kuromi, Elmo, Zoe, Abby, and others appear.
Can I enjoy it without knowing the dance?
There is no need to learn the choreography in advance. The performers lead clapping and arm movements, so you can simply follow along on the spot.
Can I watch without getting wet?
The show can be viewed from outside the special viewing area. However, the direction of the water varies with the wind and your location. Even if you want to stay dry, it is wise to protect your phone and camera from water.
Near the buildings at the back of Gramercy Park, there is no concern about getting wet.
In 2026, no water is sprayed from the buildings.
Our Experience of NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI
NO LIMIT! GLOW UP OH! MATSURI is
a rare event featuring Woody and Winnie in a stage show.
Across its roughly 20-minute runtime, the show delivers several highlights: an opening by Woody and Winnie, an adorable My Melody and Kuromi segment, full-scale dancing by the performers, and a finale joined by the Sesame Street friends.
We recommend watching the characters and costumes closely in the first half, joining the water and dancing from the middle, and taking in the whole stage during the finale as every character celebrates the summer festival.
For full summer-event hours, tips on combining this with other shows, the special viewing area, food, and tickets, see the USJ Summer Event 2026 “Universal Summer Matsuri Night” Guide.
