Eastern Promises: Jaws, Japanese Style

John Trainor, from St Helens in the UK, has been a huge Jaws fan since he saw it as a child. Like many of us, he was already fascinated by sharks and remains both to this day.

It's that continued fascination and Quint-like obsession that saw John jet over 5,700 miles to Osaka, home of the world's only remaining Jaws ride at Universal Studios Japan.

Here, he kindly shares his experience of that amazing trip to Japan (remember, it's only an island country if you look at it from the water) with The Daily Jaws.

Like all Jaws fans, I was really saddened when the Florida Jaws ride closed its doors for the final time on January 2, 2012.

I'd managed to go on it back in 2001, 10 times in total. It was such a cool ride and I loved the different versions of events the boat captains would slip into the script now and again, especially towards the end of the day. "That's the Brody residence on your left. Chief Brody could often be seen in his underwear late at night, drunk and firing his gun at the water....".

あなたはそこに魚の地獄を持っています。この大きさについて口で。(you've got a hell of a fish out there. with a mouth about this big.)

I tried again in 2009 but it was closed for maintenance when I arrived. Anyway, I thought that was it for good. I'd always wanted to visit Japan, so I decided to kill two birds with one stone and visit Japan as well as Universal Studios Osaka for the Jaws ride. I'm so glad I did!

In terms of the overall feel of the Amity area, it's better than the Florida version. You have the Amity Landing Restaurant, Ellen Brody's Ice Cream Parlour and Brody's Frozen drinks. Most impressive is the Jaws packaging for the food at Amity Landing Restaurant, it's really well done and is a nice little touch.

The ride itself is the same as the Florida version, with the captains just speaking Japanese. I didn't mind this as you could still pick out words like Jaws and Brody, plus I'd learnt some Japanese before the trip.

What I really loved was the enthusiasm of the people working on the ride and around the park in general. I was wearing a Jaws t-shirt and the entire day staff would point at me and say "Jozu!" (Jaws in Japanese!), to which I would make the shark biting motion with my hand and say "Same!" (pronounced sarmay) Shark in Japanese. It just made the whole day special :)

I was so impressed by the Jaws merchandise, they had so much compared to Florida and Hollywood. T-shirts, hats, bags, food, model kits, badges, coins...the list goes on. Most were sold at Amity Island Gifts store, proprietor Larry Vaughn (clearly making some summer yen - The Daily Jaws)

Jaws fans could truly fill an extra suitcase with items. If you're thinking of making the long trip to Japan for the ride, do it! You never know how long it will be around and there's no sign of Jaws at any of the new Universal Studios Parks recently built or being built at the moment. Go for it!

Upon his return to the UK, The Daily Jaws caught up with John, fresh from his travels.

The Daily Jaws: Thanks for your great report and amazing photos. What Jaws merchandise did you end up bringing back from Japan?

John: I bought a metallic model of the shark hanging up outside the ride. Jaws coins and a pin badge.

The Daily Jaws: Who is your favourite character in Jaws and why?

John: Brody, he's the one who seems most out of his depth, yet he saves the day.

The Daily Jaws: Have you a favorite scene or moment?

John: I love the barrel chase as they're closing down on the shark. Brody is actually enjoying the chase, despite his fear of drowning, feeling that Quint is in control. It's also a great score during this scene.

The Daily Jaws: Why do you think Jaws continues to enthral and excite old and new audiences alike?

John: It's just such a great story, which stands up so well all these years later because of the great perfomances, direction and that amazing score. Long may it continue!

You can follow John on Twitter @frances_shoals

YOU'RE CLEARED FOR DEPARTURE, AMITY SIX. HAVE A GOOD TRIP.
Set sail with author Dustin McNeill as he goes behind the scenes of Captain Jake’s Amity Boat Tours! ADVENTURES IN AMITY is the ultimate guide to the legendary attraction that once stood at Universal Studios Florida. The book contains over thirty new interviews with the ride’s designers, engineers, and skippers for unprecedented insight into its creation and operation. Hear the untold story of the Jaws ride for the first time ever from those who were actually there!

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