Flash mob scenarios include one seemingly inspired by anime hit Your Name.
Though it’s been in business for over 100 years, most people would probably say that Hirakata Park, located in Osaka, is one of Japan’s second-tier amusement parks. It can’t boast the instantly recognizable animated characters of Tokyo Disneyland, the Wizarding World of Universal Studios Japan, or the Hello Kitty-gay-romance-novel-readings of Sanrio’s Puroland.
But what Hirakata Park can do is make you feel, and look, like a hero. Starting next week, the park will be offering a chance to participate in what it’s calling “new-style flash mobs,” in which you play out a scene that starts when park employees suddenly approach you and start the scenario.
For example, you and your girlfriend could be strolling through the park, arm in arm on a blissful date, when some yankii-style thugs roll up and try to snatch her away, as shown in the video below.
“Hey, your girl is looking fiiine,” says Black Sunglasses, as he roughly grabs the young lady by the shoulder. When Boyfriend demands “Get your hands off her,” Black Sunglasses tries to sucker punch him, but that just causes Boyfriend to unleash his fists of fury. He makes short work of the ruffian, who quickly flees, along with his quivering crony.
“I’ve fallen head over heels for him all over again,” says Girlfriend at the video’s end. Oh, and if you’re a woman who’d like to show off your own fighting skills to your beau, that seems to be an option too, as there’s no official gender specification for participants.
Hirakata Park is offering a total of four scenarios, described as:
● Protect your beloved, who’s about to be dragged off by a pair of thugs! Your sweetheart will be totally impressed!
● A bomb is about to explode! Time is running out! The only one who can stop it is you!
● A member of the opposite sex comes running up, you crash into each other, and…what’s this? You’ve switched bodies! Could this be…the beginning of love?!?
● The doctor is ready to give up. The situation is desperate. But now, a miracle is about to happen thanks to your rare blood type.
The flash mob service is being offered on weekends in May and June, with a start time of 1 p.m. No additional fees are required, but would-be heroes will have to apply for a time slot through the Hirakata Park website.
While the flash mob scenarios are designed to let you feel like a hero (or perhaps like the stars of anime hit Your Name, in the case of the body-swapping option), the whole thing is being presented in a very tongue-in-cheek manner, right down to the exaggerated delivery of the dialogue in the preview video. Rather than a legitimate deception, the whole thing is intended to be a fun, and funny surprise, and Hirakata Park recommends keeping the plan a secret from your date, friends, or family that you’re going to the park with.
The fact that the performance is public, and thus other guests can watch the story unfold, means that you yourself get to do a bit of acting. If that sounds like more fun than waiting in line for a roller coaster, applications for Hirakata Park flash mobs can be made here.
Related: Hirakata Park English website
Insert images: YouTube/ガチャ ガチャ, Hirakata Park
Impress the object of your affection by following Casey on Twitter.



Osaka theme park to provide fake insta-friends for your Instagram photos
There are so, so many ways the Ghibli theme park could be terrible
Japanese amusement park offers mask stickers so guests can silently ‘scream’ on roller coasters
Mario can’t beat state of emergency, Super Nintendo World theme park opening delayed again
Two human beings set to marry Sanrio characters at Tokyo’s Hello Kitty theme park
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Taste-testing Japan’s real-world Dragon Balls and Senzu Beans at Marugame Seimen
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Visiting Japan’s one-and-only, and only-for-a-limited-time, Dragon Ball noodle restaurant[Photos]
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Heinz Japan finds its perfect pitchman: Pokémon’s Pikachu!
Yu-Gi-Oh rights holders address use of anime clip in White House post on attack on Iran
15 years after Tohoku tsunami, Japan’s free disaster phone message number is important to remember
Coca-Cola Japan unveils new sakura design bottle for cherry blossom season 2019
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says