Tokyo Akihabara is losing one of its most notable locations. It was announced recently that the Sega Arcade will be closing its doors for good on August 30.
Akihabara, a busy shopping center in Tokyo, Japan, is known to represent the city's pop culture. There are retailers featuring technology, anime, manga, and video games among other things. So it was a real shock when it was announced that the legendary Sega Arcade, otherwise known as the Sega Akihabara Building 2 arcade, will be closing.
The notice of the arcade's closure was reported on August 1, when patrons noticed a sign on the door from the Sega Akihabara Building 2 arcade staff. It read:
“Notice of closure
Thank you for your continued patronage. We are sorry to announce that this branch, Sega Akihabara Building 2, will be closing.
Our last day of operations will be Sunday, August 30.
The entire staff wishes to express, from the bottom of our hearts, our sincere gratitude at the loving support you have given our establishment for so many years.”
Since its opening in 2003, the Sega Arcade is one of the many reasons Akihabara became a big tourist attraction in Tokyo. The building itself is known for showcasing huge murals of the latest games or anime, but the arcade within is definitely a cultural icon and it will be strange to see it go.
While no reason was given regarding why the arcade is closing its doors, the most likely reason is because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in April, the Sega Arcade closed down and didn't reopen until June and welcoming people back was never going to be easy with a pandemic still on the mind. Because of this, the low attendance is most likely to blame for the arcade going out of business.
It will be interesting to see what takes the arcade's place once it leaves. Akihabara is a forever changing hub, but it will always be a center for those who love pop culture. We'll just have to wait and see.
Source: Sora News 24