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Last month, Sega announced that its Sega Ikebukuro Gigo arcade would be closing on September 20. Yesterday, fans gathered to say goodbye to the legendary game center at a ceremony Sega held to mark the end of its 28-year-run.
Out front hung a sign that read (in Japanese), “Thank you for 28 years.” Staff wore shirts with the same message, while loudspeakers played “Hotaru no Hikari” (The Light of the Firefly). Set to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne” but with different lyrics, the song is commonly played in Japanese stores right before closing.
After the countdown to the arcade’s final closing, the arcade’s manager climbed atop a ladder to give a speech, recounting Sega Ikebukuro Gigo’s history. He wanted to make clear that the arcade was not shuttering due to covid-19 but rather “unavoidable circumstances.” According to Famitsu, and as Kotaku previously reported, the lease agreement ended, and the primary factor for the arcade’s closure was the building’s renovations.
“If it were in my power, I’d want to stay open forever at this location and greet the happy faces of our wonderful customers,” said the arcade manager. “Unfortunately, at this time, the way it turned out was, the arcade has closed.”
kotaku.com
Out front hung a sign that read (in Japanese), “Thank you for 28 years.” Staff wore shirts with the same message, while loudspeakers played “Hotaru no Hikari” (The Light of the Firefly). Set to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne” but with different lyrics, the song is commonly played in Japanese stores right before closing.
After the countdown to the arcade’s final closing, the arcade’s manager climbed atop a ladder to give a speech, recounting Sega Ikebukuro Gigo’s history. He wanted to make clear that the arcade was not shuttering due to covid-19 but rather “unavoidable circumstances.” According to Famitsu, and as Kotaku previously reported, the lease agreement ended, and the primary factor for the arcade’s closure was the building’s renovations.
“If it were in my power, I’d want to stay open forever at this location and greet the happy faces of our wonderful customers,” said the arcade manager. “Unfortunately, at this time, the way it turned out was, the arcade has closed.”
Fans Gather To Say Goodbye To A Legendary Sega Arcade - Kotaku
After 28 years, Sega Ikebukuro Gigo has closed its doors
kotaku.com
