With an already difficult run since the Coronavirus pandemic began in 2020, yet another iconic Akihabara arcade is slated to close this month–this time, the Akihabara GiGo directly across from Akihabara Station.
The arcade, GiGo Akihabara Building 4, will be shutting down permanently on September 25th, 2022. It will take with it a rotating character cafe that frequently hosts collaboration cafes with popular franchises.
While sad, the arcade itself seems to be taking a comedic approach to the event, tweeting out that it “doesn’t want to close”.
GiGO 秋葉原4号館 閉館❗️
嫌だ❗️ 閉めたくない💢💢 https://t.co/q8AIiuLzNg pic.twitter.com/4jj51XPgBn— GiGO 秋葉原 4号館 (@GiGO_Akihabara4) August 12, 2022
The closure of Building 4 makes this the 3rd year in a row to see an iconic Akihabara arcade go. According to the company, this time the closure is a result of an expiring lease.
Customers can still visit the bright red arcade until the closure date, with closing ceremonies to be announced at a later date.