Nothing worse than hearing about a location you’ll never get to visit closing down. After 17 years, the SEGA arcade massive skyscraper has announced its closing. Inside the building, countless Japanese video games, anime, and more have been part of the history of this Akihabara location. Some even credit this location as the cause of the incredible boom of the otaku culture in the early 2000s.
I don’t remember if I had passed or even went into this building as I do remember seeing a SEGA building but photos of this don’t look too familiar. Regardless, it’s a stable in the culture and it’s sad to see it go.
They didn’t announce why it was closing but some speculate it’s due to covid. Which brings up a good point, crowded places like Akihabara (which is practically elbow to elbow) will never be the same. At least not for a long time. Let’s hope this isn’t a sign of how other cultural staples are heading. I suppose after covid, take every chance you can to visit the places you want to see.
