August will be a heart breaker of a month for anime and video game fans as one of the most iconic video game arcades has officially announced its closure on the 30th of August in Akihabara, Tokyo.
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The Sega Building 2 was originally opened by Sega in October 2003 in Akihabara, the district well known as a ‘mecca’ for anime & gaming and otakus the world over.
The closure is believed to be a result of the global pandemic that has caused a huge drop in visitors spending. Even before the start of the pandemic, Japan’s arcade business has already been in a steady prolonged decline.
News of the arcade’s closure started circulating on August 1st, when visitors saw a sign posted inside the building stating:
“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.”
Sega has not issued a statement as to why the arcade is closing so far.