SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO
The past few years have not been kind to arcades. Back in August 2020, the iconic Sega Akihabara Building 2 closed its doors for good. Adores Akihabara Building 1 followed suit in November 2020, and so did Adores Akihabara Building 2 on 30th June 2021.
The latest victim is none other than SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO. After having provided patrons with about 28 years of entertainment, the arcade centre decided that it is finally time to turn off the power switch, much to the fans’ sadness.
SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO arcade centre announces closure
Image credit: Google Maps
On 2nd August 2021, GENDA SEGA Entertainment – an arcade management company – announced that the arcade centre will be ending operations on 20th September 2021.
Image credit: @SEGA_ikebukuro
Even though the pandemic has taken down other arcade centres, such was not the case for SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO’s closure – at least not directly.
The reason for closure is tied to the end of SEGA’s lease and the renovation that the building will be undergoing soon after.
Background of SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO arcade centre
Image credit: SEGA
Opened on 21st July 1993, SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO was a fount of arcade games, spanning seven floors and a basement.
Image adapted from: Louis Houng
Even though the preference for gaming shifted throughout the years, moving from arcades to more sophisticated computer and video games, the arcade centre managed to adapt to the times by installing more rhythmic and prize-based games, alongside purikura photo sticker booths, to stay relevant.
Limited-time events & prizes to be won at the farewell event
Image credit: @SEGA_ikG_BP
The bright side of this unfortunate news is that there will be limited-time events happening at the arcade centre, as well as games with limited-time prizes to be won from now until 31st August 2021.
Image adapted from: PR Times and PR Times
Image credit: @SEGA_Ent
These prizes include merchandise from popular anime series such as Haikyuu!!, Attack on Titan, Tokyo Revengers, and La Corda D’oro Starlight Orchestra.
Image credit: @SEGA_ikG_PZ
Image credit: @SEGA_ikG_BP
Visitors can win these prizes either through the UFO catcher arcade game, or purchase them from the merch store at the centre.
SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO closing down on 20th September
SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO will close its shutters on 20th September 2021. However, it will live on in the memories of fans.
To preserve your own memories of this place, head over to the arcade to try and win some exclusive prizes as a keepsake.
SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO is about a 10-minute walk away from the west exit of Ikebukuro station.
Address: 1 Chome-21-1, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima City, 170-0013 Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10AM-11PM
Telephone: 03-3981-6906
Website
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Cover image adapted from: SEGA
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