Ikebukuro GiGO arcade closes for final time as fans gather to say farewell

We reported last month of the momentous closing of a truly legendary arcade in Tokyo. Well folks, that time has come. Sega’s Ikebukuro GiGO arcade shut its doors for the final time on Monday, September 20. After 28 years of service, bringing delight and wonderful memories to locals and tourists alike, it is sad to see the ending of an era.

However, fans were not going to let it close without a proper goodbye. In a video posted to YouTube by “medaaaals in Japan,” a large crowd of people gathered for Ikebukuro GiGO’s closing as “Hotaru no Hikari” (Light of the Firefly) played over loudspeakers. A song often played in Japanese stores right before closing, this bittersweet tune is set to “Auld Lang Syne.” There is a touch of irony considering we in the western world hear the tune during New Year’s celebrations, welcoming in the year to come.

While there was no welcoming, the staff made sure fans knew what they meant to the Ikebukuro GiGO arcade. Wearing shirts that thanked patrons for the last 28 years of service, they mingled in with the crowds. The manager spoke before the official closing. In an emotional speech, he said if it were up to him, the arcade would stay open forever.

Unfortunately, due to the ending of its lease and the planned renovations of the building, Ikeburkuro GiGO will only be a memory going forward. Here is no word what will take the arcade’s place.

Grab a box of tissues (I’ll admit to getting teary eyed while watching) and say goodbye to a beautiful piece of gaming history. Do you have some memories of the iconic Ikeburkuro GiGO, or any other arcade? We’d love to hear about them!

Via, destructiod.com.