Goodbye Sega ☹️

It's official.

After standing roughly 17 years as a landmarkin Japan's major tech shopping district Akihabara, the Sega Akihabara Building 2 arcade will soon shut its doors on August 30 forever.

The news came as a surprise due to the short notice, and was only highlighted after several Japanese Twitter user circulated photos of the notice posted outside the building.

“Than@ChaosElephantcontinued patronage. We are sorry to announce that this branch, Sega Akihabara Building 2, will be closing,” the note read, as translated by Sora News 24. “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 an official statement regarding the closure of the arcade.

But it comes as no surprise to many, considering the current state of business due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has greatly affected Japan's tourism sector.

The Sega building was originally opened to public back in 2003 under the name "Akihbara Kigo" and quickly became a prime location for gamers and tourists interested in anime and video games.

Sega Akihabara Building 2 was previously temporarily closed earlier this year in compliance with the Tokyo municipal government's state of emergency declaration in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

But although the arcade had reopened its doors since June 12, it seems that those doors are destined to shut once again very soon.

Thankfully, only Sega Akihabara Building 2 will be closing its doors for good. Sega's four other stores in the district will reportedly continue operations for the foreseeable future.

All the staff went outside to thank the people who supporting for 17 years of operation.

Thank you for everything this year has been quite a disaster. I've never been there but I'm glad I helped to support SEGA by purchasing some Sonic games, hopefully some good news is on the way, anyway thank you again ☹️☹️