Japan's Famous SEGA ARCADE Says Goodbye...

In Japan, arcades are called 'Game Centers' - and they are disappearing at an alarming rate. Countless Japanese game centers and arcades have closed over the past year or more, including 2 of Japans most legendary SEGA arcades; First the Akihabara SEGA, and now the Ikebukuro SEGA Gigo.
Come hang out on Instagram! / tokyo_one
Let's be Twitter buddies!: / tokyo_lens
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to the Patreon crew for making these possible: / tokyolens
Explore Always with Tokyo Lens: bit.ly/ExploreA...
Where I Get My Music For Vids: www.epidemicso....
ARTLIST: bit.ly/TheMusics
-----------------------------------------------------
*GEAR USED [2021] Use These Links to Support The Channel*
Camera: bit.ly/TokyoLen...
Cinema Camera: bit.ly/NormCineCam
90% of my Photography: bit.ly/NormLenses
My Fav 360 Camera:
www.insta360.c...
For Streaming: amzn.to/2VaXTxc
Podcast on: amzn.to/2TcV0IA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Where to Send Stuff*
Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative Redhorse Corporation Co. Ltd
1-10-5 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Kokugikan Front Bldg 2F
130-0015
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tokyo Lens Podcast:
itunes.apple.c...

[@AbroadinJapan]

What a fantastic documentary mate. It’s been disheartening to see so many iconic Tokyo spots disappear over the last 3-5 years. Shibuya and Shinjuku have lost a lot of the gritty night time vibe that I used to enjoy (Osaka still has it fortunately) and Akihabara feels far quieter these days. The Olympic gentrification and two years of Covid have not been kind to the city sadly. Glad you were there to capture the closing of an icon, though very unfortunate to see it go.

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much, Chris~ As much as I know that change is a constant... it's still hard to see the places we love go~

[@van3158]

It makes me sad to see them fade away, Japanese arcades are a one of the things I’d hope to see on a trip to Tokyo.

[@thebloodyenglish6620]

So it wasn't that they weren't making enough money to keep going just the new owner wanted to put something else there? That honestly makes this more tragic

[@user-xy7le4nb1p]

Nah Chris just probably irritated cuz u beat him to it. He was probably also making the same documentary but hasn't posted it yet lol

[@lyhthegreat]

@@van3158 yeah japan is like the last bastion for arcades tbh...they have been disappearing all over the world.

[@-a6833]

Honestly, that sega centre should've been a world heritage thing, considering how iconic it has been, it was quite literally world famous

[@TokyoLens]

Really was But the building was just getting too old~

[@WTFFN]

@@TokyoLens I think a few arcades will come back when this stuff is finally under control. Japan always been a center for gaming and anime. Once tourism starts back up the arcades will soon follow.

[@CommodoreFan64]

Hopefully SEGA finds another place to build bigger, and better for the future!!

[@van3158]

Agree 100%

[@atharvakapade]

@@WTFFN yeah totally hope so

[@TokyoLens]

While it is sad to see these go, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to document this~ *Have you ever been to an arcade in Japan? let us know your experience in the comments below!* SEGA Ikebukuro... you will be missed by many --- And one more important thing... a MASSIVE thank you to the crew over on Patreon for backing these projects and making all of this possible.

[@sondres.8021]

I have yet to experience an arcade center in Japan, but it is still really sad to see them go.. I just hope they'll keep going strong in the future

[@dariusq8894]

I don't have a lot of strong memories of this location since I only visited a couple times, but I do remember having their SEGA taiyaki. =)

[@nickbojio6732]

Been to a few last year (before the pandemic) to play some crane games, didnt spend too much time though because I was afraid of losing hahaha. Wish I spent more time, now that a lot of them are closing down :( The crane machines are definitely very different than the ones in SEA (or at least where I'm from), the way its placed I find it is slightly easier to win prizes. [EDITED] I've been to the ones here in SEA and although they try to replicate the feel of the ones in Japan, when I was finally there I can feel the difference and the amount of games, anime and of course original prizes (the ones in SEA are mostly bootleg plushies). I was overwhelmed, it was amazing and surreal to be at the place that I always wanted to go since I was a teenager.

[@daishomaru7682]

I am a gamer and when I went to an arcade in japan, I immediately fell in love with all the subcultures there. One of my favorite genres in particular was the mecha simulator genre, because it was basically piloting giant robots and being that mecha anime protagonist, with some of my favorite games of all time like Gundam Bonds of the Battlefield and Starwing Paradox, my favorite game of all time. In particular with the Starwing, I spent so much money on it and i made a lot of friends. We didn't exactly speak the same language but it's that joy of piloting, that bond you can only get from dogfighting, that we understood each other. It's like, we got to be that gundam pilot we always wanted to be in the anime, and even more, we got to fight other people. We weren't killing each other, but it felt like we were in an anime and became Newtypes, developing an understanding and a power only we could see.

[@dpi209]

I've been to a game center on my first trip to Japan, taking Purikura with my gf and her friend whom we met in Osaka (she was studying in Fukuoka at that time). On my last trip, I met up with friends on their world trip in Japan, and Taito Game Station Namba was our meeting point in the morning. When in many other countries arcades mostly vanished, they are still firmly rooted in Japanese culture and are part of peoples daily lives. I really hope they find their niche to keep on going forever. Thank you for your thoughtful and moving documentary!

[@Bob86339]

Being born and raised in Japan, arcades were definitely (and still is) a big part of my life. Fun fact: This Ikebukuro arcade had multiple world champions for fighting games, racing games, etc.

[@tboltgames]

During my trip to Japan in 2018, I stayed just across the street at Ikebukuro Lodging and seeing SEGA arcade closing now reminds me how quickly the times have changed in the past couple of years.

[@memehorse3658]

Wow Bro I've been to japan in 2018 too and I've been passing the SEGA arcade alot, sad to know that it's closing

[@OjoRojo40]

5, 4 ,3, 2, 1 Yeeeeeeeaaah! We are all unemployed :) I worked for 7 years in an arcade during the late 80's and part of the 90's. I have great memories and also lost 70% of hearing on my left ear :) It was also a nightmare to get a new job after, since my only experience was in a dying industry. Hopefully all this hard working people got relocated by Sega.

[@ruthgar9753]

I myself went in 2019, and briefly visited both the Ikebukuro and Akihabara Sega locations. Only played one or two games at each, but it was worth the visit. These, along with some of the other closures of place I and the others with me visited while we were there are sad to hear about, and will be that much sadder when we have the chance to go back and see for ourselves in person what has changed.

[@Jay-B1750]

Incredibly well filmed, with sensitivity and also documenting the staff and what they are going through, my employer changed after over a decade and it's just not the same anymore, my heart goes out to all the staff, I really wish them all well in their next employment! ❤

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much

[@kausthita11]

Yh it's like replacing a family member, which is kinda weird

[@CommodoreFan64]

I've had the same employer going on 17 years now, and my place of work really does feel like a 2nd home to me with how much time I've spent there, so I really feel for the staff here, and some who have been there for a decade, or more, as It can feel like losing a piece of yourself you will never be able to replace. Hopefully SEGA will be able to build bigger, and better for the future to keep the arcade/game center dreams alive!!

[@Jay-B1750]

@@kausthita11 yes very much so, I'm in the same building but doing different things with different people, I still know a lot of people but it's so hard to comprehend that it will never be the same again 😔😔

[@Del-Lebo]

Well said Jay! It is very hard for staff. I've been through it too, and is awful.

[@jasmine3138]

I remember this night and seeing you around recording. I was one of the final customers to step out! I'm really worried about game centers since they are my hobby T_T

[@TokyoLens]

I honestly think I saw you! We’re you wearing a dress? If that was you, I almost had a shot of you coming out of the shop… but the camera shaking a bit too much for me to use that footage 😔 I’m so glad that you took the time to comment on this Thank you so much!

[@jasmine3138]

Yes, I had the navy dress and waved at the camera lol! Nice to see your video footage in its final form lol

[@TokyoLens]

Gahhhhh DAMNIT Ok… so I weirdly thought during the edit: I should use this shot, because this scene looks so friendly and welcoming And tried so hard to stabilize it But had to give up and use the shot of the guys walking out And now:.. I wish I had it in there So that you could have had that moment immortalized Awww Again So happy you took the time to watch and comment Honestly thank you so much! It’s also kinda cool that I instantly knew who you were lol

[@jasmine3138]

@@TokyoLens haha no worries. I wouldn't mind seeing it but just in general it's cool to see a final moment like this and seeing the arcade's final day in video form Maybe someday you will see me roaming around Tokyo again lol.

[@TokyoLens]

I look forward to that day~

[@jb0258]

It's so sad to see many arcades closing down. You can truly start to feel that were in the tail end of an era. Japan is known for a lot of things, and arcades is one of those things. Really hoping I'll be able to visit before it's too late. Thank you, Norm, for continuing to show and document so many great things in Japan 👍

[@TokyoLens]

It really is~ I hope they come back strong

[@jb0258]

@@TokyoLens ya know now that you mention it... I actually really can see them making a huge comeback! Maybe not right away, but in another 5 or 10 years time.

[@billypilgrim1]

@@jb0258 With the country hopefully reopening next year to international tourism theres definitely going to be a demand for them, it's an opportunity to keep the remaining ones open and for new ones to open up.

[@octaviotouch8672]

The arcade era will be over and being replaced with the new Shogun Era

[@billypilgrim1]

@@octaviotouch8672 lol

[@CHEFPKR]

I remember visiting that shop when I visited all those years ago. It was EPIC and the game centers/arcades were so much fun. I truely hope they don't die out like they have in the states.

[@Macky4941]

Well we have Dave and Busters lol, the one in Anchorage is massive, they have a few other Arcades in the area. One even has a indoor go-cart track.

[@DaftPunkSkittle]

@@Macky4941 sorry to say but no one is going to Anchorage just for a Dave and Busters lol especially if they are female and they know how Alaskan men treat women

[@mf-h3659]

And the rest of the world …

[@AnhNguyen-hn9vj]

ya. old days. they need new thinking in games to adapt and survive.

[@celestialnighthawk8526]

@@DaftPunkSkittle Unfortunate how domestic violence is still really prevalent in the United States as whole

[@thecupola7908]

This straight up brought me to tears. I was a Kyoto guy so my spot was the Sega Game Center in the 12th floor of the Kyoto train station. Was a gut punch to learn that that one closed more than a decade ago. Changing world, I guess. So many awesome memories. The production level of your stuff is so high! I will be back for more.

[@DazHotep6EQUJ5]

Man I hope I am lucky enough to work in a place that fills me with as much pride and joy as these guys feel. Thank you for documenting this Norm!

[@TokyoLens]

Hope you can someday!!!

[@capnkokkupunch]

IMAGINE, imagine a mini doc about an arcade closing bringing a tear to your eye, never have even visiting one yourself.... ahem, couldn't be me.

[@Just1Nora]

Same dude. Haven't had the pleasure. I haven't even been to a Round One or anything here in the states, except for the one that was 80% bowling alley and the arcade was closed by the time I got there, 6-7 pm. 😩 I watch lots of crane game videos on KZbin for unknown reasons though.

[@sneedmando186]

Me neither 🥲 we were truly blessed

[@batmandalorian5504]

Hugs, Bro

[@With_Me_JAPAN]

Game arcades have unique atmosphere even if they are located in the middle of city like Ueno, you can escape from the busy life. People from all generations come and enjoy their favorite games. Thank you for showing what Sega faces now! It let me have another point of view.

[@pekoeji]

so sad i'll never get to see some of the iconic SEGA buildings ): remember seeing them in japan vlogs for years and adding them as destinations to my bucket list in middle school! it's so crazy how it's shutting down entirely )':

[@MASTEROFEVIL]

Same, kid. 😥

[@randodox8375]

Same for me. It's sad that we will never get to see some of the iconic places we saw in the media with our own eyes. A lot of place has been closing down left and right, pandemic has not been kind to any of this place at all.

[@mochiisntbad6762]

Me five

[@Erichiki]

Yeah, same for me (╥﹏╥)

[@ej9212]

Same T_T

[@sussybaka5322]

I never even knew this place existed, but right now I'm crying watching this. So many people lost an important place in their lives, someone lost a place they could go when they were sad, lonely, and even happy. I wish I could have seen this place. I feel empathy for all those who had a strong connection to this place.

[@himi399]

As a person who loves going to the game centre in Japan it really makes me sad that I was never able to try Ikebukuros one before it closed down. As I live in australia and only visit Japan for short holidays seeing family I really regret not making the time to have tried out this one, Hoping they can bring it back in a new form but for now 😢. Great video as always Norm 👍 次の動画を期待しています

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much

[@Domspun]

Same here, didn't have time on my last trip. I had planned going back last november, but it was canceled. I was planning going to Ikebukuros first.

[@Terkanil]

I've never been to Japan, but seeing stuff like this, hearing some of the stories, it certainly brings tears to eyes.

[@shinjipascal862]

me too, its my drream to go to akihabara

[@atamir8339]

Cant believe how accurate this is sigh

[@randodox8375]

All of the staff there seems to be very passionate about their jobs and arcade culture. This makes this place have a strong community. A special, one of a kind place you can't find anywhere. I plan to visit there one day once my country lockdown is over, but unfortunately i could not anymore. Best of luck to them all

[@JordanVanRyn]

I have never been to a Japanese arcade because I always wanted to go to Japan since I was a teenager. I just feel so sad that these arcade centers are closing. They’ve been a part of not just geek culture but also Japanese pop culture as a whole. Thanks for this documentary. This helps bring awareness.

[@arili-eo7vw]

I cried

[@Gaitanvive]

I love SEGA arcades, I can’t believe the new owners don’t see the cultural value of such an asset. Keep arcade culture alive!

[@app0the]

Sadly in the game industry those who want to preserve and those who want to produce are on the different sides of the world. These days you can find an occasional Out Run, Pac-man or you name it from 20-40 years ago and it works, but with modern day networked games, once the game is deemed unprofitable - the server goes down, the game either stops working or gets locked into a crippled trial mode, no matter even if the machine itself is still good as new. That's the future of arcade preservation so far as we look at it.

[@Ging_10]

@@app0the Cant they find a way to preserve and make profit from the brand itself? I mean if a product isn’t profitable anymore then you must design a new product or invest in a new market….A great company such as SAGA has the potential to go international and compete with all the other major video games companies. The reality is that most probably the shareholders are stuck in an old mindset with no willingness to change. That’s pretty much the Japanese business mentality thats why the economy has stagnated for this long.

[@Abel-Alvarez]

@@Ging_10 You gotta look at SEGA's history because they've had tons of opportunities to branch out but SOJ (Sega of Japan) was run by teams that tainted SEGA's legacy and business. Nowadays SEGA can't even be anything more than a 3rd party developer/publisher.

[@mistaecco]

@@app0the Unfortunately true. The silver lining is that since so many of the games are regionally isolated, there's plenty of folks outside Japan who REALLY want to play them, and they often make their own ways to make them function again. It really sucks that piracy and network emulation is the only way forward, though.

[@davejay6855]

It's the real estate and location... if they really, really wanted to keep this going, they could easily relocate to a different area, as unfortunately the success this location and of the area that it was in ironically also made it more valuable than what it was offering to the owners... From a purely business and financial perspective. Even though it may be profitable, if there's something MORE profitable to the new owners who can then charge tenants more or simply pack more in the larger real-estate footprint and height, then that's essentially the same as "losing money" to them even though both may have been inherently profitable.

[@darthalpaca]

So sad to see game centers closing down. I remember my first time I visited Japan in 2009 and the excitement of playing the variety of games and machines I never really had a chance to play back in the states. I hope when I get a chance to visit again there are a few centers left to experience with my family now :). Thanks for documenting this :)

[@TokyoLens]

I really hope they come back strong Thank you for watching!

[@manabluerose]

Wow, this is heart breaking. I love the culture and family aspect the staff and some customers had. That welcoming environment now gone is definitely a gigantic loss for Japan and Ikebukuro. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing place for anyone who had no idea.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much for watching

[@RahatAzim998]

Thank you for documenting all these pieces of history and essentially keeping them alive in video format.

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you for always being here for it ♥️

[@exit0629]

I've never been to a japanese arcade. Let alone japan. But this really hit my feels and made me cry. Thank you for capturing this moment, really loved this mini-documentary!

[@King_Astolfo69]

Dito 😢

[@luciferkotsutempchannel]

If you're American, it might be because we know what it's like to live in a post arcade world, and the idea of Japan moving towards said future is quite sad and tragic.

[@KraXed112]

Even though I have never been there, I feel sad for the staff and the culture of losing out on such a gem. Got me teary eyed for sure. Great video!

[@ld1897]

This is the most disappointing and unfortunate part off all this pandemic. Myself and two friends, late 80 to early 90 kids were most excited to visit this part off Tokyo, for our trip that never happened. Sad...

[@danleighton]

In the video he makes it clear it isn’t pandemic related. So there is hope :-)

[@priestesslucy]

@@danleighton doesn't that actually mean there's less hope? The pandemic is more temporary than the socio economic forces of the past decade.

[@danleighton]

@@priestesslucy Well. It means that they could get another building. It is the staff and the relationships with their clients that matter most :-) They closed down because the owner wants to redevelop the site.

[@erinnicole5748]

@@danleighton Very true. At the end, he did say that even if they have to find another building a rebuild from zero, it sounds like the staff and managers are all willing to do that. So here's hoping they are able to find another building. It won't be the same of course, but it could be something new and exciting. I'm bummed bc both of those buildings were at the top of my list to visit, and I haven't been able to make it over there yet. But I look forward to seeing a new location arise.

[@redline1916]

@@priestesslucy Permanent.

[@rebeccaryan8153]

When stores close down where I am, they just shut. When stores as Iconic as Sega ikebukuro close, they hold a massive party with a countdown. Such a sweet way of celebrating the fantastic memories. So positive and kind

[@moksha8473]

omg japan is so kawaii they celebrate stores closing despite people losing jobs and becoming financially insecure very sugoiiiiii

[@zukiechi]

@UC1AuxAsk4pl4y88Arwmm6ig shut up lmao

[@DaftPunkSkittle]

here in California, in Los Angeles at one of our Beach cities an arcade closed this year and a lot of ppl went for a last time

[@westonmeyer3110]

The days when America or western countries still cared about their culture passed long ago in the 70s.

[@kingjon9289]

So gutting and heart wrenching! This was also my first game centre on my first trip to Japan many years ago. I was so lucky to enjoy this place one last time just before COVID broke out, but I can’t believe how quickly things are changing and I fear how much I will miss when I can finally visit again. Thanks for sharing the final moments with us Norm.

[@zagseus2068]

Its so sad that I could never experience this place first hand, but thank you so much for the amazing documentary Norm. Absolutely brilliant

[@garylai363]

I love that they decided to celebrate the end and giving back to their customers rather than slowly fading away. You got some really good interviews in there, and the footage of 2005 Norm was a bonus 🤣

[@BKMHang10]

Strange how quickly the world changes. I remember feeling like "man, these game centers are everywhere" in 2019 when I'd be going through various parts of Tokyo, to the point I couldn't tell most of them apart after a while, and that was after a bunch had already closed. Now I have to wonder how many will be left by the time I can get back to Japan. I always appreciated how much the bigger centers seem to have something for everyone, from the crane games, rhythm games to fighting games. Thanks for giving this center a final showoff to those who weren't able to be there to see it.

[@TheVampireFishQueen]

Hopefully many will be still there and there a huge comeback.

[@johnboyer9176]

Never been, but this makes me sad. Culture everywhere is disappearing. I hope we don't get so far to not realize what we have lost, but rather hang on to what we have. These social centers are crucial to the human experience. Excellent job capturing it.

[@TheVampireFishQueen]

Hopefully Arcades come back stronger than before

[@Mellowyellow8888]

I disagree with your assessment with this situation.. Unfortunately entertainment consumption behaviors change over time.. Just look at the US.. at one point there were tons of roller disco's or arcades.. now they are literally non-existent.. some things are a fad.. but others change due to technological changes or even socio-economic changes...

[@johnboyer9176]

@@Mellowyellow8888 Disagree with what though? Culture changing or the need for social centers? Change is fine, I get that. That said, I think we should give pause for the reason the change is happening and also insure other outlets are available. While this may just be a gaming center, it's also a communal space that thousand or people rely on for interaction. Covid has pushed us to be more and more isolated. Long term, I don't think that isolation will be healthy.

[@Steven9567]

@@johnboyer9176 it isn't heck goverments loves that we are it means we can't group up and challenge

[@Cal3000]

@@Mellowyellow8888 arcades are somewhat making a comeback in the states. Round 1s have been very popular lately. US used to be filled with small mom and pop shops all over, but those weren’t sustainable over time. Then the death zone of arcades bt 2010 and 2017. Looks like large Game Center’s are what’s going to catch back on.

[@gewglebamboo]

not me crying over a game center I've ever visited, Norm your content is amazing thank you for documenting and sharing something so special to Tokyo in this light

[@andrealevorato3699]

To me, one of the best vids of the year! I didn't know this place before, but you made me love it

[@CoffeeKawaii]

Tokyo Lens - your features are among some of the best videos across the internet. Period. You managed to capture the weight of the emotion of the closing of Sega Ikebukuro and it’s legacy to international gaming. Absolutely brilliant.

[@ryanluna8121]

Man what a heartbreak, wish I could have seen and experienced the arcade in person... hopefully one step back, two steps forward!

[@Mercuryscomet25]

Amazing as ever Norm. It's brilliant that you've so beautifully captured these pieces of history.

[@TokyoLens]

Grateful that I could

[@Azalynnnn]

When I was a small child, years ago, these building captivated me. I became a Japanophile at 9 years old. The arcades, the lights, the atmosphere of the area; It cemented a dream in my mind. I wasn't into anime or anything like that, it was the video game culture that intrigued me. It literally defined me for nearly two decades as I worked towards my goal for getting to Japan. It is VERY VERY sad that these literal icons are being closed down. IDK why but I'm crying like Steve irwin just died again

[@Azalynnnn]

I think i just cried for 12 out of the 15 minutes

[@AdachiCabbage]

No money! It's not like a rich person is going to go help them. Sad to say but rich people only care about getting richer not helping businesses closing down like this or the smaller person.

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

my weeb tears

[@SakuraSorrows]

This is well said. Going to this iconic place was like a bucket list type of thing. I never got to go and my plans to go to Japan got pushed further away thanks to covid. So this was a kick in the teeth.

[@lilac6257]

I got emotional over this 😂 it's so sweet that people loved working, gaming and simply enjoying this place so much!

[@kayisthey]

Emotions get real when you subtract a community center that simply means so much to so many people. Glad you were invited to document its final hours! Thanks for this.

[@AndrewJohnEgan]

Did not have “watch mini doco on arcade closing and break down in tears” on my to do list today, but here we are. The fella towards the end that mentioned coming with his girlfriend, and now taking his daughter, that hit close to home. One Saturday morning every month, my daughter and I go to the arcade and play the games there. Wife and I would always go there to play pinball and skeeball back in the day. Circle of life vibes! Didn’t visit this particular location but the experience of visiting the arcade in Japan was a really fun one and the aesthetic of the buildings and shop fronts I think was quite iconic. Sad to see that fade with time and recent challenges.

[@NinjaMonkeyguy]

I had so many mixed emotions watching this. Thanks so much for sharing. This is a stark reminder that when I get to Japan things will be very different. I’m disappointed that I’ve been understandably unable to travel but thankfully these videos help keep me connected.

[@whiskeysk]

that was heartbreaking. I've been to Japan countless times, and being a gamer I never missed an opportunity to visit. Thank you for creating this, really appreciated!

[@JDMism]

Let me express my appreciation for the shot at 2:55 with sunshine shining on the Sunshine Street sign, hats off to you Sir

[@TokyoLens]

Fiiiiiinally lol Thanks mate~

[@lukecage275]

From NZ and went to Japan and both Akihabara and Ikekuburo arcades with wife and son in 2018 as both son and I are into gaming and anime, never forget the pure awesomeness of walking into both. Glad we experienced it before they closed.

[@JapaneseEmichannel]

when I lived in abroad I couldn't find any arcade like Japan I'm surprised we have a lot of arcade in japan this is nice video thank you for sharing it

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much for being here for the video 😊

[@npcimknot958]

Ya, arcades died around the world.. I'm' not sure why since they were really popular.. and a lot of us in the west want them back... so its sad to see this happen in japan

[@LAWEALOLEQUISDE]

Yo man, this documentary was insane! Glad that you were a part of it, if that place is going to be reopening, it would be amazing that you can be there to share that with us, much love from Costa Rica!

[@Mr-Peterson]

I just listened to your latest podcast that you kindly shared from patreon with your free audience. It was such a great piece to hear and actually I think it was much better to watch this video after I listened to the podcast, as I could not even see the people of this video but I could feel the much deeper emotions behind these scenes as I would normally do. As I work in a really souless place it's both heartwarming and heartbreaking to see such passionate employees and to see them on their final day. I bet it's really hard for a lot of them. Not to speak about the customers who some of them probably could go there their entire life from childhood to adulthood! I really hope by the time I get to Japan they will reopen this arcade! Also I would like to thank you so much for all the content you make! Your personality and way of showing these slices of life in Japan is so honest, deep and informing! Honestly you are one of the top internet personality I know of! Keep up the magnificent work you do and I wish you all the best!

[@thecloofer1255]

Great documentary. I was lucky enough to have finally been able to visit Japan back in 2014. Feels like I made it just in time since I was able to go to the SEGA Arcade, have lunch at the Tsukiji Fish Market, and travel through the old Harajuku train station. Very grateful to have been able to have these experiences. The spirit of Japan and Tokyo will, I'm sure, continue on to share with us even more wonderful sites as it always has. Fingers crossed for a "Post Covid Socio-Economic Miracle". Everyone be well and stay safe out there! See you next summer!

[@fammnak852]

Norm, thank you so much for this documentary. I never been to Japan, never been there to SEGA Ikebukuro, but here I am at home CRYING. Growing up I also grew up with SEGA and arcade so I can relate to this heartbreaking story.. and you documented it really well. Thank you Norm!!!

[@LuciusVulpes]

I've never been to this place, and until today I had never heard of it either, yet I was in tears for most of the video. You can tell just how much love and emotion this place was built upon with, and to see it all go away, well damn, it's quite a strong feeling. Can't even imagine how the employees feel.

[@KirstenReusch]

I've never gone in to the game centers, but have always enjoyed walking by their bright, cheery, boisterous fronts. They bring an energy and happiness that isn't found other places, and I'm sorry to hear that so many are dissappearing. I hope that the love that the employees and customers have for the arcades can find root and rebuild in the future.

[@ab9840]

Chances are the smaller arcades especially the ones that actually own the building will survive.

[@PhotoshopShopCS6]

Thank you for documenting all of these, really wouldn't have known if you didn't show us!

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you for taking the time to be a part of it

[@ExploringWithJosh]

my gosh this hurts me

[@sagrud]

As someone who has problem letting go beloved peoples and places this documentary hit my soft spot quite hard... so sad but beautiful tribute to this place

[@JaytheP]

While the building was iconic, seeing those relationships was another level entirely. Bravo to Norm for documenting the humanity behind Sega Ikebukuro

[@yomikoreadman128]

I haven't even been to Japan but when I watched your documentary I can't help but feel sad amd teared up a bit especially with how the staff and customers expressed their love for this iconic landmark. It's not just an arcade center, it's a place where lots of memories were made. Thank you so much for another wonderfully made video! 🥰

[@bonbonandpumpkin2463]

I have been to Japan three times but have never had the chance to visit a game centre . It was on my bucket list with my kids …. Unfortunately Covid hit, so missed the chance . So sad 😞. It seems like Japan’s atmosphere is evolving into something a little different- as someone that has lived there for so long, do you feel that it’s changing ? Thank you Norm for this insight into the lives of the staff , they obviously loved this place .

[@toobster01]

Wow, fantastic job capturing this! With our hotel in Sunshine City, walking into Ikebukuro for the first time, and seeing this arcade even from a distance, brought that instant feeling of 'I've finally made it to Japan'. It's hard to watch such an icon arcade close down after visiting it just a few years ago. Sad times.

[@daisyrosario3438]

What a sad moment filled with so many memories! The loyalty, the love for Sega is so heartwarming! Hell! Shed a couple of tears in the end, but admired their positive outlook for the future of arcades! Bless you Norm! Thanks for this special video!🇯🇵

[@kausthita11]

Man, all of the things I used to look forward to seeing when I was a kid are disappearing slowly... Kind of sad but I guess change is inevitable

[@TokyoLens]

Really is inevitable But still sad~

[@leetshunjye]

This marks the end of an era. I'm crying.

[@ARDIZsq]

Man, I haven't had the chance to visit Japan yet, but I plan to some time in the next few years. It really pains me to see these arcades closing down, since I never got to experience them. I know their are other arcades out there, but visiting these legendary ones would have been like a dream come true, and now those dreams have vanished. To anyone who was lucky enough to visit these places, I envy you, and I sincerely hope you had an amazing time, on behalf of those of us who couldn't.

[@757joe]

Great episode. So sad to see it go. You did a great job capturing the final day!

[@TheShadyGamerChannel]

I count myself lucky to have been able to experience some amazing arcades in Tokyo a few years ago. Arcades are a part of my childhood but they are truly a relic of the past in my country. Sad to see them go in Japan too.

[@TokyoLens]

Glad you could experience it for yourself

[@TheAntinowherelane]

Arcades are literally my favorite thing about Japan. Playing Initial D, or those Gundam pods... formative experience to my first visit in Japan. Thank you so much for covering this!!!

[@aviadglove7]

It's just amazing how appreciative everyone were, it just goes to show that arcades are still after all this years a part of Japanese culture.

[@josephdelacruz6830]

Thanks for this documentary. It was really emotional for me to see the end of this, and I've never been there. It's amazing what kind of culture arcades fostered and the memories and human connections that happen there. I take my 2 boys to our local arcade often, and it's such a strong bonding experience for us. If that was taken away, I would be heartbroken. I guess that's why it moved me so much to see everyone's responses at the end.

[@punchpineapple]

I love that you focus so much on the people involved in your docos.

[@patrycjawrobel5444]

Wow. This is very sad. I shared the tear. It is especially heartbreaking with the fact that they survived covid but being closed for such a reason… one more thing I will never see with my own eyes…

[@TokyoLens]

I kinda lost it while filming the final speech Just too sad

[@matttttttttttttttttttttttttttt]

I've never been to Japan and I'm not really even into arcades but this still has me tearing up. Great video.

[@jobos98]

You have done a great Justice to the closing to this Sega Store. Such an elegant video showcasing the people who ran it, all the way to its fans who loved it so dearly. Thank you Norm. It was wonderful watching it. 😊 ✌☝👍

[@arielwollinger]

OMG what a fantastic video! I was not aware of the existence of Ikebukuro's arcade. I went to the one in Akihabara and the one in Odaiba in 2012!!! SOOOOO SAAAAD!!!!

[@jporfirio_]

Another great piece Norm. You really captured the passion everyone had with this place. I hope they can bring this place back even if in another location.

[@stevebren88]

Not a past time that I am into, but its very sad to see a positive, upbeat and fun thing, that so many people are so passionate about, disappearing. Hope it comes back stronger than ever for them.

[@MikeHayesDesign]

I was only ever able to visit this arcade 1x, but it was life changing. Thank you for making this fantastic look into the last days of such an iconic piece of Tokyo gamer history

[@Murdocke7]

The fact arcades are dying is really depressing, there’s pretty much none left in my city in England compared to the 90s, it’s super depressing as there’s nowhere to go anymore.

[@laurenmua6574]

This video made cry. I was not expecting to emotional but it is a testament to the quality of your film making. Thank you. I am new to your channel, for the last week I have been binging your videos. I am hooked.

[@ominousyoshi]

I still can’t believe I got a chance to visit a place held as such an icon. Back in 2017 my Roomate and I decided to take a random trip to Japan and this arcade was just one we wandered into and I still remember all my senses overloading on so many stimuli ( noise , colors, flashes) hahaha. Sad for everyone who won’t get to visit this place anymore but the memories will always remain.

[@manabluerose]

When Baba-san said , "We have not been defeated by Covid." i started to cry. What a beautiful documentary. Thank you!!

[@veryqun]

I've never been there, and I don't even play arcade games, but I was sitting in bed bawling my eyes off. I guess it's a common human feeling of loss. Thank you for the great video!

[@RetroBreak]

Thank you for making this! I'm so sad to see it go, but you gave it a great send off and a video that can be watched for years to come to appreciate what was!

[@samuraidjinn]

Wow! When I saw an article about the closing I was sad to hear about it. Glad I watched this. Thanks.

[@liamsmith3403]

I only got to Japan 7 months ago, and I'm really sad that I never got to experience an amazing atmosphere like this one. There are still good game centers all around tokyo but you can clearly tell how much significance this one held

[@0utrunner237]

I've been in Japan for the last 3 years, and the amount of arcades I've seen shut down at such a swift rate is almost unbelievable. I think it began with that tax increase. Warehouse was the first big one I witnessed, then smaller, local ones, and finally Akihabara Sega was the one that got widespread news reports. It's disheartening for me since the arcade scene still being active is the biggest reason why I moved here.

[@Ganbakodon]

yeh I was so sad to see anata no warehouse close down! Luckily I got to go there a few times while I lived in Japan

[@fishystales]

This was definitely one of the places I wanted to visit when I'll eventually make it to Japan. Sad to have missed this piece of history :(

[@ginawilkolak7492]

Norm, that was so emotional to watch. It’s amazing that you were able to capture the arcade’s last day. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

[@manicantsettleonausername6789]

So sad to see such a wonderful place go, but thank you for documenting it with so much love and care

[@Xituyu]

I spent a lot of time at arcades when I studied abroad and even went to one that was about to close back in 2019. I can’t believe future generations won’t have this :/

[@Philson]

That speech at the end moved me to tears.

[@jc3drums916]

I've always loved video games, and when arcades started disappearing around here back in the late 90s or so, I was really sad. Dave & Buster's sucks, and the run-down mini golf arcades got rid of video games in favor of various mechanical games. So I was ecstatic to get a chance to visit some of the great arcades in Japan, and more recently when independently-owned barcades started popping up around here (which COVID seems to have wiped out). I'm pretty amazed that arcades lasted this long even in Japan, as home console ports are no longer as inferior as they used to be, and haven't been for some time. It really is sad to see them go; the experience of playing video games in an arcade just can't be matched by a home console.

[@nyctophagia]

Aw man, I was really looking forward to visiting this arcade when I go to Japan... Really sad to see such an establishment close, but your documentary really was a nice farewell to it. Awesome job on it!

[@HollowRick]

This ^

[@mercedesa1466]

I was listening yesterday to the podcast about this video, and it’s so mind blowing that the managers and staff follow the channel!! It was very interesting to hear about the behind the camera stuff. Now I’m off to listening to the At home show. Have a great weekend!!

[@Vaeloron]

This really seems to be happening worldwide. When I was a kid arcades as we call them here were everywhere. Now we will see one pop up every now and then only to go out of business within a few years.

[@jesperkx8190]

Damm! this was heartbreaking. Back in the days before home consoles, I would hang out in arcades. Soon as the world would go back to it's normal state, I would like to visit Japan. I guess this was one place less to visit. Thanks for sharing the last moments with us.

[@thetypebeast]

A Game Center is on the list when I get to Japan someday! Seeing such big ones close is disheartening, but I agree with the manager, Baba-san, things never truly go away. And I have this hope in my heart that they come together and make a new game center happen, whether it’s realistic or not. 👾 ♥️ 👾♥️ 👾♥️ 👾♥️ 👾♥️ 👾

[@Jarlaxleify]

One of the best part of these videos is the score, you nail it so hard it's the best

[@ChainsofLogic]

Amazing video. Thank you for posting this.

[@doda9ilovegackt]

This really made me sad :(, when i traveled to Japan in 2017 this was one of the most iconic places i visited in Tokio. Just walking outside of the bulding was an experience itself. I dont know if i am going to be able to visit Japan any time soon, but knowing that so many things has changed since i was there makes me want to cry :'D

[@GlassSuperstar]

I feel your sadness, feels like the world is morphing into one big lookalike.

[@kodydog1229]

One of the biggest reasons I go to Japan is for its Game centers. Sad to see them go

[@TokyoLens]

First day visitor right here!

[@kodydog1229]

@@TokyoLens Glad I’m not the only one who makes it a first day stop… right after a ramen or gyuudon stop.

[@TokyoLens]

LOL sameeee! Gyudon and Game Center haha