Another iconic Akihabara building is closing for good this month

Tokyo has been going through some major transformations. In some ways this is good: we’re getting exciting new hangout spots like Miyashita Park in Shibuya and Toranomon Yokocho – and a brand new Harry Potter theme park has just been confirmed for Tokyo. Unfortunately, we’ve also lost some major Tokyo landmarks for otaku (geeks) and gamers, like Akihabara’s bright orange Sega Building Two, which is closing at the end of the month. 

Now, Akihabara is taking another hit. The iconic Tsukumo Akihabara Ekimae building will also be closing its doors. Identified by the retro-futuristic clear escalators running diagonally up the facade of the building, the popular electronics store will be closing on August 30. Similar to other electronics shops in Akihabara, Tsukumo sells PC parts, gaming peripherals, smartphones and, for some reason, cosmetics. 

Tsukumo Akihabara Ekimae announced its closure on Twitter on August 20. The company did not give a reason for the store closing, but like Sega Building Two, it’s probably safe to assume Covid-19 coronavirus and the resultant lack of tourists and shoppers is part of the cause. Tsukumo also has three other stores in the Akihabara area, so no need to fret if you’re looking to pick up some computer parts. 

To see the building before it closes, just take the Electric Town exit from JR Akihabara Station and look for the Tsukomo sign. There’s no word yet on what will take the store’s place outside the station. For more updates on Tsukumo Akihabara Ekimae’s status, see the shop’s Twitter account. 

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