Bandai Namco’s renowned Sugamo arcade, a landmark for fighting game enthusiasts and a cornerstone of Japan’s arcade culture, has officially announced it will close on March 22, 2026.
The closure marks the end of an era for Namco’s Sugamo location—formerly known as Namco Play City Carrot Sugamo—which has served as a launchpad for world-renowned franchises like Tekken and Soul Calibur for decades. Opened in the late 1980s, Namco Sugamo quickly became a mecca for arcade-goers and competitive fighting game players.
Over the years, the venue hosted countless tournaments and was the site of early location tests for titles that would go on to shape the gaming industry.
Its historical significance, particularly to the Tekken series, cannot be overstated. Announced via the arcade’s official social media and highlighted by industry sources like denfaminicogamer, the closure has evoked strong reactions across the gaming community.
In an official statement, the operators expressed deep gratitude to fans, apologizing for the closure and thanking the community for their decades of support.
The management plans to hold a special pre-closing event, promising to continue normal operations until the last day. Prominent figures in the fighting game world have also acknowledged the venue’s profound impact.
Former EVO champion and Tekken professional Daichi "Nobi" Nakayama described Namco Sugamo as his "second home," underscoring its importance to both his personal journey and the broader competitive scene.
Tekken 8 co-director Kohei Ikeda reflected on the venue as a "place where countless connections were born and irreplaceable memories made," identifying its unique role in fostering friendships and rivalries alike. No explicit reason was provided for the closure.
This announcement, however, comes amidst ongoing challenges for arcade businesses throughout Japan, with many historic sites struggling to adapt to changing entertainment habits and increased competition from home consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, as well as digital storefronts like the Nintendo eShop. As the March 2026 closing date approaches, Namco Sugamo remains committed to serving the community, encouraging visitors to relive memories and celebrate the arcade’s influential legacy.
It stands as a reminder of the pivotal role that physical gaming spaces continue to play—even as the industry shifts toward digital platforms.
For fans of Bandai Namco, Tekken 8, and the broader world of fighting games, this closure marks the end of an era, but also an important opportunity to reflect on and honor the spaces that have shaped the evolution of video games.
The closure marks the end of an era for Namco’s Sugamo location—formerly known as Namco Play City Carrot Sugamo—which has served as a launchpad for world-renowned franchises like Tekken and Soul Calibur for decades. Opened in the late 1980s, Namco Sugamo quickly became a mecca for arcade-goers and competitive fighting game players.
Over the years, the venue hosted countless tournaments and was the site of early location tests for titles that would go on to shape the gaming industry.
Its historical significance, particularly to the Tekken series, cannot be overstated. Announced via the arcade’s official social media and highlighted by industry sources like denfaminicogamer, the closure has evoked strong reactions across the gaming community.
In an official statement, the operators expressed deep gratitude to fans, apologizing for the closure and thanking the community for their decades of support.
The management plans to hold a special pre-closing event, promising to continue normal operations until the last day. Prominent figures in the fighting game world have also acknowledged the venue’s profound impact.
Former EVO champion and Tekken professional Daichi "Nobi" Nakayama described Namco Sugamo as his "second home," underscoring its importance to both his personal journey and the broader competitive scene.
Tekken 8 co-director Kohei Ikeda reflected on the venue as a "place where countless connections were born and irreplaceable memories made," identifying its unique role in fostering friendships and rivalries alike. No explicit reason was provided for the closure.
This announcement, however, comes amidst ongoing challenges for arcade businesses throughout Japan, with many historic sites struggling to adapt to changing entertainment habits and increased competition from home consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, as well as digital storefronts like the Nintendo eShop. As the March 2026 closing date approaches, Namco Sugamo remains committed to serving the community, encouraging visitors to relive memories and celebrate the arcade’s influential legacy.
It stands as a reminder of the pivotal role that physical gaming spaces continue to play—even as the industry shifts toward digital platforms.
For fans of Bandai Namco, Tekken 8, and the broader world of fighting games, this closure marks the end of an era, but also an important opportunity to reflect on and honor the spaces that have shaped the evolution of video games.
