Iconic Ikebukuro Arcade ‘Adores Sunshine’ to Close After 40 Years of Service

After four decades as a staple of Tokyo’s gaming landscape, the Ikebukuro-based Adores Sunshine arcade is set to close its doors for the final time in early 2026.

Located prominently on Sunshine 60 Street, this three-floor arcade has served countless visitors and locals alike, becoming a landmark within Japan’s revered arcade scene.

The announcement adds to the mounting concerns surrounding the decline of the amusement center industry in Japan—a country once synonymous with vibrant gaming hubs and a thriving arcade culture. Adores Sunshine’s closure was first reported by Sora News 24, with confirmation from Adores management that the venue’s final day of operation will be January 18, 2026.

While Adores has not officially detailed specific reasons behind the closure, industry trends suggest increasing operational challenges and diminishing profitability.

These factors have influenced the fate of several notable amusement centers across the nation in recent years. Reflecting on its enduring legacy, Adores Sunshine issued a heartfelt message to its loyal patrons: the statement emphasized the staff’s gratitude toward every guest who spent joyful times at the arcade over the years.

In a rewritten version for clarity, the message conveyed, “Our entire team deeply appreciates everyone who visited and made lasting memories here.

We hope to welcome you again someday.” Opened in the 1980s, Adores Sunshine has witnessed the rise and evolution of Japan’s gaming industry, contemporaneously serving as a launchpad for many beloved gaming experiences.

From classic arcade cabinets to rhythm games and cutting-edge attractions, the facility showcased a broad range of entertainment options for both casual visitors and dedicated gamers.

Over the years, the Ikebukuro location became synonymous with Tokyo’s gamer culture and served as a vibrant social hub on Sunshine 60 Street. With the planned closure of the Ikebukuro branch, the closest remaining Adores arcades will be found in Shibuya and Wako, Tokyo.

This transition underscores the shifting patterns of entertainment consumption, with digital distribution on platforms like the Nintendo Switch eShop, mobile titles, and online gaming contributing to reduced foot traffic at traditional arcades. The loss of Adores Sunshine highlights an ongoing transformation in the Japanese gaming landscape, as longstanding institutions make way for evolving trends in interactive entertainment.

For many, the approaching closure is more than the end of a business—it is the closing chapter in a storied era of arcade history, one marked by innovation, community, and the enduring magic of in-person play.

Japan Tokyo arcade Sunshine Arcade Adores Sunshine Ikebukuro Sunshine 60 Street Sora News 24 Shibuya Wako