Living Bird Arcade Fire: Owner Shares Recovery Efforts and Launches Crowdfunding Campaign Supported by WWE’s Asuka

Living Bird Arcade, a renowned destination for classic arcade game enthusiasts in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, faces an uphill battle toward recovery following a devastating fire that swept through the venue in April 2024.

The beloved arcade, known for its extensive collection of retro cabinets including Sega’s Super Hang-On and titles like Gradius II, was nearly destroyed when a blaze originating from a neighboring site spread through the building, leaving significant damage in its wake. The fire, which required half a day to get under control, obliterated much of the venue and left the future of Living Bird Arcade in jeopardy.

The loss resonated with the gaming community both locally and internationally, with fans recalling the decade-long effort put into building the arcade’s impressive inventory of vintage machines.

In the aftermath, the owner of Living Bird Arcade has been sharing his progress and emotional journey as he attempts to salvage and restore what remains.

Images posted to social media detail the painstaking process: battered machines like Super Hang-On being inspected, with the owner noting, “I was able to retrieve the Super Hang-On.

While the body is severely damaged and looks almost beyond repair, the circuit board miraculously survived and important controller components remain intact.

It will require significant effort, but I aim to repair and reassemble it.” Describing the emotional toll, the owner expressed, “Each time I find another piece, I feel as if I might collapse, but I push forward, determined to collect what I can.

It feels like we are nearing the end of this harsh ordeal, and I am thankful for the memories.” Recovery efforts have seen community support emerge as a central pillar.

The owner shared his gratitude for acts of kindness, noting that a customer recently visited with a Gradius II circuit board, recalling, “Seeing this game reminded me of my early days, walking home from school and discovering Gradius II at an arcade.

That sense of excitement has stayed with me.” Amid these challenges, Living Bird Arcade has launched a crowdfunding campaign aimed at raising 10,000,000 Yen (approximately $65,000 USD) to support rebuilding efforts.

As of early May 2024, over 2,200,500 Yen has been pledged by more than 120 supporters.

High-profile backing has arrived from WWE star and avid gamer Asuka, who is also developing her own private arcade.

Sharing his thoughts on the campaign, the owner stated, “I wrestled with the idea of turning to crowdfunding.

Initially, I felt it would be impossible to rebuild.

But if I’m going to attempt this, I want to give it everything I have.

This is probably my last chance.

It would mean so much to rebuild the arcade together with the community.” The Living Bird Arcade had recently relocated in December 2022, overcoming difficulties related to the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of a previous crowdfunding effort.

Its collection of historically significant arcade machines—many of which have brought joy to generations of players—is now in the process of being restored, thanks to resilience, community solidarity, and the collective spirit of fans and supporters worldwide. As the campaign continues, the Living Bird Arcade’s story stands as a testament to the enduring importance of gaming heritage in Japan, spotlighting both the vulnerability and resilience of classic gaming culture.

Japan Living Bird Arcade Towada City Asuka WWE Super Hang-On Nintendo