Osaka’s Iconic Glico Running Man Will Close Next Month
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man is going to take a little run break: On November 30 its lights will turn off at midnight in preparation for its first major renovation in over 12 years. Who Is the Glico Man? The Glico Man is the neon-lit heart of Osaka’s Dotonbori district; it’s welcomed millions of locals […] The post Osaka’s Iconic Glico Running Man Will Close Next Month appeared first on Tokyo…
Osaka's iconic Glico Running Man will turn off its lights on November 30 for its first major renovation in over a decade. The neon-lit landmark has welcomed millions of locals and tourists since its installation in 1935, featuring the famous runner's victorious smile and outstretched arms. This is the sixth generation of the Glico Man, and the existing structure utilizes 140,000 LED chips.
The renovation will replace older hardware with new LED technology, enhancing visual brilliance and improving energy efficiency. While construction takes place, the landmark will be hidden behind a protective banner, potentially featuring a Running Man on the banner to keep visitors engaged. Glico is also using this opportunity to shift its PR strategy, officially renaming its trademark logo from "Goal-In Mark" to "Glico Runner."
The Glico Man has evolved over the past 90 years, reflecting Japan's technological progress and changing urban design trends. The last renovation in 2014 featured a coverup with actress Haruka Ayase as a substitute runner.
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