[August 2021] Akihabara store closings

July was the month the Tokyo Olympics began.
Despite the positive news of a rush of medals won by Japanese athletes, the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase, with the number of infections in Tokyo reaching a record high.
The state of emergency, which was scheduled to last until August 22, 2021, has now been extended.

This time, we've compiled a list of Akihabara stores that have closed under these circumstances.

※If you have any omissions or corrections, please contact us via Twitter (@akihabara_bc) or let us know in the comments.

Akihabara store closures in August 2021 (in chronological order)

closed: 7 store

One up. AKIBA Cultures Zone

Relocation date: Monday, July 5, 2021

This shop sells soft vinyl figures and toys, and has a store in Akihabara as well as Nakano Broadway.
It appears they will be relocating from AKIBA Cultures Zone and opening a store near Iwamotocho Eki.

Denny's Akihabara

Opening date: July 2003
Closing date: Thursday, June 8, 2021

When it opened in November 2003, there were few restaurants in Akihabara that were open at night.
In this environment, it has become especially popular as a place of relaxation for people who have attended events and missed the last train.
The Denny's Akihabara store closed its doors in July after approximately 18 years of business.
Denny's Akihabara Central Exit store, located near the central exit of Akihabara Station, will remain open.

En Akihabara store

Opening date: July 2005
Closing date: Friday, June 9, 2021

A Japanese restaurant located in Atre Akihabara 2, just a short walk from Akihabara Station.
It opened in June 2005 and closed in July 2021.
To celebrate the closing, draft beer, lemon sours, and highballs were offered for 100 yen.

Mode Off Akihabara store

Opening date: Saturday, November 23, 2018
Closing date: Sunday, June 25, 2021

A second-hand clothing store on Junk Street.
There is also a floor that sells cosplay costumes, which attracted a lot of attention when the store first opened.
Hobby Off Akihabara Store, located within the same store, will continue to operate as is, while Mode Off will be renovated into Hard Off Akihabara Store No. 2 and is scheduled to open on Friday, August 6, 2021.

Mode Off Akihabara store on Junk Street is closing on July 25th, so they are currently holding a 30% off sale. Hard Off will be opening in the new location on August 6th. Hobby Off will continue to operate, so hobby-related products are not included in the sale. pic.twitter.com/YUHjj47wgc

— Akihabara Base Camp (@akihabara_bc) July 12, 2021

Defrisure Akihabara store

Closing date: Tuesday, May 27, 2021

A select shop for men that had a store in Atre and sold bags, clothing, and more.
They stocked products from domestic brands as well as international brands.

Akihabara Electric Parts

Closing date: Saturday, May 31, 2021

A store selling used PCs and PC-related parts.
A store that had been in business for about 50 years at Tokyo Radio Department Store has closed.
However, the store is not closing completely, and it appears that they will continue to focus on online sales from now on.

Fried Chicken Bar Agebaka

Closing date: Friday, June 20, 2015
Closing date: Saturday, May 31, 2021

The fried chicken bar that was operating on the first floor of Yodobashi has closed.
It was a restaurant where you could enjoy all-you-can-eat fried chicken, curry, and alcohol at a reasonable price.
On the day, the store closed with a notice posted.

Tenants closing one after another

Denny's Akihabara, a long-time favorite in Akihabara, is closing.
Additionally, Akihabara Electric Parts, a long-established store that had been in business for about 50 years at Tokyo Radio Department Store, has closed.
Another store that represents the good old Akihabara has closed, and it seems that this month in particular many stores that had been in business for a long time have closed.
While there has been a lot of talk on Twitter and elsewhere about the increasing number of vacant store spaces in Akihabara, it seems the situation will remain tough for some time to come, with the Good Smile x Animate Cafe Akihabara on the 5th floor of AKIBA Cultures ZONE announcing that it will be closing in September.