If you are planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, you might want to snap a selfie with Osaka’s most famous neon landmark before November ends.
Photo: Wenhao Ruan/Unsplash.com
Ezaki Glico, owner of the running man billboard in the heart of Dotonbori, Osaka has announced that its iconic glowing signage will officially switch off for its final display on November 30, 2026.
For millions of travelers, the Glico running man isn’t just a piece of street art—it is the ultimate cultural emblem of Dotonbori’s electrifying atmosphere and a mandatory souvenir photo-op for anyone visiting the district.
But before anyone panics, there is good news: the famous athlete isn’t leaving the district for good. Ezaki Glico clarified that the removal is entirely temporary to make way for major renovations and a massive modernization project.
Photo: Roméo A./Unsplash.com
Behind the scenes, the multi-million-yen upgrade is part of a broader corporate pivot.
While the Japanese confectionery giant is a household name worldwide for sweet treats like Pocky and Pretz, the company noted that the running man has historically functioned more as a standalone tourist magnet rather than actively driving awareness for their broader business portfolio and brand messaging.
Practical mechanics also played a huge role in the decision. After more than a decade of glowing bright through rain or shine since 2014, the current sixth-generation sign’s LED grid has simply grown old, with replacement parts becoming increasingly difficult to source. This upcoming overhaul marks the company’s biggest visual and structural shift in over 12 years.
Photo: Fredrick Suwandi/Unsplash.com
Tourists won’t have to wait too long for the grand return, either as Ezaki Glico plans to unveil the brand-new seventh-generation design in Spring 2027, which takes place between March and May.
On top of the physical upgrade, the company is also tweaking its branding history: the iconic logo—globally recognized for decades as the “Goal-In Mark”—will officially be renamed the “Glico Runner” to create a stronger, unified identity for the brand worldwide.
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