JapanTravel Bolivian visitors in Osaka: Glico sign goes dark 30 Nov 2026 until spring 2027
The Glico Running Man sign in Osaka's Dotonbori district will go dark from 30 November 2026 for a renovation, its first major revamp since 2014. A redesigned sign is due to be unveiled in spring 2027.
Osaka's famous Glico Running Man sign will stop lighting up the Dotonbori canal from 30 November 2026, when it is switched off to make way for a renovation. Food maker Ezaki Glico Co. said a new version of the landmark will be unveiled in spring 2027, so travellers planning a trip to Japan should factor the closure into their sightseeing plans.
Key facts
- Last date lit: the sign goes dark starting 30 November 2026
- Where: overlooking the canal in Osaka's Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district
- What is happening: a major renovation — the first since 2014
- Reveal of new sign: spring 2027, according to Ezaki Glico Co.
- Current sign: the sixth version of the landmark, with 140,000 LED chips
What is changing?
The current sign — the sixth version of the Glico Running Man — will stop operating as of 30 November 2026 while the landmark is renovated. The installed display uses 140,000 LED chips to light up the canal beside the Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district.
The replacement sign will use updated LED technology, which Ezaki Glico Co. says is intended to increase visual brilliance while improving energy efficiency. No opening date within spring 2027 has been given.
When do the new rules start?
The change is a single date: the lights go off starting 30 November 2026. The revamped sign is scheduled to be presented in spring 2027, with no more precise date announced in the information available.
Why is this happening?
The shutdown is to allow a revamp of the sign, described as its major renovation since 2014.
What this means for travellers
Anyone visiting Osaka before 30 November 2026 can still see the existing illuminated sign. Travellers arriving after that date and through the renovation period should expect the landmark to be out of action while the new sign is prepared.
Trips planned for spring 2027 or later may coincide with the unveiling of the updated sign, though the exact date has not been announced.
No further details on the duration of the works beyond the spring 2027 reveal have been provided.