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Gundam cafés to permanently close down across Japan

After 11 fulfilling years, the robot anime-themed café will be closing its doors in early 2022.

Shannon Kuan

Weird talents include playing the violin, but with a ukulele and a clothes hanger.

Published: 2 November 2021, 12:44 PM

Japan is home to four Gundam Cafés, dedicated to the popular mecha anime Gundam.

Despite having a successful long-run of 11 years, they have announced on Nov 1 that they will be shutting down all stores — two in Tokyo, one in Osaka, and the last in Fukuoka — in no less than three months.

The sudden announcement came as a shock to many Gundam fans, as the café had only recently introduced new menu items recreating the food and drinks in the series. PHOTO CREDIT: GUNDAM CAFÉ

While no news about the reasons behind the closure of Gundam Cafés have been released, the severe travel downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic might have been a possible cause.

Gundam Café Osaka will be closing its doors on Jan 10, 2022, while Gundam Café Tokyo Brand Core, Gundam Café Odaiba, and Gundam Café Fukuoka will shut down on Jan 30, 2022. The limited-time attraction at Gundam Factory Yokohoma will remain in operation until Mar 31, 2022.

If it is any consolation, the closure announcement also stated to “look forward to new projects in the future”, so you can be sure this won’t be the last time you’ll hear from them!