Danica Davidson
February 22, 2021 
The social distancing methods needed to combat the spread of the pandemic has hit many businesses hard, including arcades in Japan. Taito Station Nishi Shinjuku is the latest Tokyo arcade to announce its end.
The arcade shared the news on Twitter.
【お客様各位】
いつも当店をご利用いただき
誠にありがとうございます。
誠に勝手ながら
タイトーステーション新宿西口店は
2021年3月21日(日)をもちまして、
閉店させていただきます。
短い期間ではございましたが
多くのお客様の
ご愛顧を賜りました事を
心より感謝申し上げます。#タイステ pic.twitter.com/TlIOThqrbI— タイトーステーション 新宿西口店 (@Taito_shinjuk_w) February 21, 2021
SoraNews24 provided a translation: “Thank you for your continued patronage. On March 21, Taito Station Nishi Shinjuku will be permanently closing. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has visited us over our time in operation.”
SoraNews24 also translated some of the responses from patrons:
“Oh man, this makes me so sad. I guess even the big companies [like Taito] are hurting during the pandemic.”
“What?! It’s like a part of my youth is disappearing.”
“I used to meet up here with friends I made online. Taito Nishi Shinjuku, thank you for everything!”
Taito Station still has other arcades that remain in business.
Source: SoraNews24
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, and its sequel, Manga Art for Intermediates, with professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
