The Glico Sign, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Osaka's Dotonbori district, has been a local favorite for nearly 90 years. The first version was installed in 1935, and the sign has since become one of the area's defining attractions.
Ezaki Glico recently announced that the current sixth-generation Glico Sign will temporarily bid farewell to the public at the end of November. The landmark is set to undergo renovations, with the new seventh-generation sign scheduled to make its official debut next spring.
The current sign is the sixth-generation version, installed in October 2014. Unlike its neon-lit predecessors, this version uses LED technology, allowing it to display video and switch between different backgrounds while adding a splash of color to Dotonbori's nightlife.
Ezaki Glico said the renovation was prompted by the existing LEDs reaching the end of their service life after more than a decade of use. They will be replaced with newer, higher-performance LEDs. The company hopes fans will look forward to the seventh-generation design as the sign continues its role as a beloved symbol of Dotonbori.
The current sixth-generation Glico Sign will remain on display only through the end of November. Renovation work will begin in December, temporarily leaving Dotonbori without its famous Glico landmark. The new seventh-generation sign is expected to be unveiled and illuminated next spring.