Osaka's Glico sign to be replaced in spring 2027

Ezaki Glico will replace its Dotonbori sign in Osaka with a seventh version scheduled to be unveiled in spring 2027. Nippon TV reported that the company announced the plan on October 14. The current sign's final illumination is set for November 30, and TBS reported that renovation work will begin in December. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]

The company cited aging LED equipment as a reason for the renewal, according to Nippon TV. Asahi Shimbun also reported malfunctions and difficulty obtaining parts for the older LEDs. TBS said the company plans to replace the lights with LEDs offering improved performance. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]

The new design has not been disclosed. Nippon TV reported that the familiar runner design is expected to continue in the replacement. The outlets described the sign as a symbol of Dotonbori and Osaka that has been updated as times changed. [ 1 , 2 ]

The current, sixth sign was installed in October 2014. It is 20 metres high and 10 metres wide and uses about 140,000 LEDs, according to Asahi Shimbun. Its background behind the runner, depicted running with both arms raised, can display live video. TBS reported that the sixth version replaced the earlier neon lighting with LEDs that allow video and changing backgrounds. [ 1 , 3 ]

The first sign was installed in 1935, when domestically produced neon signs were becoming more widespread and other companies were putting them up in Dotonbori. Asahi Shimbun reported that the original was a 33-metre neon tower. The runner and Glico lettering lit up in six colours, while flower patterns at the bottom flashed 19 times a minute. [ 1 ]

Earlier versions also featured mechanisms including a crocodile figure playing a piano and a fountain, according to Asahi Shimbun. The paper described the signs' size, changing designs and uniqueness to the location as reasons they continued to serve as a symbol of Osaka. [ 1 ]