The Running Man’s Final Night
After 12 years illuminating Dotonbori, Osaka’s sixth-generation Glico Running Man reaches his final day on November 30, 2026. Visit Ebisu Bridge for one last photograph before the landmark undergoes its next transformation.
For 12 years, he’s been running toward the finish line without ever getting there. On November 30, 2026 Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man finally completes his sixth-generation race.
High above the Dotonbori Canal, the enormous illuminated runner has become one of Japan’s most recognizable landmarks. Every day, visitors gather on Ebisu Bridge, throw their arms into the air, and recreate his triumphant pose. On November 30 those familiar photographs will capture a piece of Osaka history.
Glico announced that the current installation will retire, with renovation beginning in December. A seventh-generation sign is scheduled to appear in spring 2027, continuing the tradition of the runner with his arms raised in victory.
For visitors, November 30 offers a final opportunity to experience the sixth-generation landmark in its familiar setting. The sign normally illuminates after sunset, although Glico notes that operating hours may change on his final day.
The runner taking his final bow is a product of another Osaka milestone. Unveiled in October 2014, the sixth-generation Dotonbori Glico Sign replaced traditional neon with nearly 144,000 LED chips. Standing 20 meters tall and more than 10 meters wide, the installation brought moving backgrounds, changing scenery, and a new technological dimension to a landmark that had already watched over Dotonbori for generations.
But the Running Man’s story began long before LED screens.
The first Glico sign appeared in 1935, when Osaka’s entertainment district was already famous for its dazzling advertisements. Over the following nine decades, successive generations reflected changing technology, architecture, and the fortunes of the city itself. One was dismantled during World War II. Another featured a fountain. Later versions became familiar companions to the crowds flowing through Dotonbori.
The sixth generation has witnessed its own extraordinary chapter, including the COVID-19 pandemic, when the sign displayed messages of encouragement and gratitude.
There is no need for a finish-line ribbon. The photograph everyone has taken for years will soon become a photograph of Osaka’s past. And when the seventh generation arrives, the Running Man will begin another lap.
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The Final Day – November 30, 2026, is the last day to see Osaka’s sixth-generation Glico Running Man before renovation begins.
One Last Victory Pose – Visit Ebisu Bridge and recreate the runner’s famous arms-raised pose for a final sixth-generation photograph.
Dotonbori After Dark – Experience the illuminated landmark in its familiar setting above the canal, subject to Glico’s operating hours.
Twelve Years of Osaka History – See the LED-powered sign that has watched over Dotonbori since October 2014.
The Next Generation – Discover the story behind the landmark’s transformation as Osaka prepares for a seventh-generation sign in spring 2027.
Image Credits: Glico official website, Osaka Scene Staff, Wikipedia Commons, Japan Scenes
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Maps
Contact
THE SCENE: FAQ’s
ACCESS
Venue: Dotonbori Glico Sign (道頓堀グリコサイン)
Address: 1-10-4 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Viewing Location: Ebisu Bridge (戎橋), overlooking the Dotonbori Canal.
Trains
- Kintetsu / Hanshin: Osaka-Namba Station. Follow signs toward the Dotonbori area and Ebisu Bridge.
- Nankai: Namba Station. Head north toward Dotonbori and Ebisu Bridge.
Subways
- Metro Midosuji / Sennichimae / Yotsubashi Lines: Namba Station, Exit 14. Approximately 3 minutes north to Dotonbori and Ebisu Bridge.
- Metro Midosuji / Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Lines: Shinsaibashi Station, Exit 4-B. Approximately 8 minutes to Dotonbori.
- Metro Sennichimae / Sakaisuji Lines: Nippombashi Station, Exit 2. Approximately 7 minutes to Dotonbori.
The sign faces Ebisu Bridge, where visitors traditionally photograph themselves imitating the runner’s victory pose.
SCHEDULE
Monday, November 30, 2026
Final Day: The sixth-generation Dotonbori Glico Sign concludes its 12-year run.
Illumination: After sunset–24:00 (normal operating hours).
Final Switch-Off: The exact final-night arrangements have not been officially announced. Glico notes that illumination hours may be shortened.
December 2026: Renovation work begins.
Spring 2027: The seventh-generation Glico Sign is scheduled to debut.
ADMISSION
Admission: Free.
Reservations: Not required for ordinary public viewing from Ebisu Bridge.
Viewing: The sign can be seen from public areas around the Dotonbori Canal.
Official Information:
https://www.glico.com/jp/health/contents/glicosign/
THE EXPERIENCE
November 30 offers a final opportunity to see and photograph the sixth-generation Running Man in the Dotonbori setting that has made him one of Osaka’s most recognizable symbols.
- The Famous Victory Pose: Stand on Ebisu Bridge and recreate the runner’s raised-arm finish-line celebration for a photograph.
- The Illuminated Landmark: After sunset, see the LED-powered sign above the canal, subject to Glico’s final-day operating arrangements.
- Dotonbori After Dark: Experience the surrounding district’s illuminated advertisements, restaurants, shops, and lively streets.
- A Different Daytime View: Visit before sunset to see the sign’s physical design without its nighttime illumination.
- A Piece of Osaka History: Photograph the sixth-generation installation that has overlooked Dotonbori since October 2014.
- The Next Chapter: Learn how the landmark has evolved since 1935 and why a seventh generation is planned for spring 2027.
Whether visiting during the day or after sunset, the occasion offers a chance to preserve a personal memory of the sixth-generation sign before its replacement.
INFO & TIPS
Best Viewing Location: Ebisu Bridge provides the familiar frontal view of the Glico Running Man above the Dotonbori Canal.
Best Time to Visit: After sunset for the illuminated sign. Consider arriving earlier rather than relying on the normal 24:00 switch-off time, which may change.
Photography: The landmark can be photographed from public viewing areas. Keep pedestrian routes clear, particularly when taking photographs on Ebisu Bridge.
Farewell Ceremony: No official public ceremony or special final-night program has been confirmed. Check Glico’s announcements for updates.
Weather: The main viewing location is outdoors. Dress appropriately for late-November evening temperatures.
Accessibility: Ebisu Bridge provides a street-level viewing location. Visitors requiring step-free transportation routes should consult Osaka Metro’s official station accessibility information.
Contact Info: Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd.
Official Glico Sign Website: https://www.glico.com/jp/health/contents/glicosign/
Official Retirement Announcement: https://www.glico.com/jp/newscenter/pressrelease/47938/
