Osaka’s iconic Glico Running Man signboard in Dotonbori is about to be replaced!
Last updated 2026-09-25 — The Glico Running Man signboard, which has become a symbol of Osaka, is reportedly set to temporarily leave Dotonbori soon. If you want to see it, make sure to visit before August 17th—after that date, it will retire after a brilliant 16-year run.
By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, translated and reported by Zhang Yingying
The Glico Running Man signboard, which has become a symbol of Osaka, is reportedly set to temporarily leave Dotonbori soon. If you want to see it, make sure to visit before August 17th—after that date, it will retire after a brilliant 16-year career.
The Glico Running Man signboard, which has become a symbol of Osaka, is reportedly set to temporarily leave Dotonbori soon. If you want to see it, make sure to visit before August 17th—after that date, it will retire after a brilliant 16-year career.
The fifth-generation Glico signboard is about to be replaced, so don’t miss your chance to see it. (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yingying)
The current Glico Running Man signboard has been in place since 1998, making it 16 years old this year. This location has always been home to Glico’s advertising billboard. The first-generation billboard dates back to 1935, featuring a runner design with six-color text variations—an eye-catching and memorable sight at the time. During World War II in 1943, amid a severe iron shortage, the billboard was dismantled for its metal. It wasn’t until 1955 that the second-generation billboard was erected, once again brightening up Dotonbori’s streets.
The first-generation Glico signboard. (Image source: Glico)
In 1963, the third-generation billboard appeared with even more innovative features, including fluorescent tubes and a water spray effect device. Up to the current fifth-generation billboard, the image of the Glico runner has become deeply ingrained in people’s minds. Alongside Tsutenkaku Tower, it has become one of Osaka’s key landmarks, and many visitors to Dotonbori take commemorative photos here.
The second-generation Glico signboard. (Image source: Glico)
The third-generation Glico signboard (Image source: Glico)
Share
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-38331
Related Articles
- Shaoxing's "Grandpa Gourd" hangs the gourds back up: "If there are too many people, we'll interact less — just take a quick look from afar"
- Chinese authorities announce "reciprocal adjustment" to Japan visa fees — single-entry visa jumps from 2,250 to 16,750 yen!
- The "health stones" carried by a traveler were found to have radiation levels exceeding safety limits by a thousand times, potentially endangering fellow passengers on the same flight. Customs issues warning!
- Shenzhen Airport Issues Late-Night Notice: Unidentified Aerial Object Detected, Causing Widespread Flight Delays!
- “They only said it cost money after I opened the box and washed it!” 200g of grapes sold for 60 yuan on a high-speed train—12306 responds!
- Can't buy an airline ticket? Denied exit? Blocked from boarding? A large number of Chinese tourists have mysteriously become "discredited individuals"
- Adverse weather and economic fluctuations impact Colombia's coffee market
- Beach bathing area responds to 2 yuan/30 seconds fee for freshwater foot rinsing: Clearly priced!
- Taking off with an improperly closed cabin door? Wing malfunction? Multiple flights made emergency returns mid-journey!
- Experience the gifts of nature！ A countdown of the world’s ten most stunning coastlines