This is Niche Culture. In this column, we regularly cover anime, geek culture, and things related to video games. Please leave feedback and let us know if there’s something you want us to cover!
We’ve learned some tragic news – the Kowloon Walled City-themed arcade, Anata no Warehouse (literally ‘Your Warehouse’ in English) is closing its doors.
The news comes via a sign posted on the front of the arcade, confirming the wholly unique arcade building is closing its doors on November 17th.
The arcade has been in operation since 2005, and was originally designed to recapture the dingy and unique look of what Kowloon City used to look like.
While details are scant, the notice said the arcade is closing its doors due to “various circumstances.” The management thanked their customers and their ongoing support. Here’s some more photos (via Ryugainai).
The building reportedly used to be a game center, only to be converted into a massive arcade that was styled after the infamous Kowloon Walled City.
Kowloon Walled City was a massive slum on the outskirts of Hong Kong. The arcade was the biggest remnant of the city, as it was demolished back in 1994 in an effort to curb its crime and drug problem.