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A popular traditional sweets store in once-bustling tourist district, Asakusa, has shuttered for good as of July 23, according to Soranews24.
Netizens took to social media to share the dismal news, with many mourning the loss of the longstanding business.
Around since 1675
The small family-run business, Kinryuzan (which translates to "Golden Dragon Mountain"), shares the same name as the historic temple Kinryuzan Sensoji, a popular tourist spot in Asakusa, Tokyo.
Soranews24 reported that the sweets store is considered to be one of the oldest in the area, with history dating back to 1675.
A short notice, as well as a photograph of the store owner, announced the business's exit:
Via @norinorinoriye Twitter
Via @norinorinoriye Twitter
According to locals, the almost 350-year-old store was famed for selling agemanju (sweet deep fried rice cakes) and mochi, and was a must-try along Nakamise Dori street – a 250-metre long path leading up to the Sensoji temple in Asakusa.
A nearly empty Nakamise Dori street, taken two weeks ago. Via @rinaoguchi Instagram
Ailing family-run businesses
While the closure of the business appeared to be in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic, staff reportedly told Soranews24 that it was also because there was no successor to take over the business.
According to Soranews24, it is a dilemma faced by many mum-and-pop family businesses like Kinryuzan, as the youth flock to more secure, well-paying office jobs instead.
Competition from new department stores and malls, as well as increased rent for existing storeowners at Nakamise Dori, have also made it difficult for many family-run businesses to survive.
According to Reuters, Japan has announced it is set to extend its "state of emergency" lockdown in regions including Tokyo, up from Aug. 31 to the middle of September, following a recent surge in coronavirus cases.
Top image via @rinaoguchi Instagram and @norinorinoriye Twitter
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