The tragic event that paralyzed the heart of Ikebukuro and shocked the entire otaku community is finally taking a step toward normalcy. The official store of the franchise, the Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO located within the Sunshine City complex, announced it will reopen to the public on August 24, after maintaining a complete closure since March 27 alongside its adjacent café, Pikachu Sweets.

The branch’s closure was not an administrative decision but an immediate response to a fatal incident on the night of March 26. On that tragic day, Moe Harukawa, a 21-year-old part-time employee, was brutally stabbed inside the store by her ex-partner, Taiki Hirokawa, 26, who later took his own life at the scene. Authorities confirmed the victim had previously reported the attacker for harassment, leading to past arrests that unfortunately failed to prevent the tragedy. The emotional impact on staff and logistical issues forced a complete halt to commercial operations for months.

According to the company’s statement, the facility has undergone structural renovations and a thorough review of its protocols. The main goal of these months of work has been to implement strict safety measures to ensure staff safety and provide a space where fans can return with complete peace of mind. To avoid large crowds in the early days of reopening, access restrictions will be maintained, with a reservation or entry system to be announced later. Additionally, it was confirmed that the store will not participate in any promotional campaigns or special events scheduled for August at other branches nationwide.

Given that it is one of the most frequented tourist spots by anime fans in Tokyo, do you think the new control and entry measures will be enough to restore visitor confidence, or will the memory of the incident continue to mark this branch for a long time?