Why Osaka's Iconic Glico Running Man Will Be Removed

A visit to Osaka, Japan’s Dotonbori district is hardly complete without a glimpse of the famous Glico Running Man. The glowing image of the victorious runner, partly inspired by Filipino athlete Fortunato Catalon, has been lighting up the city's skyline since 2014.

However, tourists and locals alike have only until the end of November to see the sign in its current form.

The Glico Running Man first appeared in Dotonbori in 1935. Thirteen years earlier, Riizhi Ezaki’s confectionery company, Glico, sought to incorporate glycogen into candy as a way to promote health. The company created Glico Caramel, which was said to provide enough energy for a person to run 300 meters. This eventually inspired the iconic sign, which has since become a landmark.

The sign has evolved over the years, with the current one being its sixth iteration. It was also the first version to feature an LED display, with approximately 140,000 LED chips illuminating the night sky. The runner’s message of energy, vitality, and success has remained the same through each redesign.

After 12 years on display, the sixth-generation Glico Running Man is set to make way for a new version. The current sign will remain in Dotonbori until November 30, 2026, after which renovation work will begin in preparation for its replacement.

While details of the new design have yet to be revealed, the seventh-generation sign is expected to retain the runner's iconic pose while introducing a more energy-efficient display. The new version is scheduled to be unveiled in spring 2027.