Fujii Daimaru (Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto), a department store that will be closing for an extended period for reconstruction, closed its current main building on May 6, 2026. The building, which has a history of over half a century, was popular for its fashion-focused sales floors and unique events, and attracted young people of all generations. Regular customers expressed their sadness at its closure while eagerly awaiting its reopening.
Founded in 1870 as a kimono peddler, Fujii Daimaru began its department store business in 1935. The current main building, with two basement floors and eight above-ground floors, reached its current form in 1969 after several expansions. Due to its age, the plan is to demolish and rebuild the building, aiming for a reopening in fiscal year 2030.
On its final day of business, the store was bustling with customers from the moment it opened, browsing familiar shops and purchasing sale items. A 27-year-old female office worker, who had been a regular customer since her student days, said, "This is the place that sparked my love for fashion. I hope it will continue to be a place where people can enjoy shopping even after the renovation."
After closing at 8 PM, employees lined up in front of the store to see off the last customers, bowing deeply and saying, "Thank you very much." Facing the crowd filling the sidewalk, President Kenji Fujii said, "We were able to conclude this chapter in this building thanks to the support of many people. We will return to this place packed with even more newness, fun, and style than before."
Fujii Daimaru plans to continue its business after the closure of the main building by dispersing approximately 30 stores, including those within the building, to the surrounding area.
