Beloved San Francisco Icon Shuts Down After 40 Years

After 40 years of serving its community, a beloved cultural institution is shutting its doors. Japan Video and Media, a long-standing hub for Japanese and Korean media lovers, has announced it will close at the end of the month.

Unlike many retailers grappling with sales slumps, inflation, and tariffs, this closure stems from a more personal reason: owner Takeshi Onishi is retiring, The Street reported. Onishi, who founded the store after moving to the U.S. from Japan, dedicated his business to introducing people to Japanese culture. Over the decades, the store became a go-to spot for Japanese and Korean videos with English subtitles, as well as anime collectibles and cultural merchandise.

In 2020, Japan Video and Media was honored with legacy business status in San Francisco, a testament to its cultural significance and deep community roots. “We have served over a million people,” Onishi shared in a heartfelt statement. “We could not have done it without our loyal customers and our dedicated staff. We are grateful for each and every one of you.”

While many small businesses have struggled in recent years—hit hard by the pandemic, economic shifts, and changing consumer habits—Japan Video and Media thrived thanks to its unique offerings and devoted customer base. Its closure isn’t about declining demand, but rather Onishi’s decision to step away and enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

For longtime fans, the end of this chapter is bittersweet. The store’s legacy lives on as a reminder of the power of cultural connection, community, and resilience. As Japan Video and Media prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a story of dedication and impact that won’t soon be forgotten.

Related: Costco’s Gas Stations Are Changing—Here’s What You Should Know