After 108 years of operation, a cherished candy store in Susukino, an entertainment district in Sapporo, Japan, has announced its closure. The family-owned shop has been a neighborhood cornerstone, offering traditional cheap sweets and nostalgic games, pulsating with the history and culture of the area. Its closure is attributed to factors including dwindling customer numbers and urban development pressures. However, the shop's legacy lives on, resonating profoundly with residents who grew up with its products.

Small, family-run businesses like this candy store contribute significantly to the cultural fabric of Japan, often serving as community anchors. Their closures are understood as losses of tradition and nostalgia. Despite the rapid urbanization across the country, there is a concerted effort to preserve these establishments. Thus, news of such closures often sparks conversations around preservation of cultural heritage and local community values.

In the US and EU, similar issues often take the shape of the closure of family-owned diners, bookstores, or crafts stores. These are seen as symbols of local culture and community. The closure of these businesses often triggers discussions about urban development, property costs, gentrification, and economic viability versus cultural preservation.