When Dotonbori is mentioned, the Glico Running Man billboard immediately comes to mind. It is one of the most photographed spots for tourists visiting Osaka. This sign first appeared in 1935 and remains above Ebisubashi Bridge, while many other billboards have changed, moved, or disappeared over time.

The Glico Running Man billboard around 1950-1960. Photo: Kody Shafer

Ezaki Glico, a confectionery company, placed the billboard in Dotonbori to market its energy-rich caramel product. The brand's story began in the 1920s when founder Ri-ichi Ezaki developed Glico candies using glycogen from oysters, aiming to create an energy-boosting snack for children. Ezaki linked this idea to the message that one candy could provide enough energy to run 300 meters, leading to the iconic image of a runner triumphantly crossing the finish line with arms raised.

For nearly a century, this billboard has not been fully replaced. It has undergone numerous technological upgrades and content adjustments, yet it has always maintained its fixed position along the Dotonbori Canal, one of Osaka's most frequented streets.

Since its inception, the Glico Running Man sign has undergone 6 major updates. These changes primarily involved materials and lighting technology, while the image of the runner crossing the finish line has remained consistent across generations. Initially, the sign used traditional neon lights.

The current version, upgraded in 2014, replaced the old neon system with a high-resolution LED screen. This screen can display dynamic backgrounds that change with seasons, events, sports victories, or other custom content.

The billboard around 1980-1990. Photo: Kody Shafer

Despite numerous design changes, the sign's fixed location for nearly a century allowed the Glico Running Man to transcend its role as a mere advertisement. What began as a board to convey the product's energy concept has, over time, become a visual landmark in Osaka, where locals and tourists gather to pose and capture memories.

The billboard was removed in 1943 due to metal shortages during the war. After World War II, when many other signs had disappeared, the Glico Running Man was re-erected once the war ended. Its return reflected Osaka's spirit of strong revival and innovation. This nearly uninterrupted continuity helped transform the image into a part of the city's collective memory.

The Glico Running Man's enduring presence, unlike many other billboards subject to contract terms or replacement cycles, stems from three key factors: Ezaki Glico's lasting brand value, the sign's role in Dotonbori's urban identity, and widespread community recognition of it as a symbol tied to Osaka's modern history.

The Glico Man's appeal has not waned; instead, it has surged thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Many tourists in Osaka seek out the billboard for photo opportunities. It is common to see hundreds of people striking the "two arms raised, one leg bent" pose, mimicking the Glico Man's running posture.

The current Glico Running Man billboard, an upgraded version from 2014. Photo: gltjp

Reaching the Glico Running Man billboard is convenient due to its central location in the Minami district. The most suitable transit hub is Namba Station, which connects to multiple subway and urban railway lines.

From Shin-Osaka Station (a Shinkansen stop), passengers can take the Midosuji Line (red) towards Nakamozu, alighting at Namba Station after approximately 15 minutes. If departing from Osaka or Umeda Stations, also on the Midosuji Line, travel time is about 8-10 minutes. Tourists staying in the Shinsaibashi area can walk south along the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street for about 10 minutes to reach Ebisubashi Bridge.

At Namba Station, the most convenient exit is Exit 14. From there, walk north along the Dotonbori Canal. After about 3-5 minutes, Ebisubashi Bridge will appear, with the Glico Running Man billboard situated immediately to the left of the bridge, opposite a bustling dining and shopping area.

Visitors can use common transit cards like ICOCA, Suica, or day passes for subway fares. Namba Station has multiple exits; using Google Maps with keywords like "Glico Sign" or "Ebisubashi Bridge" will help with faster navigation. The billboard's LED system typically illuminates about 30 minutes after sunset until midnight, a popular time for many tourists to visit and take photos.

Mai Phuong (According to Echoed Realms, Asahi, Glico)