Local businesses and JR Hokkaido services face closures in Japan

In Motosumiyoshi, the long-standing supermarkets Ebaraya and Minoriya officially closed their doors on July 31, 2026. Ebaraya, which traces its origins back to 1945, had operated in the Motosumiyoshi Bremen Street shopping district for 50 years. The stores displayed messages of gratitude to the local community on their shutters following a final clearance sale.

Separately, JR Hokkaido has announced the termination of Midori no Madoguchi (ticket office) services at several stations. In the Iburi region, Shiraoi Station, Date-Monbetsu Station, and Oiwake Station will cease staffed ticket operations on August 31, 2026. Passengers will be directed to use automated ticket machines, voice-assisted machines, or the Eki-net smartphone reservation system moving forward.