Photo/Illutration A large crowd gathers in front of Shinjuku ALTA, a landmark building in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, to bid farewell as it closes after 45 years on Feb. 28. The large screen shows a video message from Tamori, who had broadcast popular TV program from a studio in the building. (Takayuki Kakuno)

The building housing Studio ALTA, the iconic meetup spot in Tokyo’s garish neon-lit Shinjuku entertainment district, has gone dark after 45 years.

A large crowd gathered in front of the building as the shutters came down at 8:30 p.m. for the final time on the evening of Feb. 28. Many there simply uttered, “Thank you!”

A video message from celebrities with ties to ALTA, such as Tamori and Naomi Watanabe, was displayed on the giant screen for which the building is renowned.

Yasuyuki Suehiro, manager of ALTA, said in a speech: “I was disappointed when it was decided to close the store, but thanks to everyone's support, we are here today. I would like to thank all the customers who have supported us over the past 45 years.”

He ended the farewell speech with a chorus of staff, “Iitomo!”

ALTA opened in April 1980.

The building opposite the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station has two basement floors and seven aboveground. Tenants included apparel shops and restaurants.

Most notably, it was famous for housing Studio ALTA, a recording studio for the popular noon TV program “Waratte Iitomo.”

The program was hosted by Tamori and featured a section in which celebrities would make daily guest appearances, introduce their friends who would appear on the next show, and then call in live and ask them to appear in the show.

Tamori would ask, “Will you come here tomorrow?” and the next guest would reply, “Iitomo!” (Sure thing!) The phrase became a buzzword.

The show ended in 2014.

Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, which has operated ALTA, cited lack of profitability for the closure.

Daibiru Corp., which owns the building, has said it will consider rebuilding the structure.

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