Sadly, we just lost another one to the pandemic.

Eateries not spared

The Isetan outlet located inside the 1 Utama shopping center has announced that they will be closing down for good after ten years of operation.

The popular Japanese department store made it official with a post on their Facebook page on Wednesday (17 November):

According to the statement, Isetan 1 Utama will remain open until 5 April 2022, after which they will be shuttered for good.

And here's the bad news: the closure will also affect all the Japanese eateries such as Tonkatsu by Ma Maison, Ichiro Sushi Bar and Menya Musashi located on the top floor of the store.

NOOOOOOO!

Image credit: 1 Utama

However, the closure only affects the 1 Utama branch as the store’s other branches in Malaysia will remain in operation.

“This isn’t goodbye though, we hope to still see you at our other remaining stores in Suria KLCC, The Gardens Mall, The Japan Store LOT 10 and our Online Store at www.ionlinekl.com.my,” the statement said.

This is certainly sad news, as 2021 marks the 31st year that Isetan has been operating in Malaysia.

Insert sad face emoji

As you would expect, the sudden news shook netizens, especially regular patrons of the stores' eateries, pretty hard.