1935 Creation of the Glico Man sign – First generation: The Glico Man sign was born in 1935, as an advertising strategy for the first Glico candy, promising "energy to run 300 meters". His installation in Dotonbori, Osaka, featured a triumphant runner, symbolizing vigor and health. With a height of 33 meters, the Glico Man sign established itself as a landmark in the city.
1943-1955 Interruption and resurgence – Second generation: The first-generation Glico Man sign was dismantled during World War II, but in 1955, the second-generation made its debut. The renewed Glico Man sign kept the figure of the runner, but with larger dimensions, marking the rebirth of the emblematic advertisement.
1963 Third generation: In 1963, the third generation of the Glico Man sign was introduced, with a more subtle design and a reduced corridor. This shift reflected an era of aesthetic and technological evolution in advertising.
1972 Fourth generation: The fourth generation of the Glico Man sign, which lasted until 1996, is remembered for its durability and the inclusion of a blue running track with neon lights, reinforcing the active and energetic image of the runner.
1996 Fifth generation: The fifth generation of the Glico Man sign, begun in 1996, enriched the design with icons representative of Osaka, strengthening the ad's connection to the city's identity.
2014 Sixth and current generation of the sign: Since 2014, the Glico Man sign has been a large LED display, marking the sixth generation. This modern version can show a variety of images, from tourist landscapes to various advertisements, always keeping the runner as its symbolic constant.
Today as a cultural icon: The Glico Man sign has become more than an advertisement; is a meeting point and a symbol of Osaka's dynamic culture. It represents constant movement and progress, being a luminous and perpetual reminder of the vitality of the city.
