Nanao Appointed Renewal Ambassador for Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store! First Complete Renovation in History for Grand Reopening in 2026. A New Challenge to Redefine the Department Store Begins with 'Ikebukuro's Counterattack'

Sogo & Seibu is undertaking the first complete renovation of the Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store since its founding, with a grand reopening scheduled during 2026. Under the architectural concept of "MAISON," each floor will be reconstructed into a space with a unique identity. Sufficient space will be allocated to individual brands, centering on luxury, cosmetics, "depachika" (basement food halls), and lifestyle. This will elevate the quality of merchandising and brand storytelling, evolving the store into a shopping destination where the everyday and the extraordinary merge. Concurrently, actor and model Nanao has been appointed as the renewal ambassador to symbolize this project, and various promotions utilizing her visuals will launch on May 22. On the same day, a special movie starring Nanao, titled "Ikebukuro's Counterattack," will be released on Sogo & Seibu's official YouTube and SNS channels.

■ Key Points of the New Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store

At the reborn Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, guided by the architectural concept of "MAISON" (French for house/building), we propose an evolution of "value" and "how time is spent" for our customers. This includes high-value spaces featuring carefully selected cosmetics and luxury brands, a revamped food floor catering to everything from daily needs to special occasions, an intuitive and comfortable sales floor layout that balances "destination visits" and "browsing," and the introduction of experiential spaces where staying itself becomes the value. Through these efforts, Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store will evolve from a "place where you can find anything" to a "place where curated value is found," offering each individual customer a highly satisfying experience.

■ Communicating New Value Through the Image of Renewal Ambassador Nanao

The key visual for this campaign consists of a statement symbolizing the "challenge" of being reborn as the new Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, alongside the handwritten phrase "Ikebukuro's Counterattack" drawn by Nanao herself. Through the image of "strength," "sophistication," and "aesthetic sense" that Nanao embodies, we will broadcast the new value of Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store.

■ Thoughts Behind the Renewal

Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store is connected to one of the world's leading terminal stations, and because the building is nearly 80 years old, we faced various difficulties during the renovation process. However, we used this as an opportunity to rethink the traditional role of a department store. Creating a store from the customer's perspective is an attempt to pave the way for the future of department stores. We will continue to evolve from a customer-centric viewpoint to provide new discoveries.

■ Special Movie "Ikebukuro's Counterattack" Overview

Release Date and Time: Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Distribution Platforms: Sogo & Seibu Official YouTube, Official SNS (X, Instagram, TikTok, LINE)

Official YouTube Viewing URL

"Ikebukuro's Counterattack" (30 seconds): https://youtu.be/JrR2-REiQIk

■ Special Movie Story

The grand renewal of the Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, undergoing its first complete renovation in its history. In the special movie featuring renewal ambassador Nanao, the theme of "Ikebukuro's Counterattack" is used to powerfully and dramatically express the vision of a new department store unbound by preconceived notions.

The video starts with Nanao, dressed in a red outfit, staring quietly straight ahead. It impressively captures elements like her outfit fluttering in the wind, her feet in high heels, and her sharp gaze, while posing the question: "What kind of department store does the Ikebukuro of the future need?"

Aligning with the message, "Because Ikebukuro is a place where diverse cultures gather, we offer high-quality experiences. Unexpected encounters," Nanao expresses the new department store image with supple and powerful movements. Her beautiful gestures shown in slow motion and her straightforward gaze heighten anticipation for the renewal.

Towards the end, the handwritten characters for "Ikebukuro's Counterattack" drawn by Nanao appear. It serves as an impressive scene symbolizing the determination to take on this new challenge. The video concludes with the copy, "Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, to a GRAND RENEWAL. Opening successively!", boosting expectations for the new sales floors and experiences that will open sequentially in the future. The powerful message of "Ikebukuro's Counterattack," handwritten by Nanao, is also a highlight.

■ Filming Episode

Making Video: https://youtu.be/mxHTNwQQYF8

During the shoot, Nanao, wearing a bright red dress, left a strong impression as she carefully focused on each cut while repeatedly checking the monitor and communicating with the staff. In the scene where she writes the "Ikebukuro's Counterattack" statement in calligraphy, the site staff were captivated as she briskly and powerfully wrote the characters with a serious expression. Also, between shots, she showed a natural smile, and a harmonious atmos