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Discover the Enchantment of Edogawa Rampo at the Toshima Rampo Festival 2026

The beloved Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Rampo will be celebrated through an exciting festival, the Toshima Rampo Festival 2026, which runs from October 15 to November 4, 2026. This event emerges from the collaboration between various educational institutions, companies, and local government, bringing together the vibrant culture of mystery literature in the Ikebukuro area of Toshima City.

A Celebration of Mystery Literature

Edogawa Rampo's former residence, the Old Edogawa Rampo House, still stands in Ikebukuro, making the city a natural hub for mystery enthusiasts. Continuing from initiatives launched in 2023 to transform Ikebukuro into a sacred site for mystery lovers, this year’s festival is themed around “Collecting Mystery” to reflect Rampo’s passion for gathering detective stories throughout his life.

The Toshima Rampo Festival promises a rich experience through various events that invite participants to not only read mysteries but also engage with them physically. From mystery book battles to immersive readings and city-wide puzzles, the festival is designed to ignite excitement about mystery literature.

Highlights of the Festival

1. Mystery Bibliobattle: An essential event where participants present their favorite mystery books passionately. Equipped with nothing but their enthusiasm, they explore compelling narratives while the audience votes for the most intriguing selection. The added twist? Participants must identify an impostor attempting to present an AI-generated script instead of a genuine book!
Date: October 18, 2026
Location: Rikkyo University Ikebukuro Campus

2. Reading Experiences: Visitors can attend performances based on Rampo’s works and even partake in outdoor library sessions under the blue sky, offering a delightful reading atmosphere while enjoying the beautiful autumn season.
Location: Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Rooftop

3. Special Opening Days at the Old Edogawa Rampo House: The festival features additional days for public access to Rampo’s residence, showcasing art pieces collected by him alongside the theme “Rampo and Artists from Toshima”.
Opening Days: October 18, November 3, 2026

4. Mystery Walks: A unique treasure hunt throughout Toshima City designed to lead participants through cultural points and hidden gems of the area to solve puzzles. It’s a perfect blend of discovery and nostalgia tailored for mystery buffs.
Event Duration: October 15 to November 30, 2026

5. Experience the Short Mystery Novel: Juxtaposing a book reading with a treasure hunt in Junkeido Bookstore, visitors will uncover the hidden secrets infused within the narrative. This event echoes Rampo's storytelling finesse by blending fiction with an interactive experience.

Community and Engagement

The festival not only celebrates literature but aims to rekindle the human connection through exciting recommendations—not of the AI kind. It emphasizes the “heat” of human suggestion to keep mystery alive and thriving amidst technological advancements.

Conclusion

With its array of events spanning from collaborative mystery presentations to interactive experiences, the Toshima Rampo Festival 2026 promises to be a haven for mystery enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you are revisiting Rampo's classics or exploring them for the first time, the festival serves as a portal to the enchanting world of mystery literature—an experience that should not be missed.

For detailed information on each event and participation, visit the official festival website: mysterytown.jp/news/ranposai2026.