Mystery Unveiled in Ikebukuro: Celebrating Edogawa Rampo's Birth Month

Ikebukuro Becomes a Hub of Mystery in Honor of Edogawa Rampo

This October, Ikebukuro is set to transform into a realm of mystery as the city commemorates the birth month of famed Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Rampo. The event, titled “Toshima! Rampo Festival,” will run from October 11 to November 3, 2025, featuring immersive mystery experiences across various venues including local universities, department stores, and public transport.

A City Rich in Mystery

Ikebukuro, particularly Toshima Ward, boasts a profound connection to Edogawa Rampo — the iconic author’s last residence is situated within the campus of Rikkyo University. This event aims to position Toshima Ward as a sacred space for mystery, showcasing a series of collaborative efforts between academia, businesses, and local government since 2023.

During this time, festival-goers will have the chance to participate in literary readings, mystery escapades, and other engaging activities that honor Rampo’s literary legacy alongside real-life mysteries embedded in the city’s culture.

Events to Look Forward To

The festival features an array of thrilling events that cater to mystery lovers of all kinds:

1. Rampo’s Mind Exploration at Rikkyo University
A unique event on October 19, hosted at Rikkyo University’s Takka Hall, will delve into Rampo's mind, featuring performances by the renowned storyteller Yagyu Kotaro, Rampo's grandson Hirai Kentaro, popular voice actor Hiroki Azuma, and emceed by Kenji Kawabata. Attendees can enjoy discussions about Rampo’s works and captivating readings from his celebrated stories, all for free.

2. Special Opening of the Edogawa Rampo Residence
Typically open only on select days, the Edogawa Rampo Residence will have special openings to coincide with the festival, allowing attendees to explore rare materials that illuminate Rampo’s perspective on writing and his character. This unique exhibition will be accessible for free.

3. Interactive Mystery Experience at Tobu Department Store
Beginning October 11, visitors can engage in an interactive mystery called “Iwakkan Detective: A Quest for the Labyrinth Store,” where they will follow clues to uncover the secrets hidden within the building dynamics of the Tobu Department Store. This thrilling activity invites all participants to solve mysteries as they explore the expansive department store.

4. Bus-Based Mystery Adventure
Passengers can embark on a bus ride through Ikebukuro to solve the enigma of the “Man in the Black Cape,” a character shrouded in local urban legends. This innovative experience merges transportation with storytelling, encouraging playful investigation as riders piece together the mystery revealed through their windows.

5. Mystery-Walking Adventure
Another fascinating event involves walking through Ikebukuro while tracing the steps of a vanished reporter. Participants will discover numerous owl statues — properties of which are associated with a myth surrounding disappearances — as they uncover the truth behind the lore. This walking attraction promises a unique blend of mystery and city exploration.

A Legacy of Mystery

Rampo, whose real name was Tarou Hirai, spent 31 years in Ikebukuro, and his connections to the area run deep. Many literary works, including stories by popular authors like Natsuhiko Kyogoku and Ira Ishida, are set against the backdrop of Toshima Ward, reinforcing the region's cultural significance in the realm of mystery. Since 2023, Toshima’s efforts to enhance its appeal as a mystery haven through various initiatives have shown an inspiring commitment to preserve and celebrate this literary heritage.

The Toshima! Rampo Festival promises an engaging atmosphere filled with figures from the literary community and a series of activities aimed to fascinate visitors and residents alike. With the growing popularity of mystery literature and experiences, the festival stands to benefit Ikebukuro, highlighting its unique identity and enhancing its cultural landscape.

Join Us in the Mystery

To learn more and participate in various activities during the festival, visit Toshima Mystery Town. Embrace the mystery and creativity that only Ikebukuro can offer this October!