Exciting Adventures Await at the Toshima Ranpo Festival
On May 15, 2025, the highly anticipated
Toshima Ranpo Festival opened its doors, celebrating mystery and the renowned Japanese author
Edogawa Ranpo. The event includes various attractions and activities that will thrill mystery aficionados. The festival kicked off with a press conference for the grand reopening of the
Old Edogawa Ranpo Residence, providing details on the exciting offerings at the festival.
Grand Opening Press Conference
The press conference took place at the beautifully renovated Old Edogawa Ranpo Residence, located within the grounds of Rikkyo University. Esteemed guests included
Renya Nishihara, the president of Rikkyo University, and
Akio Kaneko, the Director of the Edogawa Ranpo Memorial Cultural Center. Other notable attendees included
Miyuki Takigawa, the mayor of Toshima Ward, and
Kentaro Hirai, Ranpo’s great-grandson, who shared personal anecdotes from his childhood at the residence.
In his opening remarks, Mayor Takigawa expressed his long-standing admiration for Ranpo, stating, “I have been a fan of Ranpo sensei since I was in elementary school. Through these initiatives like the reopening of the Old Edogawa Ranpo Residence and the Toshima Ranpo Festival, I want to ignite the spirit of mystery within Ikebukuro.”
Special Reading of ‘Ghost’
As a highlight of the opening, a special reading performance of Ranpo’s work “
Ghost” was held in the drawing room of the residence. The talented voice actor
Hiroyuki Yoshino captivated the audience by performing multiple roles, vividly bringing the essence of Ranpo’s world to life. This remarkable reading will be available for a limited time on Rikkyo University’s official YouTube channel.
Upcoming Opening of the Residence
The Old Edogawa Ranpo Residence will open to the public for tours starting May 19, 2025. A new exhibition room will showcase crucial documents, including Ranpo’s personal chronicle and a collection of mystery-related artifacts that have never been displayed before. This unique exhibition promises to provide visitors with a deep insight into the life and works of Edogawa Ranpo. More information on visiting hours can be found on Rikkyo University's website.
Highlights from the Toshima Ranpo Festival
During the latter part of the press conference, an array of exciting activities scheduled for the festival was revealed. Although it’s impossible to cover all events, here are a few exciting highlights that will take place after May 19:
TOBU Mystery Fair at Tobu Department Store
The
TOBU Mystery Fair runs from May 15 to May 24, featuring the
Truth Revelation Exhibition. Visitors can enjoy free workshops on mystery-related merchandise, immerse themselves in various unsolved cases, and experience interactive content while solving mysteries. A special collaboration with the TV anime
Kanojo, Okarishimasu will introduce a unique product line called “Kawaii Mystery,” with free experience sessions on May 24.
Walking Attraction: Mystery Walk
Explore the streets of Ikebukuro through a detective adventure to unravel the mystery of a missing journalist. This outdoor experience runs from May 15 to June 30, 2025, and is free to participate, requiring only a downloadable audio guide app.
Audio Mystery Exploration
Set in Ikebukuro's hidden spots, this attraction invites participants to search for a cassette player’s owner by listening to recordings on cassette tapes. Runs from May 15 to May 24, creating a nostalgic experience for all mystery lovers. Pre-bookings can be made through the designated website.
Join the Mystery Adventure!
The Toshima Ranpo Festival is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to partake in thrilling activities that bring the captivating world of Edogawa Ranpo to life. From immersive readings to interactive mystery-solving experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more details on all events and attractions, look for the festival's special site to fully immerse yourself in a world of mystery. Don’t miss out on this fantastic celebration of literature and thrill!