#Japan #Tokyo #Mystery Game #Lying Bookstore #Maniac Tours

Get Ready for the Enthralling 'Lying Bookstore'

In an exciting announcement, Maniac LLC is set to host a real-life mystery game called "Lying Bookstore" during the Golden Week of 2025, owing to overwhelming popularity from its March trial event. After a successful two-day run, the team is eager to engage more participants in this unique experience.

The concept of this event draws inspiration from the popular online discussions surrounding the innovative concept of a tour where the guide tells nothing but lies. Now, participants will find themselves in a bookstore in Jimbocho, Tokyo, where they will embark on a quest to spot unusual occurrences within the seemingly ordinary space of the bookstore, Shosen Grande.

What is 'Lying Bookstore'?

Upon entering, you’ll encounter what looks like a standard bookstore at first glance. However, much to your surprise, strange occurrences soon unfold as you observe the environment more closely. Key clues like "Something feels off with this bookshelf…" or "That staff member's behavior is peculiar…" will nudge you to acknowledge the oddities within.

Your objective? Don’t miss any minor discrepancies and try to identify every anomaly scattered throughout the store.

Event Details

The 'Lying Bookstore' offers participants the chance to engage in a serious detective challenge by looking for 70 specifically designed anomalies throughout the real operating bookstore.

• - Each session lasts for 70 minutes, out of which around 55 minutes is available for the anomaly search after a short briefing on the rules.
• - Participants will go through a complete switch of groups for safety and organization.
• - After the event, you’ll find a list of all anomalies on the official website, where each is assigned a score based on its difficulty—feel free to check your answers!
• - Notably, there are no horror elements involved in this game.

Collaborating Creators

The event will also feature distinct anomaly creators, each giving a unique twist to the experience. Here are some of the notable contributors:
1. Harajuku - Born in 1981 in Kanagawa, this creator joined the film production company BARG Hamburg in 2010 and has notably served as the editor-in-chief of the web media "Omokoro." Popular for their relatable narrative style, Harajuku often shares life experiences that connect deeply with audiences.
2. Harubirdya - A duo known for their unique audio works, including their latest titled "Daily Lies from a Downer Sister" and its comic adaptation being serialized, contributing additional layers to the mystery realm.
3. Mysterious Designer - A puzzler extraordinaire whose creativity knows no bounds. Since starting their career in 2019, they have been creating thought-provoking problems, often keeping followers curious and engaged.
4. Pink Machiura - A comedian from Sakai City in Osaka who blends humor with intricate storytelling. As a podcast host, Pink can convey in-depth stories about the Heisei era that seamlessly integrate reality with exceptional exaggeration.
5. Rakuda Hatsutaka - This 1990-born novelist and scriptwriter contributes to various projects with their unique perspective on storytelling.

Ticket Information

Tickets are currently available for purchase at a fee of ¥3,500 (including tax).
Event Date:

• - April 29 & 30 (Tue, National Holidays), May 3 (Sat), 4 (Sun), 5 (Mon, National Holidays), and 6 (Tue, National Holidays)

Sessions will occur in the following timeframes (each accommodating 50 attendees, fully switching between groups):
1. 11:20 AM – 12:30 PM
2. 1:10 PM – 2:20 PM
3. 3:00 PM – 4:10 PM
4. 5:00 PM – 6:10 PM
5. 6:50 PM – 8:00 PM

For more information and to secure your spot, check out:

• - Peatix Reservation Pages for April & May sessions.
• - A compilation of social media feedback pertaining to the March event is available here.

About 'Lying Bookstore'

Event Name: Lying Bookstore Real-life Mystery Game
Event Location: Shosen Grande Bookstore, Jimbocho, Tokyo
Access: 4 minutes on foot from Jimbocho Station, accessible via the Toei Mita, Toei Shinjuku, and Hanzomon lines,
Address: 1-3-2 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0051
Contact for inquiries: [email protected]
Organized by: Maniac Tours and Shosen Grande, with conception and production by Maniac Tours.