Have you ever taken part in a mystery-solving event?
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of solving a puzzle or quiz.
On Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, 2025, “Detective Daisuke Osakabe’s Case Files,” an immersive mystery game planned and run by students from , was held in the Bikan Historical Area.
Participants take on the role of one of the characters in the story, walking around the Bikan Historical Area and solving puzzles to uncover the truth behind the case.
Curious about what the event was like, I took part and covered it.
The information in this article was current when it was published in November 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is Detective Daisuke Osakabe’s Case Files?
Detective Daisuke Osakabe’s Case Files is part of the “Meguri: Kindaichi Kosuke Trail” event, organized by Kurashiki City. It is an immersive mystery game series entirely written, directed, and run by students from the Faculty of Literature at Nishogakusha University.
The 2025 event was held over two days, November 8 and 9, and attracted a total of 47 participants. Many return year after year, and this year marked the 10th installment.
The Connection Between Nishogakusha University and Kurashiki City
Nishogakusha University and Kurashiki City share a deep historical connection.
Mishima Chushu, who founded the Chinese classics school Nishogakusha, the predecessor of Nishogakusha University, was from Kurashiki City. The university also holds a large collection of materials related to writer Seishi Yokomizo, who had ties to Kurashiki City, including approximately 12,000 manuscripts and drafts.
Against this historical and literary backdrop, Nishogakusha University and Kurashiki City signed a partnership agreement in 2016. Since then, students have organized an immersive mystery event every year.
A Story Unraveling the Mystery of Momotaro’s Treasure in Kurashiki
This mystery game is an original puzzle-solving story set in Kurashiki.
Using an old document about “Momotaro’s treasure,” discovered in a certain storehouse, Detective Daisuke Osakabe and the participants, who play rookie detectives, begin their investigation. But when three people claiming to be “Osakabe” appear, the case descends into confusion.
As participants visit various spots in the Bikan Historical Area, will they be able to solve the mysteries surrounding the treasure and the real Osakabe?
The story takes participants to cultural spots around Kurashiki, including Kurashikikan Tourist Information Center, Kibibi Museum, Kurashiki City Art Museum, and Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan, combining a town walk with mystery-solving.
Enjoy Exploring the Town and Solving Mysteries at the Same Time
I took part in the immersive mystery game “Detective Daisuke Osakabe’s Case Files.”
Here’s a report on my experience.
A Mystery Story That Begins with Student Performances
Participants register on LINE in the multipurpose hall at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan, then receive a map. When they enter the keywords they find after solving the puzzles into LINE, hints about the truth behind the story appear.
The event opens with a performance by the students.
Participants also become characters in the story, immersing themselves in the experience.
Afterward, participants split into groups and solve, in order, the puzzles scattered across the various locations.
A student staff member accompanies each group, providing directions and support, so even first-time participants and those unfamiliar with the area can feel at ease.
Solving Mysteries While Exploring the Town
The first place my group headed to was the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Center.
A student playing the detective handed us a puzzle to solve within the time limit.
Some of the puzzles were difficult, but the student staff gave us hints, which helped us find the answers.
Next, we went to Kibibi Museum.
The students got into character and interacted with participants, adding to the excitement of the event.
The puzzle at Kibibi Museum was inspired by namako-kabe, the distinctive sea-cucumber walls that are a symbol of the Bikan Historical Area. I found it unique how elements specific to Kurashiki were woven throughout.
Each time participants solve a puzzle at a location, they receive an item, which becomes an important key to solving the final “big mystery.”
After solving a puzzle, I entered the keyword into LINE, and a message appeared that led to the truth behind the story.
The way the game blended the digital and real worlds was also refreshing.
After solving the puzzle at Kibibi Museum, we also worked on puzzles in the Japanese-style room at the city art museum and at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan.
We walked to every puzzle location.
Taking time to enjoy the autumn scenery and traditional buildings of the Bikan Historical Area was another highlight.
An Ending Like a Detective Drama
After solving all the mysteries, we returned to the multipurpose hall at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan, where the students resumed their performance. This is where the real Detective Daisuke Osakabe reveals the truth behind the case through his deductions.
The staging, reminiscent of the final scene of a detective drama, and the moment when all the clues scattered throughout the story came together brought both surprise and a sense of accomplishment.
At the end, business cards for Daisuke Osakabe are handed out.
Scan the QR code on a card to enjoy explanations of the puzzles and behind-the-scenes stories about how they were created.
“1000 Kindaichi Kosuke” also scheduled to be held
“Meguri: Kindaichi Kosuke Trail,” which includes this event, “The Case Files of Detective Daisuke Osakabe,” is a series of events connected to Seishi Yokomizo, the mystery writer who set his works in Kurashiki.
On Saturday, November 22, Kurashiki City will hold the cosplay event “1000 Kindaichi Kosuke.”
On the day, participants dressed as characters from Yokomizo’s works will gather from across Japan, filling the streets of Mabi, Kurashiki City.
Registration has already closed, but it is said that simply watching will be enjoyable too.
Shota Miyake of the Kurashiki City Tourism Division says:
Miyake (name omitted)
This popular event attracts many participants from outside the prefecture. Some regulars take part year after year, while others are joining for the first time. It’s enjoyable even just to watch, so we hope many people will come and enjoy the town of Kurashiki.
Incidentally, the title “1000 Kindaichi Kosuke” does not mean that 1,000 people will actually gather. Rather, it expresses the hope that “that many people will enjoy it together.”
Also, from Saturday, November 1 to Thursday, November 20, an Ibara Railway train promoting the “Meguri: Kindaichi Kosuke Trail” will be in service. For the operating schedule, please check the Ibara Railway website.
From the Writer
I’m not usually good at solving mysteries, but with help from the students’ hints, I enjoyed the experience all the way to the end.
Walking through the Bikan Historical Area in autumn while imagining myself as a character in the story was a very refreshing experience.
Above all, I was moved to learn that everything—from the staging and script to creating the mystery puzzles—had been made by the students themselves. Their unique creativity and enthusiasm were truly inspiring.
A variety of other events are also being held as part of the “Meguri: Kindaichi Kosuke Trail.” Why not stroll around Kurashiki and immerse yourself in the worlds of literature and mystery?
Detective Daisuke Osakabe’s Case Files: Information
| Name | Detective Daisuke Osakabe’s Case Files |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, November 8, 2025 From 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 9, 2025 From 9:30 a.m. From 1:00 p.m. *Duration: approximately 3 hours |
| Location | 2-23-18 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation fee (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Kurashiki Tourism WEB |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
