Have you ever participated in a mystery-solving event?
The exhilaration of solving quizzes and problems is exceptional, isn't it?
On November 8 (Saturday) and 9 (Sunday), 2025, an experiential mystery game titled The Case Files of Detective Osakabe Daisuke, planned and operated by students from , was held in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki.
Participants become one of the characters in the story, walking around the Bikan Historical Area while solving mysteries and uncovering the truth of the incident.
Curious about what kind of event it is, I also participated and covered it.
What is The Case Files of Detective Osakabe Daisuke
The Case Files of Detective Osakabe Daisuke is part of the event "The Path of Kindaichi Kosuke" organized by Kurashiki City. It is an experiential mystery game series where students from the Faculty of Literature at Nishogakusha University are responsible for the script, direction, and operation.
In 2025, it was held over two days on November 8 (Saturday) and 9 (Sunday), with a total of 47 participants. There were many repeat participants, and this is the 10th year of the project.
The connection between Nishogakusha University and Kurashiki City
Nishogakusha University has a deep historical connection with Kurashiki City.
Mishima Chushu, who founded the Han Learning School Nishogakusha, which is the predecessor of Nishogakusha University, is from Kurashiki City. Furthermore, Nishogakusha University holds numerous related materials of the Kurashiki City-associated author, Yokomizo Seishi, including about 12,000 manuscripts and drafts.
Based on this historical and literary background, Nishogakusha University and Kurashiki City signed a partnership agreement in 2016, and since then, experiential mystery events created by students have been held annually.
A story that approaches the mystery of Momotaro's treasure set in Kurashiki
The mystery game is an original puzzle-solving story set in Kurashiki.
Using an ancient document found in a certain storehouse as a clue to "Momotaro's treasure," Detective Osakabe Daisuke and the participants, who are novice detectives, begin their investigation. However, three individuals claiming to be "Osakabe" appear, and the incident becomes chaotic.
Will the participants be able to solve the mysteries related to the treasure and the real Osakabe while touring various spots in the Bikan Historical Area?
Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office, Kibibi Museum, Kurashiki City Art Museum, and Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan are among the cultural spots in Kurashiki that participants will visit, blending walking around the town with solving mysteries.
An experience that combines walking around the town and solving mysteries
I participated in the experiential mystery game "The Case Files of Detective Osakabe Daisuke."
Here is a report on my experience.
A mystery-solving story that begins with student performances
Participants receive a map after registering on LINE in the multipurpose hall of Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan. The LINE system is designed to display hints about the truth of the story when the keywords are entered after solving the mysteries.
As an opening, the performance by students begins.
Participants also become one of the characters in the story and can experience the atmosphere.
After that, participants are divided into groups and solve the mysteries scattered at each spot in order.
Each group is accompanied by student staff who provide guidance and support, so even those participating for the first time or who are unfamiliar with the area can feel at ease.
Solving mysteries while walking around the town
The first destination for my group was the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office.
A problem was handed over by a student acting as a detective, and we solved it within the time limit.
Some of the problems were difficult, but the student staff provided hints, which helped us arrive at the answers.
Next, we moved to Kibibi Museum.
The students embodied characters and engaged with the participants, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event.
The mystery at Kibibi Museum is themed around the "namako wall," which is a symbol of the Bikan Historical Area. I felt a uniqueness in the various elements that are characteristic of Kurashiki.
Each time a mystery is solved at each spot, items are obtained, which become important keys for the final "big mystery."
After solving the problems, entering the keywords into LINE displayed messages that connected to the truth of the story.
The fusion of digital and the real world in the progression was also refreshing.
After the mystery-solving at Kibibi Museum, we also solved mysteries in the tatami rooms of the City Art Museum and Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan.
All the mystery-solving spots are within walking distance.
Taking the time to leisurely admire the autumn scenery of the Bikan Historical Area and its traditional buildings is also one of the attractions.
An ending like a detective drama
After solving all the mysteries, we returned to the multipurpose hall of Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan, where the student performances resumed. This is the moment when the truth of the incident is revealed through the real Detective Osakabe Daisuke's reasoning.
The production reminiscent of the last scene of a detective drama and the moment when all the foreshadowing scattered throughout the event connects brought both surprise and a sense of accomplishment.
At the end, business cards of Kogoro Akechi will be distributed.
By scanning the QR code on the business card, you can enjoy explanations of the problems and behind-the-scenes stories.
“1000 People Kogoro Akechi” is also scheduled to be held
This event, “Detective Kogoro Akechi's Case Files,” is part of the event series “Walking the Path of Kogoro Akechi,” which is related to the mystery writer Seishi Yokomizo, who created works set in Kurashiki.
On November 22 (Saturday), a cosplay event titled “1000 People Kogoro Akechi” organized by Kurashiki City will be held.
On that day, participants dressed as characters from Yokomizo's works will gather from all over the country, creating a scene of them walking through Mabi, Kurashiki City.
Although the application for participation has already closed, it seems that just observing will be quite enjoyable.
Shota Miyake from the Kurashiki City Tourism Division says:
Miyake (no honorifics)
It is a popular event that many people from outside the prefecture participate in.
There are regulars who have participated for many years, as well as first-timers. Even just watching is enjoyable, so I hope many people can fully enjoy the town of Kurashiki.
By the way, the title “1000 People” does not mean that exactly 1000 people will gather, but rather conveys the hope that so many people will enjoy it together.
Additionally, from November 1 (Saturday) to November 20 (Thursday), a PR train for “Walking the Path of Kogoro Akechi” will operate on the Ibara Railway. Please check the Ibara Railway website for the operating hours.
Conclusion
I am not particularly good at solving mysteries, but I was able to enjoy it until the end with the help of hints from the students.
Walking through the Bikan Historical Area as a character from the story was a very refreshing experience.
Above all, I was moved to learn that everything from the production, script, to the creation of the mystery-solving problems was done by the students, showcasing their unique creativity and enthusiasm.
In “Walking the Path of Kogoro Akechi,” various other projects are also being held. Why not immerse yourself in the world of literature and mystery while walking through the town of Kurashiki?
Data on Detective Kogoro Akechi's Case Files
| Name | Detective Kogoro Akechi's Case Files |
|---|---|
| Date | November 8, 2025 (Saturday) 2:00 PM〜 November 9, 2025 (Sunday) 9:30 AM〜 1:00 PM〜 *Duration: Approximately 3 hours |
| Location | 2-23-18 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Participation is free |
| Website | Kurashiki Tourism WEB |
