Tobu Department Store Miracle Show Murder: The Vanishing Corpse and the Red Rose

A New Chapter in the Kindaichi Case Files Mystery Series

The fourth installment of the interactive mystery attraction series, a collaboration with the popular manga "The Kindaichi Case Files," is set to take place at the Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro. Titled "Tobu Department Store Miracle Show Murder Case: The Vanished Corpse and the Red Rose," this event invites participants to step into the shoes of a detective and unravel a complex murder mystery within the very walls of the department store.

This time, the narrative revolves around the machinations of Kindaichi’s most formidable adversary, the "Hell Puppet Master" Yoichi Takato, who is surreptitiously working to transform Ikebukuro into a haven for perfect crimes. Players will join forces with the renowned detective Kindaichi – albeit remotely – and a team of skilled investigators to thwart Takato’s sinister plans. The attraction promises a "full-fledged mystery" experience, incorporating "drama footage performed by real actors" and the "audio guide app ‘Pokke’" to immerse participants in a realistic and engaging investigative journey.

Unraveling the Mystery: A Glimpse into the Narrative

The incident unfolds on the day of the rehearsal for the "Miracle Show," a performance scheduled to take place on the rooftop stage of the Tobu Department Store. News of the incident reaches reporter Itsuki Yosuke, who promptly arrives at the scene to find detective Daigo Dai already present. A single red rose left at the crime scene immediately suggests the involvement of the infamous "Hell Puppet Master," Yoichi Takato. With Kindaichi away from Tokyo, he will provide remote assistance while Daigo Dai and the detective in charge, Yukio Kishitani, assemble a team of elite detectives from across the country. Participants will collaborate with this double detective team of Kindaichi and Dai to solve the perplexing case.

A Multifaceted Mystery Experience in Ikebukuro

This event is part of a larger series of collaborative attractions with "The Kindaichi Case Files" unfolding across Ikebukuro, encompassing a total of four distinct experiences. The series offers a diverse range of mystery genres, including murder mystery, walking mystery, and full-fledged deduction, ensuring a variety of challenges for participants.

Event Details

• Venue: Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store
• Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station
• Address: 1-1-25 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8512, Japan (MAP)
• Event Period: June 19, 2024 (Wednesday) – January 19, 2025 (Sunday)
• Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Play time: 90-120 minutes)
• Official Website: https://mysterytown.jp/event/kindaichi-tobu/

Please note that the published content is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, it is advisable to consult the official website of the venue or organizer.

🛏️ See hotels near Tokyo

Who is Kindaichi?

Hajime Kindaichi is the teenage detective at the center of the Japanese mystery series "The Kindaichi Case Files" (Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo). Created by Yozaburo Kanari and Fumiya Sato, the series began in 1992 and quickly attracted a loyal audience with its complex plots and engaging narratives.

Kindaichi is a high school student known for his sharp intellect and ability to solve intricate mysteries. Despite his relaxed demeanor, he has a strong sense of justice, a trait he shares with his grandfather, the renowned detective Kosuke Kindaichi. The series follows him as he tackles a variety of challenging cases, often featuring locked-room puzzles and clever criminals.

His character is defined by his deductive reasoning, which he employs to uncover the truth behind difficult crimes. The stories take him to different settings, where he meets a range of characters, each with their own secrets. With the support of his friends, including Miyuki Nanase and Inspector Kenmochi, Kindaichi approaches each mystery with determination and insight.

Kindaichi’s popularity has led to adaptations in various media, such as live-action dramas, films, and video games, making him a well-known figure in Japanese fiction. The "Solve the Tobu Department Store Miracle Show Murder with Kindaichi" event offers participants a chance to engage in a mystery-solving experience, drawing on their own deductive skills in the vibrant setting of Ikebukuro.

YUMEJI’s 140th Birthday Exhibition: Taisho Romanticism and a New World (January 18 – March 16, Abeno Harukas Art Museum)

The Abeno Harukas Art Museum in Osaka is set to host a major retrospective celebrating the 140th anniversary of the birth of Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934), an artist whose name is synonymous with the Taisho Romanticism movement in Japan. Running from January 18 to March 16, 2025, this exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Yumeji’s prolific career, showcasing his enduring appeal and significant influence on Japanese art and design.

A Deep Dive into Yumeji’s World

Yumeji’s art, particularly his iconic "Yumeji-style beauties," captured the public’s imagination during the Taisho era (1912-1926), a period marked by a flourishing of new artistic and cultural expressions. This exhibition, drawing primarily from the esteemed collection of the Yumeji Art Museum, presents approximately 180 works and related materials. These pieces have been selected through a fresh lens, informed by the latest scholarly research, to provide a nuanced understanding of Yumeji’s artistic journey.

The breadth of the exhibition is notable, extending beyond Yumeji’s well-known paintings to encompass a diverse range of his creative output. Visitors can expect to see examples of his work in magazine illustrations, sheet music covers, book designs, and even everyday items, demonstrating the pervasive influence of his aesthetic.

Oil Paintings: A Rarity and a Revelation

A significant draw for art enthusiasts will be the display of 13 of Yumeji’s oil paintings, a rare opportunity given that only around 30 such works are known to exist. Among these, the exhibition features "Amaryllis," an oil painting recently rediscovered after being lost for eight decades. This marks the painting’s Osaka debut, following showings in Okayama and Tokyo. "Amaryllis" offers a fascinating insight into Yumeji’s artistic development, showcasing his attempt to synthesize Western painting techniques with his unique Japanese sensibility, evident in the subject’s expressive face and distinctively rendered hands.

Another highlight is the large-scale oil painting "Nude on the West Coast," recently repatriated from the United States. This piece, believed to be the only one among Yumeji’s extant oil paintings to depict a nude foreign woman, was created during his travels in America. It stands as a testament to his mastery of oil painting, with the subject’s pale skin rendered in striking detail, exemplifying the bijinga (pictures of beautiful women) genre that Yumeji helped to define.

Image of "Amaryllis"

Image of "Nude on the West Coast"

Enriching the Experience: Lectures in Collaboration with Harukas University

In conjunction with the exhibition, Harukas University will host two special lectures, providing deeper context and insights into Yumeji’s life and work.

① "Yumeji’s Love and Dreams – Along with the Romance Left in Newly Discovered Works"

• Lecturer: Masayuki Okabe (Exhibition Supervisor, Professor Emeritus of Teikyo University, Special Director of the Gunma Prefectural Museum of Modern Art)
• Date and Time: January 18, 2025 (Saturday), 13:30-15:00 (Doors open at 13:00)

② "The Yumeji Art Museum Collection and the Origin of Yumeji’s Art"

• Lecturer: Hiromi Kojima (Acting Director and Curator of the Yumeji Art Museum)
• Date and Time: February 11, 2025 (Tuesday, National Holiday), 15:00-16:30 (Doors open at 14:30)

Details for Both Lectures:

• Fee: Free, but a ticket to the exhibition (used or unused) is required.
• Venue: Abeno Harukas 23rd floor, Harukas University Seminar Room
• Capacity: 70 people (Advance application required on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications close when capacity is reached.)
• Application Method: Harukas University Website

Exhibition Details

• Period: January 18, 2025 (Saturday) – March 16, 2025 (Sunday) – Open daily throughout the exhibition period.
• Hours:
  • Tuesday-Friday: 10:00-20:00
  • Monday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 10:00-18:00
  • (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
• Venue: Abeno Harukas Art Museum (1-1-43 Abeno-suji, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Abeno Harukas 16th floor)
• Admission Fees:
  • General: 1,700 yen (1,500 yen for advance tickets or groups of 15 or more)
  • University/High School Students: 1,300 yen (1,100 yen for advance tickets or groups of 15 or more)
  • Elementary/Junior High School Students: 500 yen (300 yen for advance tickets or groups of 15 or more)
• Contact: 06-4399-9050 (Abeno Harukas Art Museum)
• Website: https://www.ktv.jp/event/yumeji2025/

🛏️ View hotels near the event

Understanding Yumeji and Taisho Romanticism

Yumeji Takehisa was a notable Japanese artist and poet associated with the Taisho Romanticism movement during Japan’s Taisho era (1912-1926). This period saw a blend of Western influences with traditional Japanese aesthetics, creating a distinct cultural and artistic expression. Yumeji’s work exemplifies this fusion, marked by its delicate style and focus on beauty, nostalgia, and the transient nature of life.

Taisho Romanticism, as seen in Yumeji’s work, often explores themes of longing and introspection, reflecting an era that was both modern and deeply rooted in Japanese culture. His art, especially his bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), is known for its graceful lines and melancholic charm, capturing the complexities of human emotion and the evolving societal landscape of early 20th-century Japan.

The exhibition at Abeno Harukas Art Museum provides an opportunity to explore Yumeji’s world, examining how his work continues to connect with contemporary audiences and showcasing the lasting appeal of Taisho Romanticism. Through his paintings, illustrations, and poetry, visitors can appreciate the interplay of tradition and modernity that characterizes this artistic movement.

Needle Festival at Kamimikoromo Shrine: A Celebration of Craft and Connection

Kamimikoromo Shrine, a subsidiary shrine within the larger Wakamiya Hachimansha complex, is renowned as a place to seek success in matters of the heart. This reputation is further cemented by the annual Hari-kuyo Festival, a unique event that blends traditional craftsmanship with the pursuit of meaningful relationships.

Hari-kuyo Festival: Honoring Needles and Weaving Bonds

Held each year on February 8th, the Hari-kuyo Festival, also known as the Needle Festival, is a ceremony dedicated to expressing gratitude for the service of sewing needles. Participants show their appreciation by gently embedding their used needles into soft tofu or konnyaku, a traditional Japanese jelly. This act symbolizes the culmination of countless hours spent in the art of sewing, while simultaneously offering a prayer for the continued improvement of one’s skills.

Beyond its practical significance, the Hari-kuyo Festival carries a deeper, more romantic meaning. The act of sewing, stitch by stitch, is seen as a metaphor for the careful cultivation of relationships. Attendees take this opportunity to reflect on their feelings for loved ones, pray for successful matches, and hope for enduring bonds. This connection between needlework and love is further emphasized by the shrine’s enshrined deity, Kinunui no Mikoto, who is believed to enhance handicraft skills and foster happiness through the forging of strong connections.

A Vibrant Marche: Complementing the Festival

Adding to the festive atmosphere, a lively marché will be held concurrently with the Hari-kuyo Festival. This market offers a diverse array of goods and experiences, including food trucks serving delectable treats, stalls brimming with fresh, locally-sourced vegetables, and vendors showcasing a variety of handmade crafts. The marché provides an excellent opportunity to explore the local culture and find unique souvenirs, all while enjoying the vibrant energy of the festival.

For the most up-to-date information regarding the event, please refer to the official social media channels of Wakamiya Hachimansha:

• Wakamiya Hachimansha Official Instagram
• Wakamiya Hachimansha Official Facebook

Wakamiya Hachimansha: A Historical Landmark

Wakamiya Hachimansha, the parent shrine of Kamimikoromo Shrine, is a significant historical site in Nagoya. Established in 1610 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shrine was designated as the general guardian shrine of the city. It enshrines Emperor Nintoku, Emperor Ojin, and Takenouchi no Sukune. In addition to the Hari-kuyo Festival, Wakamiya Hachimansha hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Wakamiya Festival held on May 15th and 16th.

See spot details

Event Details

• Date: February 8, 2025
• Time:
  • Hari-kuyo Festival: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Marche: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Kamimikoromo Shrine (within Wakamiya Hachimansha)
• Contact: Wakamiya Hachimansha
• TEL: 052-241-0810
• Access:
  • 7-minute walk from Osu Kannon Station on the Tsurumai Subway Line
  • 5-minute walk from Yabacho Station on the Meijo Subway Line

Planning Your Visit

For those planning to attend the Hari-kuyo Festival and explore the surrounding area, a variety of accommodation options are available. You can find a suitable hotel near the event through this link: 🛏️ See hotels near the event.

What is Hari-kuyo (Needle Festival)?

Hari-kuyo, or the Needle Festival, is a Japanese ceremony held annually on February 8th to honor old and broken needles. This tradition reflects a cultural appreciation for craftsmanship and the tools that make it possible. During the festival, seamstresses, tailors, and craft enthusiasts gather at shrines, such as Nagoya’s Kamimikoromo Shrine, to pay tribute to the needles that have served them over the past year.

Participants bring their worn-out needles and place them into a soft block of tofu or konnyaku, symbolizing a respectful retirement for these tools. This act acknowledges the service of the needles and provides a moment for reflection and gratitude for the skills they have supported. Hari-kuyo is not just a farewell to old tools; it celebrates the connection between artisans and their craft, encouraging mindfulness and respect for the materials and instruments that aid their work.

Hankyu Valentine’s Chocolate Expo 2025: A Confluence of Cocoa

From January 20th to February 14th, 2025, the Hankyu Umeda Main Store in Osaka will transform into a veritable chocolate emporium, hosting what is slated to be Japan’s most expansive chocolate festival. This event promises an immersive experience, showcasing approximately 3,000 varieties of chocolate from 300 domestic and international brands.

A Multi-Sensory Chocolate Experience

The expo extends beyond a simple marketplace, offering a deep dive into the world of chocolate. The main venue, located on the 9th floor, will be complemented by satellite shops throughout the building, effectively creating a "Hankyu Chocolate Department Store." Attendees can expect a diverse array of offerings, including:

• Unique Tablet Chocolates: Discover a wide selection of artisanal tablet chocolates, each with its own distinct flavor profile and origin story.
• Cacao Adventurers’ Corner: Delve into the narratives of the individuals involved in the cacao industry, gaining insight into the journey from bean to bar.
• Freshly Baked Chocolate Sweets: Indulge in the aroma and taste of freshly baked chocolate confections, prepared on-site for immediate enjoyment.
• Bonbon Chocolate Tasting Counter: Savor individual bonbons, allowing for a nuanced appreciation of each piece’s craftsmanship and flavor.

Beyond the 9th Floor: A Building-Wide Celebration

The 9th floor’s Festive Square will feature specialized areas, including:

• Cup Ice Cream Extravaganza: Choose from 50 varieties of cup ice cream, representing 19 different brands.
• Chocolate Sandwich Showcase: Explore a collection of approximately 240 types of chocolate sandwiches, a testament to the versatility of this beloved treat.
• Macaron Laboratory: Immerse yourself in the delicate world of macarons, with 78 varieties from 17 brands on display.

The festivities extend beyond the 9th floor, with each cafe from the 4th to the 12th floors offering limited-time Valentine’s Day parfaits. Additionally, talk events featuring renowned chefs and chocolatiers will provide further insight into the artistry and passion behind chocolate creation.

Supporting Local Producers: A Focus on Ishikawa and Noto

The expo will also highlight chocolates crafted with ingredients from the Ishikawa and Noto regions. Notably, attendees can sample bonbons made with sake from Noto Peninsula breweries, as well as those featuring "Tsuru to Fuku," a Junmai Daiginjo sake collaboratively brewed using sake rice salvaged from a brewery in Oku-Noto that was impacted by a recent earthquake. This initiative offers a tangible way to support the recovery efforts in the region through the enjoyment of these unique confections.

Event Details

• Dates: January 20th (Monday) – February 14th (Friday), 2025
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM on each floor (excluding restaurant floors)
  • The 9th floor (excluding cafes) and the 10th floor "Umeda Souq" central area will close at 7:00 PM on February 14th.
  • Koto Coto Stage 111/112 and the Kids Event Space on the 11th floor will close at 6:00 PM on February 14th.
• Location: Hankyu Umeda Main Store, 9th floor and other event spaces on each floor (8-7 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka)
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 06-6361-1381 (main)
• Website: Hankyu Valentine’s Chocolate Expo 2025

🛏️ See hotels near the event

What is Hankyu?

Hankyu is a Japanese department store chain, originating in Osaka, known for its diverse range of high-quality products. It serves as a cultural and commercial center, drawing both locals and tourists. The store is notable for events like the annual Valentine’s Chocolate Expo, featuring a variety of chocolates from different countries. Hankyu combines traditional Japanese hospitality with contemporary shopping experiences, maintaining a significant presence in the retail industry.

Delicious Botanical Art at the Matsuzakaya Museum: Stories of Plants that Enrich Our Cuisine

During the 18th and 19th centuries, as Britain modernized through the Industrial Revolution, the plants and food ingredients imported from around the world captivated people and greatly expanded the diversity of British food culture. This exhibition, held at the Matsuzakaya Art Museum, delves into this fascinating period of culinary and botanical exploration.

With the cooperation of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which is known for housing the world’s largest botanical art collection of over 200,000 items, this exhibition showcases approximately 200 works. These include botanical art of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices drawn in the 18th and 19th centuries, along with furniture, tableware, and recipes that adorned dining tables of the era. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, science, and gastronomy during a time of significant cultural change.

The exhibition will be held at the Matsuzakaya Art Museum, located on the 7th floor of the South Building of the Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store. It runs from January 3, 2025 (Friday) to February 9, 2025 (Sunday), giving visitors ample time to immerse themselves in the world of botanical art. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with the last admission at 17:30, ensuring that even those with busy schedules can find a convenient time to visit.

Admission to the exhibition is priced at 1,200 yen for the general public, with a discounted rate of 1,000 yen available for advance or group bookings. High school and university students can enjoy the exhibition for 900 yen, or 700 yen with the discount. Notably, junior high school students and younger are granted free entry, making this an accessible cultural experience for families. For those interested in further discounts, the Matsuzakaya Art Museum website provides detailed information on various offers.

The Matsuzakaya Art Museum is conveniently located and easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take the Meijo Subway Line to Yabacho Station, which offers a direct connection to the museum via an underground passage from Exits 5 and 6. Alternatively, those arriving at Sakae Station on the Higashiyama and Meijo Subway Lines can reach the museum with a short 5-minute walk south from Exit 16.

For any inquiries, the Matsuzakaya Art Museum can be contacted at TEL: 050-1782-7000.

🛏️ See hotels near the event

Dates: January 3, 2025 (Friday) – February 9, 2025 (Sunday)

Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last admission at 17:30)

Venue: Matsuzakaya Art Museum (Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store, South Building 7th floor)

Fee: Paid

Fee Details:

• General: 1,200 yen (1,000 yen with advance/discount)
• High school/University students: 900 yen (700 yen with advance/discount)
• Junior high school students and younger: Free
• Prices in parentheses ( ) are advance/discount prices.
• For information on Matsuzakaya’s various discount offers, please check the Matsuzakaya Art Museum website.

Contact: Matsuzakaya Art Museum, TEL: 050-1782-7000 (Main)

Access:

• Yabacho Station (Meijo Subway Line): Directly connected to the underground passage (Exits 5 & 6)
• Sakae Station (Higashiyama and Meijo Subway Lines): 5-minute walk south from Exit 16

What is Matsuzakaya Museum?

The Matsuzakaya Museum, situated in Nagoya, Japan, is a cultural institution focused on art and history. Initially part of the Matsuzakaya department store, one of Japan’s oldest retail establishments, the museum has become a notable cultural venue. It hosts a variety of exhibitions, including traditional Japanese art, contemporary pieces, and international displays.

The museum is recognized for its exhibitions that connect historical and modern themes. For instance, "Delicious Botanical Art" highlights the beauty of botanical illustrations while examining their historical and cultural contexts. Such exhibitions offer visitors a chance to engage with art in an educational manner, enhancing their understanding of the links between art, nature, and history.