Explore Japan

The Captivating World of Escape Games

The Japanese are captivated by a game with one simple rule: Solve the puzzle and escape the room. What began as an online escape game has evolved into the “real-life” escape game, an in-person experience filled with adventure and entertainment. In this program, Arisa reports on the masterminds behind these captivating real-life escape games. Also, learn about the very first junior high school in Japan to incorporate the real-life escape game into their entrance exams. We interview the faculty, as well as students who took the exams. In addition, Arisa tries her hand at a game that has been created by first-year junior high school students. Join us as we visit the game creators in their workplace, interviewing Kato Takao, one of the people responsible for the game’s popularity. We were also allowed a peek into the atelier that is the birthplace of the intriguing special effects such as bombs and treasure chests. Join Arisa as she experiences the mysterious items for herself!