The popularity of “escape games” has been growing recently in Asian countries and Japan is no exception. Our own Mr. Sato took part in one not too long ago where he had to solve a series of puzzles to progress through levels and reach the end. In his case, the end consisted of a train car stocked with alcopops.

This time a unique escape game event is scheduled for after midnight on 17 November at the Asagaya Loft in Tokyo titled “R18 Real Escape Game: Escape from Virginity.” Some readers may find this name shocking at first, but after learning what really goes on at this event we can see it’s not exactly as the name suggests.

Escape from Virginity is a type of gokon (group dating party) which emulates the recent escape game craze. In the event, participants assume the roles of “virgins” regardless of whether or not they are one in real life. Together they must engage in conversation with members of the opposite sex to solve puzzles and reach the next level.

In this game the levels consist of Gokon; After-Party; After-After-Party; and Love Hotel in which a final puzzle must be unlock so that participants may escape their virginity. However, this “virginity” is entirely symbolic and the event organizers are not promising any actual sexual encounters.

The reason this event is restricted to anyone over 18 is that it’s both held late at night and consists of riddles that can be “little kinky” at times. The organizers thought that this style of party may help singles loosen up and promote a healthier attitude towards sexual topics between genders in Japan, which could well be a good thing as a recent survey suggested that 40.6% of Japanese males in their 20s are virgins.

“The high rate of virginity can lead to problems such as a low birth rate. These are important issues for the future of the country. To help tackle this issue we set up a parody of a real escape game. This way we address the issue in an entertaining way with a puzzle event.”

Again the event organizers would like to remind everyone that no virginity is actually lost at this event. As if to further drive the point home, each participant will receive a free Tenga masturbatory aid present. Also, this isn’t meant to be a true escape game with ultra-challenging puzzles, rather its difficulty level is low and social-based. Still, it’s easy to imagine someone looking for some hardcore action, puzzling or otherwise, will mistakenly put down the 1,500 yen (US$15) in advance or 2,000 yen ($20) at the door.

Information
R18 Real Escape Game: Escape from Virginity – Midnight Gokon
November 16th to 17th
Doors open at midnight, event begins at 12:30am
Asagaya Loft A
1-36-16-B1 Asagaya Minami, Suginami, Tokyo
Website (Japanese)

Source: NariNari via Hachima Kiko (Japanese)