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Tuesday, 24th November 2015
In Japan Entertainment News,
Japan's escape room experiences now available in English
Anyone travelling to Japan and looking for a different kind of activity may wish to take part in one of the escape room experiences that have been sweeping the nation.
Up until now, the games have only been available in Japanese, but the craze is now being opened up to English and Chinese speakers, reports Japan Today.
An escape room is an immersive experience that requires participants to solve problems using their lateral thinking skills.
The phenomenon is an example of life imitating art, as it relies on similar principles to those used in video games.
Groups of visitors are required to explore the surroundings they find themselves in and work out how to escape with the resources at hand during a set timeframe.
While some of those that have been set up are all about problem solving, others include a backstory and theme to build the atmosphere.
Escape room experience events first started in the mid-2000s, but the number of permanent facilities have proliferated, allowing those keen to take part to book a slot for any day of the week.
The activity is not solely available in Japan, but it is one the nation has embraced, and SCRAP Corporation has gained a reputation for itself across the country.
As well as its permanent facilities, it also organises large-scale events, like the one that was held at the Tokyo Dome.
Visitors keen to get in on the action can partake in either Escape from the Red Room or Escape from the Haunted Manor at the company’s Asakusa location in the Taito district of Tokyo.
Here, the experience is offered in English and costs 1,800 yen (£9.70) when booked in advance or 2,300 if paid for on the door.
Related news stories:
Proposals under way to change English teaching in Japan (23rd May 2013)
English zones to be introduced across Japan (29th August 2014)
Japanese employees offered financial incentive to learn English (15th January 2013)
Japanese firm announces English plan (1st July 2010)
English-language lessons for Japanese students 'from 2013' (2nd January 2009)
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