LARP Events in Japan (In-Person and Narrative-Driven)
Live Action Role-Play (LARP) in Japan is a nascent but steadily growing scene, with events now popping up from Tokyo to Osaka and beyond. Most LARP events in Japan are run in Japanese, but a few groups offer English-friendly LARP experiences for international participants. Below is a comprehensive list of active, in-person LARP events currently held in Japan. Each entry includes the event name, location (city or region), primary language, genre/theme, a brief description, and a link to an official page or social profile. Whether you're searching for live action roleplay in Tokyo or looking for bilingual adventures elsewhere, this guide has you covered.
Tokyo & Kanto Region (Eastern Japan)
Laymun LARP
Iruma, Saitama (Tokyo area) – Language: Japanese – Genre: Fantasy & Horror (Story-driven). This is Japan's oldest continuously-running story LARP circle (est. 2013). Laymun runs monthly narrative LARP games where players create characters and participate in GM-led scenarios (ranging from medieval fantasy quests to modern horror mysteries). The focus is on "story LARP" with costumes and safe foam weapon combat.
Valhol "Yuru LARP"
Chiba (near Tokyo) – Language: Japanese – Genre: Fantasy Combat (Casual). "Yuru LARP" (literally "casual LARP") is a combat-focused LARP event series organized by the Valhol group. Held at airsoft fields (e.g. Desert Union in Chiba), it emphasizes fun melee battles with foam weapons in a loose fantasy setting. There's no strict dress code – participants come in anything from medieval armor to cosplay – and games involve day-long safe swordplay with simple rules. Yuru LARP is extremely popular, boasting some of the largest turnouts in Japan (100+ players at certain events).
Official pages: Valhol Twitter (JP), TwiPla event listings.
Double Knight Story
Chiba (Tokyo area) – Language: Japanese – Genre: Fantasy Boffer Combat. Double Knight Story is a regular combat LARP event similar in spirit to Yuru LARP. It's essentially a "close-combat survival game" LARP, where players of all experience levels engage in safe mock battles with foam swords, axes, and magic props. Events are held in airsoft arenas (such as Field BEAM or Queen in Chiba) and structured as scenario-light combat games (e.g. unlimited respawn team battles using clicker counters). Participants often wear fantasy costumes (though not required) and enjoy photography and vendor booths on-site. Double Knight Story runs multiple times a year ("Acts"); for example, Act XVIII was scheduled for May 2025.
Official pages: Twitter @Double_knight_S (JP), TwiPla event pages.
Cthulhu Live (Masquerade)
Tokyo (Akihabara) – Language: Japanese – Genre: Lovecraftian Horror & Mystery. Masquerade is a Tokyo-based LARP circle that hosts Cthulhu Live events, immersing players in Call of Cthulhu–themed horror scenarios. These are narrative-heavy games where each participant is given a character with secrets and objectives, and the story can branch based on player decisions. Typical features include Lovecraftian mysteries, ensemble "investigation drama" storylines (each player only sees part of the big picture), and a non-contact resolution system for conflicts (no boffer combat). Masquerade also occasionally runs murder mystery-style interactive events. Games are held irregularly (few times a year), and sign-ups happen via Twitter/TwiPla with spots filling up quickly.
Official pages: Masquerade Twitter (JP), Masquerade blog (JP).
Avisomnia
Tokyo (various venues) – Language: Japanese – Genre: Multi-Genre Immersive Roleplay. Avisomnia is a creative