It has been revealed that actor Toshiaki Karasawa will be starring in the film "Mystery Arena" (released May 22, 2026), directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi. Dressed in a striking white suit and afro, Karasawa plays the host of a quiz show, and commented, "I don't think people will know who I am at first just by looking at me (laughs)."
The show is based on the novel of the same name by Fukasawa Reiichiro, which has been ranked in numerous places, including first place in the "Top 10 Honkaku Mysteries" (2016). The show is a hugely popular live mystery quiz show, "Mystery Arena," hosted by Kabayama Momotarou (played by Karasawa). After a string of unconquerable mystery questions failed to come up with the right answer, the prize money carried over and ballooned to 10 billion yen. The question this time is, "A murder took place in an isolated Western-style mansion during a storm." Will the six contestants, selected for their deductive reasoning skills, be able to solve this mystery? This is the story.
Karasawa will play Kabayama, the face of the show, who livens up the studio with his high energy, riles up the contestants with his sharp tongue, and smoothly guides the show along. He is a strong character, sporting teardrop sunglasses, an afro hairstyle, and a flashy white suit.
This marks the first time Director Tsutsumi has teamed up with Karasawa in 15 years since the film "20th Century Boys: The Final Chapter - Our Flag" (2009). He revealed that Karasawa had suggested an afro, saying, "Why not use an afro? Kabayama's hair." He added, "Afro is a magical hairstyle that unites many different entertainment elements! With that as its flagship, we ran freely and I hope you will see the results!"
◇Comment from Toshiaki Karasawa
The character I play, Kabayama Momotaro, is a slightly crazy quiz show host. When I read the original work, I really felt like "this guy is crazy," so I tried to portray that as much as possible. However, I don't think you'll know who he is at first just by looking at him (laughs).
(When I received the offer) I was looking forward to filming, as I had worked with Director Tsutsumi on "20th Century Boys." The original work is a true mystery, an unpredictable piece that is really interesting, and I thought it would be quite difficult to adapt it into a film. With this original work and Director Tsutsumi, I thought it wouldn't be an ordinary film.
The actors appearing as panelists on the quiz show were also very flexible, and they ended up acting in ways that I hadn't anticipated, and the director changed the direction after seeing that, making for a fun and interesting shoot.
This work is about a grand quiz show that takes place once a year. A grand mystery is intertwined with this quiz show, and while you might think that this is the main story, at the very end, a variety of incredible events occur. I think it's a worthwhile work that can be enjoyed by both those who have read the original and those who haven't! I hope to see you at the theater!
◇Comment from Director Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Fukami-sensei's original work is full of the charms of all mysteries and is imbued with a vast amount of intelligence that overlooks the world's systems. And the script I received was brilliantly creative, remixing the appeal of the original work into a cinematic production. Now I was in a difficult position. Would my directing knowledge be enough to compete?
I couldn't find the key to integrating the comedy flavor, the mystery structure, and the film's unique secrets, but one day, a single word from lead actor Toshiaki Karasawa made it all clear to me! "Why not an afro? Kabayama's hair?" He said. Afro! At that moment, all the visuals came pouring out! Afro is the magical hair that integrates many different entertainment elements! With this as the flagship, they ran freely, and I hope you'll check out the results!
◇Comment from the original author, Reiichiro Fukami
I wrote this story thinking that it would be impossible to adapt it into a film, so I am the one who is most surprised that it has been realized. The main character, Kabayama Momotaro, is a character with an extremely strong personality, but I am looking forward to Karasawa's amazing performance!
