池袋演劇祭＊マイムちゃん

The Ikebukuro Play Festival is a vibrant and community-focused showcase of theatrical talent held annually in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Established in 1989, the festival aims to nurture emerging artists and promote greater public engagement with theater. Over the course of September, various participating groups present their performances across local venues, with awards presented based on evaluations from publicly-selected judges.

Open to both amateur and professional participants, the festival encourages a diverse array of productions, culminating in an awards ceremony that highlights outstanding contributions. Notable features include discounted venue access for performers and the awarding of a grand prize that grants the winning group the opportunity to perform the following year at the Aoyama Super Theater.

Central to the festival's spirit is its official mascot, "Mime-chan," conceived during the event's tenth anniversary. Supported by various local organizations, the Ikebukuro Play Festival embodies the notion of a city where "the entire town becomes a stage," fostering a rich culture of theatrical expression.