Riddle creator Ryogo Matsumaru announced on March 20, 2025, that he is leaving the University of Tokyo to pursue his passion for creating escape games. The decision came after extended contemplation and heartfelt encouragement from his family.
Matsumaru, a graduate of Azabu High School, initially enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo. He garnered significant attention as a problem creator on Fuji Television's popular show, Tonight is Nazotore, where he showcased his talent in designing challenging puzzles. Despite his academic commitments, Matsumaru had been taking a leave of absence from university as a fourth-year student.
On the afternoon of March 20, 2025, Matsumaru took to social media to announce an important update, revealing that he would formally withdraw from the university. He stated, “Today at 19:00, I want to share an important announcement without hiding anything from you all. I’ve been pondering a lot about my life, and finally made a decision, so I’d appreciate your support.” His announcement generated considerable interest among his followers and fans.
In his message, Matsumaru expressed the challenges he faced in reaching this resolution. He shared, “I’ve thought long and hard, but I’ve decided. I, Ryogo Matsumaru, will leave the University of Tokyo this month and commit my life to starting my own business as CEO of RIDDLER Corporation.” Alongside this declaration, he posted a picture of himself holding his withdrawal form.
The young entrepreneur emphasized his goal of making escape games a cultural phenomenon. Reflecting on his journey, Matsumaru noted, “To make my dream of ‘making puzzle-solving a culture’ come true, I’ve been taking a leave of absence in my fourth year to run this company, which is now entering its seventh year. In 2023, we even won the world championship for escape games, reinforcing my realization that solving puzzles is my greatest passion. I have come to believe that remaining in this halfway state of being able to return to the university isn't right. Thus, I’ve decided to draw a clear line here.”
Despite the possibility of graduating within a year, Matsumaru reflected on the emotional weight of his decision. “I struggled with the idea of maybe returning to graduate... but my father encouraged me, saying, ‘In this one life you have, if you’ve found something you want to do, focus your time on that.’ This has led to my thoughtful decision, and I have no regrets!” he wrote. His commitment underscores his belief that the essence of his identity remains unchanged despite this significant shift.
Matsumaru acknowledges that while he is moving away from academia, he remains dedicated to pursuing his passion with fervor. “Even after leaving the University of Tokyo, nothing inside me will change. I will continue to work hard in what I love,” he assured his audience.
As he embarks on this new chapter of his life, Ryogo Matsumaru serves as a testament to the importance of following one’s passion and dreams, leaving a prestigious academic environment in pursuit of a career where he believes he can make an impactful contribution.
