Exceedingly Rare: IPP24 Tokyo, Japan (2004) Official Souvenir Book

From the Private Collection of the late Bill Darah

​Up for auction is a "Holy Grail" for collectors of Japanese mechanical puzzles: the Official Records of the 24th International Puzzle Party (IPP24), held in Tokyo, Japan, in 2004. As an invitation-only event with roughly 400 global attendees, these books were never sold to the public and represent a finite piece of puzzle history.

​Elite Provenance

​This copy belonged to the late Bill Darah, a titan of the international puzzle community. Bill’s collection was renowned for its depth and the impeccable care he provided for every item. Owning a book with the Darah provenance is a mark of prestige and ensures the item has been handled by a true connoisseur.

​Condition: Museum Quality

​This volume is in pristine, collector-grade condition:

• ​Binding: The spine is tight and perfectly square; no cracking or "reading lean."
• ​Pages: Crisp, bright, and clean. No markings, highlights, or dog-ears.
• ​Cover: Features the iconic minimalist IPP24 Tokyo design; vibrant colors with no fading or shelf wear.

​Historical Significance: The Tokyo Influence

​The 2004 Tokyo IPP was a landmark event, showcasing the pinnacle of Japanese puzzle design. This record includes:

• ​The Nob Yoshigahara Design Competition: Detailed photos and descriptions of the world-class entries for 2004.
• ​The Edward Hordern Puzzle Exchange: A visual encyclopedia of nearly 100 exchange puzzles—an essential tool for identifying rare Japanese "Secret Base" or Burr puzzles in your collection.
• ​Lectures & Cultural Highlights: Records of the unique Japanese hospitality and the legendary designers who attended, including the late Nob Yoshigahara himself.

​A Note to the Community

​In keeping with the traditions of the IPP and out of respect for the intellectual property of the designers, I have intentionally excluded photos of the internal solution pages. I believe the "secret" to these puzzles should belong only to the winning bidder, preserving the mystery and challenge for the new owner.

Shipping determined at close of auction.