Comiket: Japan’s Largest Anime, Manga, and Game Convention

A Glimpse into Comiket

When you think of Japan, anime and manga will come to mind almost instantly. After all, Japan is known as the home of anime, where an average of 300 anime are released yearly. But fans don’t just look forward to the annual anime releases; they also look forward to Comiket.

A convention where artists can sell their doujinshi, and fans can purchase these works while also meeting cosplayers and people with similar interests–Comiket is both a marketplace and social gathering event! 

What is Comiket? 

Comiket, shortened from comic market and sometimes referred to as Comike, is a marketplace allowing artists to exhibit and sell their doujinshi, or self-published works, involving anime, manga, and video games. The doujinshi can either be fanfiction, in which case it will feature characters from existing stories, or original works. There have also been circles selling photography books in recent years!

How often is Comiket held?

The convention is held at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake in Koto Ward, Tokyo, twice every year. The summer event is often scheduled during mid-August, and the Winter one in late December. Attendees include circles, which are groups or individual artists exhibiting their works, cosplayers, and fans. This year, it will be on August 16 and 17 in the summer, and December 30 and 31 for the winter.

How many people often come?

It is said to be Japan’s largest public gathering, and for good reason. 2024 saw half a million attendees and 54,000 circles for both summer and winter conventions. While this is a significantly large number, it has greatly decreased, perhaps as an after-effect of COVID-19. Before COVID-19, the total number of visitors reached 1.48 million attendees and 64,000 circles in 2019. It was also normal to see more than 500,000 people in attendance. 

Comiket’s History 

Comiket has come a long way from its humble beginnings. The first convention, held in 1975, was a volunteer effort to bring together like-minded individuals with shared interests. The historical gathering welcomed just around 700 attendees. 

The 1980s anime boom propelled Comiket’s popularity; anime like Captain Tsubasa garnered people’s interest, and the same year also became the advent of fanfiction works and cosplayers. More people started going. From the 1990s onwards, the total number of attendees soared to 200,000 and greater each year. 

To this day, Comic Market Preparatory Committee (ComiketPC), the same volunteer organization, runs the convention despite its exponential growth. 3,000 people make up the committee, handling the event planning and logistics. Volunteers also help set up and clean the venue to ensure it goes well. This shows how the event is for people and by the people, or in this case, for otaku and by otaku, at its core. 

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What can I do in Comiket?

There are many things going on at the convention, but here are some things attendees can do to enjoy themselves. First, check out the doujinshi tables, where the stars of the show are. Whether you enjoy fanfiction of your OTP or original works, there will be something for you!

Second, walk alongside your favorite characters brought to life by the dedicated cosplayers. To commemorate your experience, take pictures of or with them (of course, with permission!). 

Lastly, you can also make friends with your fellow fans! You can talk about your favorite anime, game, or manga and share what goods you bought. Don’t worry if you don’t speak much Japanese; fans worldwide have started going to Comiket, so you can surely find non-Japanese visitors. With the power of friendship often seen in anime and manga, the intense lines won’t hold a candle to you! 

What to Prepare Before Going 

Preparation is a must if you decide to go to Comiket. Begin by scanning the convention layout ahead of time and marking where your must-visit circles are. The venue will be packed to the brim with booths on the day of, so this will prevent you from getting lost (or side-tracked by the many works there are). 

Plan the most efficient route that will take you to all the booths you want to visit. Bring drinks and finger food you can easily eat–you won’t be able to get out and in again with the crowd. Of course, don’t forget to bring an extra bag with you! Bring one that can store many things, so your purchase can stay crisp and clean on your way home. 

Should you go to Comiket? 

Comiket is where most Japanese pop culture is condensed in one place to enjoy. It’s a must-attend for otakus, especially if you enjoy seeing the otaku community thrive. It can also be a fun experience for casual fans of anime, manga, and games, so definitely consider going!

In which season would you want to go, and what goods would you like to see? Let us know in the comments below!