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What Is Comiket? — A Visit to the World’s Largest Fan Convention


Twice a year, in the blazing heat of August and the chill of December, Tokyo hosts the world’s largest self-publishing fair: Comic Market, better known as Comiket. Held at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center, it brings together hundreds of thousands of fans from Japan and abroad. The latest event, “Comiket 106,” drew an estimated 250,000 visitors in just two days. I joined the crowd on the final day.


The history of Comiket dates back to 1975 (this year marks its 50th anniversary!). The first event, held in Toranomon, Tokyo, featured just 32 circles and around 700 participants. Nearly five decades later, it has grown into a major event attracting fans from overseas as well. One of its defining characteristics is that it has continued as a space for free creative expression, independent from commercial publishing.


The Path to Entry











From the nearest train station, long lines of attendees stretched all the way to the venue. Despite the summer sun, everyone waited patiently, prepared with drinks, fans, andumbrellas.   

To enter, visitors must show a wristband, purchased in advance or at special sales counters near the site. The wristband, which costs 1,000 yen (about 7 USD), serves as the admission fee for a single day.There were also direct buses running from Tokyo Station, underscoring just how massive the logistics of Comiket have become.


Corporate Booths and Fan Circles

The venue is divided into two main zones: corporate booths and the dōjin (fan circle) area.

Corporate booths feature official goods from popular titles, limited-edition merchandise, guest appearances by voice actors and creators, as well as stage events and photo sessions. These booths are highly accessible even for casual visitors or families.

The dōjin area, on the other hand, is where independent creators—students, hobbyists, or small groups called circles—sell their self-published works known as dōjinshi. While many focus on manga and anime, the scope is surprisingly broad: trains, military history, shrines and temples, even topics like quantum mechanics. Often these come with original illustrations, character-themed newsletters, or handmade goods. This side of Comiket showcases the grassroots, DIY spirit at its core. However, it should be noted that many works are adult-oriented, making this zone less family-friendly.

The shipping corner, operated by Japan Post, where attendees pack and send off their massive haul of dōjinshi and goods.


Cosplay Crowds



Cosplay is another iconic part of Comiket. Around the venue, cosplayers portraying beloved characters attracted small crowds, and in the dedicated cosplay area, queues for photo sessions formed quickly. Photographers ranged from casual smartphone users to professionals carrying reflectors and tripods. Visitors from overseas were especially noticeable this year, highlighting Comiket’s international appeal. Popular cosplayers drew enormous lines, and it is considered good manners to ask permission before uploading photos online.


Etiquette and Challenges

As Comiket has grown more mainstream, some long-time participants worry that newcomers may not understand the unwritten rules of dōjin culture. Since much of it revolves around derivative works (fan creations based on existing titles), which exist in a legal gray zone, bad manners or misunderstandings could have negative effects on this delicate ecosystem.

Summer-Only Concerns

The summer edition comes with its own challenges: the heat. This year again, temperatures exceeded 35°C (95°F). Concerns about body odor and personal hygiene trended online, but the issue even sparked humor. Japan’s top cosplayer, Enako, made headlines when she posted on X (formerly Twitter), jokingly reminding fans: “Before Comiket, let’s all take a bath 🛁.” (Link to her post) Her lighthearted yet practical advice was widely shared, turning a serious topic into part of the fun.

And honestly, in that heat, I couldn’t help but worry about the poor soul who chose to cosplay as Darth Vader—walking around in full black armor and a mask under the blazing Tokyo sun. That’s real dedication… or maybe the power of the Dark Side.

First Impressions

This was my very first visit to Comiket. Despite being a massive, tightly organized event, it still retains a strong sense of underground culture—a temporary “free zone” where creativity, passion, and subculture flourish. That mix of scale and raw energy may be the true reason Comiket continues to fascinate fans around the world.

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