Celebrating its 105th occurrence, Comic Market, commonly known as Comike, is being held on December 29 (Sunday) and 30 (Monday) this year.

When Comike started back in 1975, it was a small event with only several hundred people. However, the doujinshi culture became more widespread as the anime/manga culture received more and more recognition in Japan. Now, it has become a mega event that is held twice a year, summer and winter, providing opportunities for the fans not only to get their hands on works from all over the world, but also to interact with other fans.

You can see the huge popularity of Comike from the amount of people it attracts Provided by: Comic Market Preparatory Committee

In addition to booths called “Circles” for individual participants, the event also features corporate booths of popular anime production companies and video game companies. They sometimes offer items that are available only at the event. Some companies also release the latest information on their new anime works, so the event also works as an information source that fans cannot miss out on.

Corporate booths sometimes offer event-exclusive items Provided by: Comic Market Preparatory Committee

The many cosplayers that gather at the venue is another aspect that makes it so popular. Not only can you take photos of people dressed as the characters of manga, anime, and video games, but you can also participate as a cosplayer and use the changing rooms by paying the cosplayer registration fee. Turning yourself into your favorite character might help you experience the lure of Comike even more.

Provided by: Comic Market Preparatory Committee

Vending Machines at the Venue Also Customized for Comiket Provided by: Comic Market Preparatory Committee

You need a special wristband to enter the venue. Raise your fist up and show your wristband at the entrance! Check out the official website to see how to get the wristband as well as the details of sale of the wristbands to those who live outside Japan.

Example of Wristband for the 100th Event Provided by: Comic Market Preparatory Committee

This is a photo from Comic Market 104. Raise your fist as you enter! Provided by: Comic Market Preparatory Committee

Getting your hand on doujinshi and goods of your favorite works, interacting with other fans who love the same works, and experiencing the Japanese pop culture in person—why not add the one and only Comike to your Japan trip itinerary?

■ DATA Comic Market 105 Period: December 29, 2024 (Sunday) & December 30, 2024 (Monday) Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) (Nearest stations: Rinkai Line "Kokusai-tenjijo Station", or Yurikamome "Kokusai-tenjijo-Seimon Station") Address: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo Time: - Exhibitor Circles: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM - Corporate Booths: Day 1: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM / Day 2: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM - Cosplay Admission Day 1: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM / Day 2: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Early Dressing Room Entry at 9:30 AM) Official Website: https://www.comiket.co.jp/ Page for Overseas Participants: https://www.comiket.co.jp/info-a/TAFO/C105TAFO/ 【Admission Fees】 For Residents in Japan - Early Admission Ticket: Lottery period from November 19 (Tuesday) to 27 (Wednesday) ※ Already closed - Wristband Participation Certificate: Available at Animate, Toranoana, and Melonbooks stores from December 7 (Saturday) to December 30 (Monday) - Morning Admission: ¥1,210 - Afternoon Admission: ¥440 (in-store), ¥1,000 (at the venue) - ※ Cosplay participants require an additional cosplay registration fee For Overseas Residents - E-Tickets: Sales expected to start on Ticket Pay from December 7 (Saturday) (Information as of November 2024)

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