Comiket

Overview

Comic Market, commonly known as Comiket, is a twice-yearly doujinshi (self-published) fair held at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) in Koto Ward, Tokyo. Organized by the Comic Market Preparatory Committee, it has grown continuously since its first event in 1975 and is now the world's largest doujinshi convention. The event consists of three participant categories: general attendees, circle participants, and corporate participants, all gathering to distribute and purchase doujinshi (manga, novels, illustration collections, and other creative works).

The event is held twice a year, typically in mid-August for the summer session and from late December through December 31 for the winter session. Tokyo Big Sight uses all of its halls for this large-scale event, with daily attendance occasionally reaching hundreds of thousands of people. Entry and circle participation require specific procedures, and details are announced on the official website. For the latest schedule and whether the event is being held, it is recommended to check the official website.

History and Origin

Comic Market began with its first event in December 1975, held in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo. Initially, it was a small-scale fair with only dozens of participating circles, but it grew rapidly as doujinshi creation culture expanded. The organizer is a volunteer-based organization called the Comic Market Preparatory Committee, which operates the event on a non-profit basis.

In the 1980s, the number of participating circles surpassed several hundred, and the venue moved several times, including to the Tokyo Ryutsu Center and the Harumi International Exhibition Center. In the 1990s, participation increased even further, and when the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight) opened in 1996, it became the main venue and has remained so ever since. During this period, corporate booths became a regular feature, expanding the event beyond doujinshi sales to include exhibitions from publishing, gaming, and animation companies.

From the 2000s onward, the spread of the internet brought significant changes to participation methods and information dissemination. Starting with C86 (held in 2014), official apps capable of handling Web catalog data emerged, improving efficiency in circle searches and event planning. Additionally, the number of international participants increased, strengthening the event's profile as an international gathering.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, C98 (scheduled for May) was canceled, and the subsequent C99 was postponed. Since C99 was held in December 2021, the event has resumed its twice-yearly schedule while implementing infection control measures. The Comic Market Preparatory Committee also collaborates with organizations such as the Tokyo Red Cross Convention, maintaining ties with the local community.

Highlights

Circle Distribution The core of Comic Market is the distribution of new and existing works by thousands to tens of thousands of doujinshi circles. Circle participants apply in advance and are assigned spaces through a lottery system. Each circle creates works based on their own genres and themes, and direct distribution on the day provides a venue for creators and readers to meet.

Corporate Booths Publishers, game companies, and animation studios set up booths to promote their works and sell limited-edition merchandise. Corporate participants include legal entities and various organizations that participate in the Comic Market corporate space; media representatives from publishing houses and broadcasters may also fall under this category. For general attendees, this is an opportunity to obtain exclusive goods that are not available in stores or on television.

Cosplay Area Designated areas at Tokyo Big Sight, primarily on the rooftop plaza and around the Aomi Building, allow participants to freely engage in cosplay photography. Cosplay is a significant part of Comic Market culture, with many participants creating their own costumes for the event. Photography is subject to established rules, and guidelines are provided by the organizers.

Queue and Entry Management Due to the large number of attendees, long queues form around the venue from early morning. Entry is managed based on whether attendees have pre-distributed wristbands or catalogs, facilitating smooth flow. The location and timing of queues are announced on the official website for each event.

Sample Copies and Distribution Rules Circle participants are required to submit a sample copy of each doujinshi they distribute to the organizers. These sample copies are available for viewing by general attendees at the sample copy corner within the venue and are also archived for preservation. This rule functions both to verify content and to preserve the culture of doujinshi.

Catalog and Web Application Official catalogs are sold in both print and web application formats, providing comprehensive information on circles, venue maps, and schedules. Since C86, official apps capable of handling Web catalog data have been released, allowing attendees to plan their participation via smartphone. The catalog is an essential information source for attending Comic Market.

Access and Event Information

• Venue: Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight), 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto Ward, Tokyo
• Event Schedule: Typically mid-August (summer session) and late December through December 31 (winter session)
• Transportation:
  • Yurikamome Line: "Tokyo Big Sight" Station, approximately 1 minute walk
  • Tokyo Waterfront New Transit (Rinkai Line): "Kokusai Tenjijo" Station, approximately 8 minutes walk
  • Toei Bus and Keikyu Bus: "Tokyo Big Sight" stop, directly adjacent
• Venue Layout: East Exhibition Halls (Halls 1-6), West Exhibition Halls (Halls 1-4), Aomi Exhibition Halls (Halls A-C), utilizing all available halls
• Participant Categories: General attendees (ticket or wristband required, paid admission, catalog purchase recommended), circle participants (advance application and lottery), corporate participants (corporate contracts)
• Important Notes: Use of public transportation is strongly recommended due to traffic congestion around the venue. Private vehicle access is generally prohibited.
• Official Website: for the latest schedule and rules

Surrounding Area

The area around Tokyo Big Sight, part of the Ariake and Aomi waterfront district, has undergone extensive redevelopment and now features a variety of commercial facilities and accommodations. Following the closure of Palette Town and VenusFort in 2022, new commercial complexes such as Ariake Garden opened in 2023, providing attendees with rest areas and shopping options. Hotels adjacent to Tokyo Big Sight, such as Tokyo Bay Court Club, and those along the Rinkai Line in Omori or Shinagawa areas, are suitable for overnight stays.

Within walking distance of the venue are Symbol Promenade Park and Ariake Tennis no Mori Park, which are sometimes used as waiting areas or rest spaces. During the summer session, heatstroke prevention is critical in areas with little shade, making tree-lined park spaces and air-conditioned commercial facilities essential as refuge spots. For the winter session, warm clothing is necessary as outdoor waiting areas can become extremely cold.

The Aomi area also hosts cultural facilities such as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) and the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. Many attendees visit these facilities alongside Comic Market, giving the area a distinctive vibrancy during the event period. Tokyo Big Sight is located within a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo Station or Shimbashi Station, offering convenient access from central Tokyo.

Related Information

• ****: Provides event schedules, circle application information, and participation rules
• ****: Lists all past events and venue changes
• ****: Detailed history and statistical data of the doujinshi fair
• Tokyo Big Sight: Floor maps and facility information available on the official venue website
• Public Transportation Information: Service updates for Yurikamome, Rinkai Line, and Toei Bus are available on respective operator websites
• Cosplay Resource Sites: Rules and etiquette for cosplay at Comic Market follow guidelines published by the organizers
• Doujinshi Fair Calendars: Multiple websites provide schedules for Comic Market and related events
• Comic Market Preparatory Committee: The organizing body that periodically recruits volunteer staff

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