15 Anime Events in Japan: 2024 Complete Guide for Every Fan

A Complete Guide to Anime Events in Japan

There are numerous anime events, doujinshi (self-published comics/novels) conventions, and cosplay events held across Japan. These can be divided into several categories ranging from events that only invite animation studios and production companies to those that only feature amateur doujin artists. Some events allow cosplay, while others may not.

How you enjoy an event as a general attendee will vary depending on the event, so be sure to study up in advance before attending.

In this article, Noko—who has written original manga and game scenarios and has participated in Comiket as part of a doujin group for 10 years—introduces her recommended anime and doujin events across Japan!

Top Anime Events in Japan

Tokyo Anime, Doujinshi, and Cosplay Events

Photo by Photo AC

Tokyo hosts numerous anime, doujinshi, and cosplay events. It might not be far off to say that there’s an event happening almost every week somewhere in the city.

The Tokyo anime events featured in this article are all well-known. We’re only able to introduce a small selection, so please feel free to research further if you’re interested.

1. Tokyo - Comic Market (Comiket)

Comic Market, held at Tokyo Big Sight every August and December, is the world’s largest doujinshi convention. In December 2023, Comic Market 103 featured 13,700 doujin groups (a group of people that create doujin works together).

For Comiket, general attendees (those not exhibiting as doujin groups) must purchase tickets in advance. Since entry times vary depending on your ticket, be sure to check when the books you want will be available and when the cosplayers you want to see will be present before attending.

Comiket involves attending in challenging conditions, so make sure to prepare properly before heading out!

Writer’s Comment
Summer Comiket, in particular, can be extremely challenging due to the intense heat. Be sure to take proper measures to prevent heat stroke and any potential illnesses or issues! Also, keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times, as pickpocketing can occur.

Comic Market
Date: Mid-August (held on August 11 - 12, 2024), late December (held on December 30 - 31, 2023)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo, Koto, Ariake 3-11-1)
Official Website: Comic Market Committee

2. Chiba - Wonder Festival (WonFes)

Photo by Wonder Festival’s Official Website (Japanese)

Wonder Festival (WonFes), held in Makuhari Messe, is a convention for models and figures known as garage kits.

Models and figures of popular anime, manga, and other unique designs are exhibited at WonFes. You can buy the assembly kits for any that catch your eye. Take your kit home and enjoy assembling a cool model or cute figure!

You can also enjoy cosplaying at WonFes. A changing room ticket must be purchased in advance to cosplay at the event, so be sure to check the official website for details.

Wonder Festival
Event Info
Date: Summer (held on July 24, 2024) and winter (held on February 11, 2024)
Venue: Makuhari Messe (Chiba, Mihama, Nakase 2-1)
Official Website: Wonder Festival (Japanese)

3. Tokyo - Omoshiro Doujinshi Bazaar

Photo by Omoshiro Doujinshi Bazaar’s Official Website (Japanese)
Omoshiro Doujinshi Bazaar, which began as a small event at Osaki Station during Comic Market, is a somewhat unique doujinshi convention. It primarily features critique doujinshi, which can be thought of as “independent research projects” so to speak.

Why is Omoshiro Doujinshi Bazaar held in Osaki? That’s because Osaki Station is a transfer station for the Rinkai Line, which takes you to the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight), where Comiket is held.

Recently, Omoshiro Doujinshi Bazaar has also been held in venues other than Osaki.

Writer’s Comment
The “independent research projects” in critique doujinshi range from topics by a layperson to those by university and corporate researchers. Enjoy the event as a chance to expand your knowledge.

Omoshiro Doujinshi Bazaar
Event Info
Date: Irregularly held (held on June 25 and November 3, 2023)
Venue: Yumesan Bridge (JR Osaki Station South Exit Free Passage), Belle Salle Jimbocho (Tokyo, Chiyoda, Nishi-Kanda 3-2-1 2F-3F), etc.
Official Website: Omoshiro Doujinshi Bazaar (Japanese)

4. Tokyo - Sunshine Creation (SunCre)

Photo by Sunshine Creation’s Official Website (Japanese)
Sunshine Creation (SunCre) boasts over 20 years of history as a doujinshi convention. Held in Ikebukuro, it is known for its strong focus on doujinshi catering to men, which feature beautiful girls.

Attendees, get your admission wristbands and enter the venue to enjoy doujinshi and cosplay!

Sunshine Creation
Event Info
Date: Held 3 times a year in spring, summer, and autumn (held on March 5, June 30, and November 5, 2023)
Venue: Ikebukuro Sunshine City (Toshima, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1)
Official Website: Sunshine Creation (Japanese)

5. Tokyo - Akihabara Super Doujin Festival+

Photo by Akihabara Super Doujin Festival+’s Official Website (Japanese)
Akihabara Super Doujin Festival+ is held in Akihabara, known as the center of fan culture. The event is hosted by Melonbooks, a doujinshi bookstore. Alongside doujin artists, video game developers and other companies also participate, making it a lively and vibrant event.

Akihabara Super Doujin Festival+ is held at UDX in front of Akihabara Station.

Writer’s Comment
The UDX building is a real-life location featured in the anime “Love Live!” Why not participate in the event and make the most of your visit to Akihabara since the Tokyo Anime Center is also nearby?

Akihabara Super Doujin Festival+
Event Info
Date: Irregularly held about once a year (held on May 28, 2023)
Venue: AKIHABARA UDX GALLERY (Tokyo, Chiyoda, Sotokanda 4-14-1)
Official Website: Akihabara Super Doujin Festival+ (Japanese)

6. Tokyo - Annual Hakurei Shrine Grand Festival

Photo by Annual Hakurei Shrine Grand Festival’s Official Website (Japanese)
The Annual Hakurei Shrine Grand Festival is a Touhou Project only event. An “only event” features doujinshi and cosplayers centered around a single series.

Among many other only events, the Annual Hakurei Shrine Grand Festival is considerably large in scale with unique ways to enjoy the festivities. The event features live performances by music groups, creating an exciting atmosphere similar to an actual shrine festival.

Writer’s Comment
I’ve often participated in the Annual Hakurei Shrine Grand Festival with my doujin group! It’s an event with a warm and friendly atmosphere, so I highly recommend it to first-timers.

Hakurei Shrine Annual Festival
Event Info
Date: Mid-May (held on May 3, 2024) and Mid-October (will be held on October 20, 2024)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo, Koto, Ariake 3-11-1)
Official Website: Hakurei Shrine Annual Festival (Japanese)

7. Tokyo - Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival (Ike-Hallo)

Photo by PR Times
At the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival (Ike-Hallo), you’ll find people dressed in anime and game character cosplays. Of course, there’s also a variety of other costumes. Feel free to cosplay as whatever you like at Ike-Hallo.

A unique feature of Ike-Hallo is that prizes are awarded for cosplay. Are you interested in seeing serious cosplayers? Then we recommend checking out Ike-Hallo in addition to anime events and doujinshi conventions.

Writer’s Comment
In the past, the grand prize at Ike-Hallo has included an overseas trip.

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
Event Info
Date: Late October (will be held October 25-27, 2024)
Venue: Various locations in Ikebukuro
Official Website: Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival (Japanese)

8. Tokyo - AnimeJapan

Photo by PR Times
AnimeJapan is an anime trade fair held at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight). Unlike doujinshi conventions, doujinshi by amateur artists are not sold here.

Another unique feature of AnimeJapan is seeing cosplayers hired by animation production companies to cosplay their characters. There’s also stage events featuring anime staff and voice actors, making it a very popular anime event even among international visitors.

AnimeJapan
Event Info
Date: Late March (held March 23 - 26, 2024)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo, Koto, Ariake 3-11-1)
Official Website: AnimeJapan

Osaka and Kansai Anime, Doujinshi, and Cosplay Events

Photo by Photo AC

Kansai, including Osaka, also holds its fair share of anime, doujinshi, and cosplay events.

Most events in Osaka are held at INTEX Osaka. The venue is accessible from either Cosmosquare Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line or New Tram Nakafuto Station. However, it is quite far from both stations, so please wear comfortable shoes when attending an event.

9. Osaka - Osaka Comic Convention (Osaka Comic Con)

Photo by PR Times
Osaka Comic Convention (Osaka Comic Con) is a pop culture trade fair on par with AnimeJapan. The event features official exhibits by animation production companies and video game developers, stage events, cosplays, and more.

Additionally, there are many foods available only at Osaka Comic Con. Be sure to keep your eye out for these Osaka specialties, known as the Nation’s Kitchen.

Osaka Comic Convention
Event Info
Date: Early May (held May 3 - 5, 2024)
Venue: INTEX Osaka (Osaka, Suminoe, Nankokita 1-5-102)
Official Website: Osaka Comic Con

10. Kyoto - Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (Kyo-Maf)

Photo by PR Times
The Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair (Kyo-Maf), held at Miyako Messe in Kyoto, is a pop culture event featuring official exhibits from publishers, animation studios, and more. Television stations also participate, so you’ll have the opportunity to catch the latest anime promotions.

One of the main features of Kyo-Maf is the release of collaboration visuals with various anime. Collab cafes are also held, allowing you to enjoy a sense of unity with your favorite anime series.

Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair
Event Info
Date: Late September (will be held September 21 - 22, 2024)
Venue: Miyako Messe (Kyoto, Sakyo, Okazaki Seishojicho 9-1) / ROHM Theatre Kyoto (Main Venue, Kyoto, Sakyo, Okazaki Saishojicho 13)
Official Website: Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair

Nagoya Anime, Doujinshi, and Cosplay Events

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Anime, doujinshi, and cosplay events are also held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Nagoya, easily accessible via the Tokaido Shinkansen, attracts event attendees from all over Japan.

While we only introduce one event in this article, there are many more in Nagoya that we won’t be able to cover this time.

11. Nagoya - World Cosplay Summit (WCS)

Photo by PR Times
The World Cosplay Summit is held during the summer in Nagoya, with event venues including popular spots like Oasis 21, Aichi Art Center, and Hisaya-Odori Park. Another highlight of the event is being able to see cosplayers walking along Osu Shopping Street, a fan hub comparable to Akihabara and Osaka’s Nipponbashi.

If you’re attending the World Cosplay Summit, then you must be mindful of the weather. Since the event is held in mid-summer, both cosplayer participants and general attendees should remember to take precautions against the heat.

Writer’s Comment
Summer in Nagoya is incredibly hot, so it’s recommended to walk using the underground shopping centers whenever possible!

World Cosplay Summit
Event Info
Date: Late July - mid-August (held August 2 - 4, 2024)
Venue: Oasis 21 (Aichi, Nagoya, Higashi, Higashisakura 1-11-1), etc.
Official Website: World Cosplay Summit

Fukuoka Anime Events and Doujinshi Conventions

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Anime and doujinshi events are also held in Kyushu. While these events are smaller in scale and fewer in number compared to Tokyo, a distinct feature is how easy it is to connect with local artists and creators.

12. Fukuoka and Other Locations - Odekake Live

Photo by Studio YOU’s Official Website (Japanese)
Odekake Live by Studio YOU began in Fukuoka and is now held in various locations nationwide. The event has a relatively high number of female attendees, and some people recognize it as an event for fujoshi (women who enjoy boys’ love comics).

In addition to Fukuoka, the event has also been held in Okinawa, making it accessible even for those living in rural areas. Cosplay is also allowed, so it could be a great option for debuting your cosplay at an event!

Odekake Live
Event Info
Date: Held almost every month in different cities
Host Cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Okinawa, etc.
Official Website: Studio YOU (Japanese)

Nationwide Anime, Doujinshi, and Cosplay Events

Photo by Photo AC
Next, we introduce a few well-known anime, doujinshi, and cosplay events held in various locations across Japan. Each event has its own unique culture, so attend the one that best suits you!

13. Nationwide - Literature Flea Market (BunFree)

Photo by Literature Flea Market’s Official Website (Japanese)
The Literature Flea Market (BunFree), held in cities across various regions such as Sapporo and Hiroshima, is an event with the goal of “selling what one considers literature.” Doujinshi is also welcome, whether it’s novels, poems, criticism, or any other form of expression you view as literature.

Cosplay is prohibited at BunFree, so please keep this in mind. The event is recommended to those that want to relax and immerse themselves in the world of literature.

Literature Flea Market
Event Info
Date: Held almost every month in different cities
Host Cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc.
Official Website: Literature Flea Market (Japanese)

14. Tokyo and Osaka - COMITIA

Photo by COMITIA’s Official Website (Japanese)
COMITIA is a doujinshi event that exclusively features original works. The term original works contrasts with fanworks and refers to works that contain entirely original content (fanworks are based on existing anime, manga, and video games).

It is also strictly prohibited to attend COMITIA in cosplay.

Writer’s Comment
COMITIA features a scouting editor system, allowing you to have your original manga read by professional editors from publishing companies on the spot! Many talented creators appear to make their debut this way.

COMITIA
Event Info
Date: Scheduled for February, May, August, and November (Last held on August 18, 2024 and will be held on November 7, 2024)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo, Koto, Ariake 3-11-1), INTEX Osaka (Osaka, Suminoe, Nankokita 1-5-102)
Official Website: COMITIA (Japanese)

15. Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, etc. - COMIC CITY

Photo by Akaboo’s Official Website (Japanese)
COMIC CITY, held in Tokyo and Osaka, is primarily a doujinshi and cosplay event catered towards women. The number of fujoshi attendees might even exceed those at Comic Market. SUPER COMIC CITY, held in Tokyo, utilizes multiple halls at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight).

The Osaka event is held at INTEX Osaka. With both venues being large, you’ll find doujinshi for a wide range of series. Additionally, only events (known as “puchi-only”) are hosted as smaller gatherings within the main event.

Writer’s Comment
Events for women have their own unique culture. Make sure to thoroughly research the event before attending, as attendees are expected to follow proper etiquette.

COMIC CITY
Event Info
Date: Held almost every month in different cities
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo, Koto, Ariake 3-11-1), INTEX Osaka (Osaka, Suminoe, Nankokita 1-5-102), etc.
Official Website: Akaboo News Agency (Japanese)

Let’s Attend Anime and Fan Events Across Japan!

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Anime, doujinshi, and cosplay events are held throughout Japan. With a wide variety of events ranging from those featuring industry professionals to those where doujin artists sell their doujinshi, your first step is to determine the type of event you want to attend.

Researching event dates, venue, and any specific rules or etiquette beforehand will help ensure a pleasant experience at the event.

Main image by Pixta