50 Years of Comic Market: Supporting Japan’s Anime Culture

Comic Market: Celebrating Creativity and Community

Picture courtesy of the Comic Market Committee

Anime and manga (Japanese comics) are more than just entertainment; they are a medium for self-expression.

This idea is at the heart of Comic Market (Comiket), an event created to help independent creators, known as doujin, sell their work and reach a wider audience. Doujin, which refers to both individuals and creative groups (circles), produce a wide range of content, including manga, video games, light novels, music, and cosplay.

When it started in 1975, Comic Market was an underground gathering of 32 circles with around 700 participants. Now, 50 years later, it has become a cornerstone of Japan's anime and manga culture with 23,000 participating circles, drawing roughly 250,000 attendees over two days, and supported by a massive team of 3,380 volunteers.

What truly sets Comic Market apart is its unwavering dedication to its founding principle: freedom of expression. It’s not just an event; it's a vibrant celebration of creativity and community, all united by a shared passion for anime and manga.

This article provides an introduction to Comic Market 106, offering a glimpse into what the event is like and what to expect. It also includes tips and essential information for international visitors and participants, along with details about the 50th-anniversary event, Comic Market 107.

Highlights of Comic Market 106

Comic Market 106 was held on August 16-17, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight. The event featured circle booths, cosplay, and exhibitions across the East, West, and South Halls of the venue.

We attended on the first day. Here are some of the highlights that stood out to us.

The Circle Area

Picture courtesy of the Comic Market Committee

Over a two-day span, approximately 23,000 creative circles exhibited their work at Comic Market 106.

Spread across eight halls, their booths featured a wide variety of creations, including self-published magazines (dojinshi), video games, fashion, and accessories. These items, along with daily-use goods, were inspired by the worlds of anime and manga.

All the popular genres were well-represented: shojo and shonen anime, role-playing games (RPGs), online and social games, movies, special effects, mecha and sci-fi, railways, travel, software, Vtubers, and others.

The participating circles came from a variety of backgrounds, including creators from Tokyo, groups traveling from other regions of Japan, and even creators from abroad. While some were first-time participants, many others were veterans of the event, returning every year or every edition. A large number of these circles have a dedicated fanbase and a strong community of supporters.

In the dojinshi area, one circle that captured our attention was Tsubasaya & Guiltism. Over the years, they've published a series of magazines, including an illustrated novel based on a video game script.

Their work is a testament to impressive attention to detail, from the intricate character designs to the extensive research that goes into each creation.

Among the merchandise booths, we were drawn to the unique accessories made by Crab Craft, a keycap creator who repurposes keyboard keys into jewelry, keychains, and other accessories. Their inventive designs left us truly impressed by their creativity and skill.

Other designers exhibited essential items for cosplay, from detailed costumes to intricate jewelry and props. For cosplayers, Comic Market is a goldmine of items to perfect their character looks.

Even just by walking the halls, one can feel that Comic Market is a celebration of creativity. Every participant contributes to sustaining and enhancing the vibrant world of Japanese anime and manga culture.

Cosplay Areas

Picture courtesy of the Comic Market Committee

Comic Market 106 was a haven for cosplayers, with the entire venue open for them to showcase their work and multiple changing areas available.

To help both cosplayers and photographers, the event featured three dedicated cosplay areas in the East, West, and South Halls. These zones were a vibrant spectacle, bringing beloved characters to life. We spotted vivid recreations from classic series like Sailor Moon and Fullmetal Alchemist, as well as popular new shows like Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man.

Cosplaying is a demanding art form that goes beyond just wearing a costume. It requires immense talent, time, and dedication, with creators focusing on every detail from makeup and props to mastering the posture and gestures of their characters.

There are some important etiquette rules to follow when photographing cosplayers. To get an exclusive photo of a particular cosplayer, photographers typically form a line and wait for their turn. Additionally, taking a photo is not the same as sharing it. It's best to ask the cosplayer for permission if you intend to upload the picture to social media.

Cosplay is a highlight for many international visitors, so always be respectful of other attendees and photographers.

The Corporate Areas

Approximately 100 publishing companies and major anime and game franchises were present at Comic Market 106, with booths located on the fourth floor of the West and South Halls.

Fans seeking official merchandise for their favorite series could find a wide array of products here. The corporate booths also hosted shows and small-scale events, offering an additional layer of entertainment.

While events like Anime Japan are dedicated to major anime works, Comic Market's primary purpose is to support original creators, which is why the corporate area is rather limited. Nevertheless, it still provides plenty of content for dedicated anime fans.

Tips for International Visitors

The Comic Market is a large-scale event and can be overwhelming for first-time attendees. Before you go, here are some key things to keep in mind.

1. Check the Official Website for Ticket and Program Information

Picture courtesy of the Comic Market Committee

Admission to Comic Market, or Comiket, requires a wristband or ticket, which must be purchased in advance from designated anime shops. Tickets will not be sold at the event venue.

We strongly recommend that you check the official Comiket website for the latest information on ticket sales, event dates, and exhibition details.

Additionally, if you're looking for specific creators or content, be aware that many exhibitors, or circles, only participate on one of the two event days. To avoid missing a particular booth, make sure you check which day your favorite circles will be exhibiting.

To enter the event, you may need to wait in line outdoors for several hours. As Comiket is held during Tokyo's summer, it's essential to take precautions against heatstroke. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and bring a hat or parasol.

For the latest updates and announcements, follow the official Comic Market X account, which is moderated in English by the International Desk.

2. Come with a Purpose

The sheer variety of genres and the thousands of exhibitors at Comiket can be overwhelming. To make the most of your visit, it's a good idea to check the official pamphlet in advance and set a goal for what you want to see.

Once you're at the venue, head to your favorite genres or circles first. This ensures you'll achieve your primary goal for the day before popular items sell out or the crowds become too difficult to navigate.

3. Visit the International Desk for Assistance

For attendees who need assistance, Comiket provides multilingual support at the International Desks, which are located in both the East and West exhibition halls. These desks offer information in English, Chinese, and Korean.

If you're having trouble finding a specific genre or booth location, or if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to visit these desks for help.

4. IOEA: Supporting Worldwide Anime Events

The International Otaku Expo Association (IOEA) also has a presence at Comiket. During the 106th event, their booth was located on the first floor of the West Hall, near the entrance.

The IOEA supports global networking among organizers of anime-related events. At their booth, you can find a list of major anime conventions and events happening in various countries and regions worldwide.

If you are an organizer and plan to hold an anime-related event in your country, the IOEA can help you promote it so do stop by their booth.

2025 Winter Comiket: Comic Market's 50th Anniversary

December 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Comiket, a major milestone for the event. Despite the challenges posed by ongoing renovations at Tokyo Big Sight, the organizers plan to roll out various projects over the course of the "50th Anniversary Year," which will last until next summer.

Many of these special events will be accessible to all attendees. Be sure to keep an eye out for updates and join in the celebration!

Interview with a Comic Market Committee Representative

We had the opportunity to interview Mr. Ichikawa Kouichi, a co-representative of the Comic Market Committee.

Interviewer: What has changed at Comiket over the years, and what has remained the same?

Mr. Ichikawa: Comiket has grown tremendously. Our first event had only about 40 participating circles and 700 attendees. Today, we have around 23,000 circles and more than 200,000 visitors over two days. Before the pandemic, the event used to run for four days, and we might return to that length in the future.

However, the core principle of freedom of expression has never changed. We welcome creators of all genres related to manga, anime, and games, with no restrictions on subject matter or style. The respect for this freedom among all attendees has become the true spirit of Comiket.

Interviewer: What are your thoughts on Comiket gaining global attention?

Mr. Ichikawa: We're delighted that Comiket has fans all over the world. We see both international creators who come to exhibit their work and visitors who travel to enjoy the event, meet other fans, and purchase original merchandise. For all our international guests, we strongly recommend preparing for the event by carefully reading the information on our official website and reviewing the event catalog beforehand.

Interviewer: The Winter Comic Market of 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the event. What advice do you have for international attendees of this special edition?

Mr. Ichikawa: We're very grateful that Comiket has reached its 50th anniversary. This milestone was possible only because of the immense support we've received. We look forward to welcoming many international attendees to this special event. My main advice for everyone is to set a goal for your visit, whether it's simply to experience the event's atmosphere or to find specific creators' works. And, as always, please check the official Comiket website for the latest updates and essential information.

Interviewer: Thank you very much!

Comic Market 107: Event Information

Dates: December 30 - 31, 2025
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Official website: Comic Market 107: Information for International Participants

In cooperation with the Comic Market Committee

Main image courtesy of the Comic Market Committee