Comic Market, or more widely known as Comiket, is one of Japan’s largest conventions and exhibitions, and after several years of a global pandemic and halted tourism to Japan, the event is back in full swing–with even more attendees and exhibitors!
The event, which takes place in Tokyo’s iconic Tokyo Big Sight convention center twice a year (once in the summer and once in the winter), is primarily known for its massive halls filled with artists selling their fan-made and self-published comics and work. However, the event has expanded significantly since its first run, now known as a full-scale convention filled with merchants, corporate booths, cosplayers, performances, events, shops, and so much more!
When it came to the corporate attendees, many massive names in the Japanese pop-culture sphere were present, namely massive companies such as Good Smile Company, UFOTable, and many more. Gaming companies also demonstrated an enormous presence, such as hit mobile game Nikke: Goddess of Victory drawing massive crowds to their huge booth and real-life “gacha” performance. The show emulated the game’s gacha mechanic, where players can roll to pull characters they can use in the game, only re-enacting this would be cosplay models in massive cubed containers.
Cosplay was a major focus of this year’s event as well, with ultra-popular cosplayers like Fumina Suzuki and Inori Moe being present in cosplay as well. Fans and cosplayers alike braved the brutal Japanese summer heat to show off their passion and love for the hobby, drawing lines upon lines of photographers. We at Around Akiba even had the exclusive opportunity to interview them one-on-one!
Part of the allure of attending Comiket is meeting some of your favorite, big-name creators, many of which take part in cosplay themselves. We had the pleasure of interviewing several of them as well.
“Today I’m dressed as Tamamo from Fate!” cosplayer and gravure idol Fumina Suzuki tells Around Akiba. “I’m also selling a photobook featuring Tamamo, and inside is a lot of sexy content!”. The idol is beloved across Japan and has made many appearances in Japanese media, including television interviews, public events, and many more!
“A lot of people that I normally can’t meet get to come see me here!” Hikaru Aoyama tells us. “There was a long line of people coming to buy my stuff, and many didn’t know that I’m a gravure idol.” Part of the wonderful aspect of Comiket is the discovery aspect, where many attendees will find new idols and models to follow!
Being such a massive international event as well, it’s no surprise that cosplayers from all around the world came to Tokyo to cosplay at the event as well. Big names in the industry from abroad, such as Thai cosplayer Moiichan who was dressed as Yoko from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagaan, attended the event to massive crowds of photographers and fans alike!
Vietnamese cosplayer Byoru also came to Japan for the first time, making this her Comiket debut as well! “All of my stuff is almost sold out!” She tells us. “I’m so happy!”
Many fans and attendees were also gathering around Byoru’s table, hoping to take home some of her exclusive merchandise and photo books. In a world where booths are lined up next to each other, it’s no surprise that guests will discover cosplayers like Byoru for the first time and become serious fans!
Cosplayers of every niche, background, and body type are also welcomed to Comiket, many of them embracing certain charms about themselves to bring their cosplay even more to life. Japanese cosplayer Blamagi Tanaka came to the event dressed as Rumi Usagiyama, the muscular rabbit hero from My Hero Academia, and the result couldn’t be more accurate!
As always, Comiket 2023 Summer also boasted an impressive hall area dedicated to independent creators, allowing those with a broader interest range and more niche hobbies to find exactly what they’re looking for or to discover a new interest altogether, especially in the realm of fan-made works. From original comics to original stories of established series, even posters, prints, figures and more were available in 2 enormous halls for attendees to explore!
Photo spots were also set up for those at the event to take the perfect shot for their social media pages, and the presence of big-name content creators from all over the globe were also present to cover the event. At different timetables, many creators and corporate booths would also have performances, showcases, or signings, such as famous cosplayers allowing attendees to visit the booth to get their favorite merchandise signed or corporate booths showing off professional cosplayers dressed as characters or mascots from their respective media.
Despite the heat, humidity, and even a typhoon, fans had no shortage of attendance or enjoyment at the 102nd Comic Market. Those looking to attend this iconic event don’t have to wait long for the next one, either–as this winter will see Comiket 103, hopefully bringing more tolerable weather!
Want to see the Comiket action for yourself? Check out our full video coverage here!
