Every convenience store stocks them, and becomes a library for everyone from kids to salarymen who stand amongst the snacks getting their geek on.
But for serious comic collectors, there’s only one place to go. Comiket is the twice yearly Comic Market (get it?) which has been running since 1975 and nowadays takes over Tokyo Big Sight, attracting around half a million fans each time. Indeed, according to organisers, this is “Japan’s largest indoor public gathering.”
Doujinshi, loosely translated as “collaboratively or fan made” publications are the order of the day and, in celebration of their manga, anime and gaming purchases – or proximity to like minds – many attendees get into the cosplay spirit. The fact that dressed up men are outnumbered 4 to 1 by the girls is highlighted by the comiket PR people, but we can’t think why…
This grass-roots geekery is a spectacle for the uninitiated and a haven for those interested in learning more, and it’s free, just be sure to get there early.
When: Aug 10th – 12th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Tokyo Big Sight
