For those of you who follow the world of Japanese popculture, the name Comic Market (Comiket) must be familiar. This annual event is a haven for manga fans, anime, doujinshi, and cosplayers.
Every year, Comiket attracts tens to hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. However, the recent Comiket 106 in Tokyo brought some interesting notes about the new trends and challenges facing this legendary event.
A Downward Trend in the Number of Comiket Visitors
This year, the two-day event recorded 250,000 visitors. This figure decreased by around 50,000 compared to Comiket 105, which previously attracted 300,000 people. In detail, the first day was attended by around 120,000 people, while the second day reached 130,000 visitors.
The decline in the number of participants has started to be felt since the last few editions. At Comiket 104 in August 2024, the number of visitors was recorded at 260,000 people, while at Comiket 103 in December 2023 it reached 270,000 people. When compared to the pre-pandemic era, such as Comiket 97 in 2019 which was able to bring in 750,000 people in four days, there is a significant change in trend.
Factors causing the shift in the number of participants
There were several factors that led to the decrease in the number of participants this year. One of the main reasons was the reduction in exhibition space. There were only about 22,700 booths available, a decrease of about 6,000 compared to the previous edition. This was due to the fact that Tokyo Big Sight's East Halls 1-3 were undergoing major renovations, which limited the space that could be used.
In addition, visitor behavior has also changed. After the last few years of restrictions due to the pandemic, some fans are now more selective in choosing which events they will attend in person. Many now prioritize the digital experience, either by following updates from social media or buying merchandise online. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, its impact in shaping new habits among fans is still felt.
About Comiket
This event has a long history since it was first held in 1975 with only 700 visitors and 32 circles. Over time, Comiket developed into one of the largest popculture events in the world. The location of the event has moved from Harumi, Chiba, to Tokyo Big Sight since 1996.
One of the biggest records was set in 2017, with 210,000 visitors in one day-a number that has never been surpassed until now. It is important to note that the number of attendees is counted per day, so a single person who arrives on multiple days will be counted more than once.
Influence on Japanese Popculture
Comiket has become a major barometer of Japanese popculture. This event is not only a place to hunt for doujinshi or exclusive merchandise, but also a networking event for creators, cosplayers, and fan communities from all over the world. Every issue brings new energy, cosplay trends, and doujin releases that become the talk of the town.
Although the number of visitors decreased this year, the attraction was still extraordinary. The community remains solid, the enthusiasm of the participants never dies, and the innovations from the creators continue to emerge. For those of you who want to experience the atmosphere of Japanese popculture authentically, Comiket is still a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime.
Although the number of participants decreased this year, the spirit and creativity of the Japanese popculture community lives on. With all the challenges, this annual event is still the biggest celebration center for anime, manga, and doujinshi fans in the world. Who knows, in the future Comiket will again set new records and bring exciting surprises to popculture lovers like you.
Source: Anime News Network
