Commonly known as Comiket, the Comet Market is the world’s largest fan-made comic convention, attracting over 500,000 attendees each time. The event will be held at Tokyo Big Sight in the summer of 2025, and will feature an array of attractions, including fan-made comics, merchandise sales, corporate booths, and cosplay events.
This article goes into the essential information about Summer Comiket 2025, from event details and participation guidelines to tips for making the most of the experience. First-time attendees should familiarize themselves with the event dates, venue access, and ticket purchasing process in advance. Understanding the rules and preparing appropriately will ensure an even more enjoyable time at the event.
1.What is the Comic Market (Comiket)?
Organized by the Comic Market Preparatory Committee, Comiket is the world’s largest fan-made comic event held in Japan. Its primary purpose is the exhibition and distribution of fan-made comics and merchandise. The event takes place twice a year—summer and winter—for three days at Tokyo Big Sight, drawing 500,000–600,000 visitors each time.
Comiket serves as a platform for fans to connect, with professional manga artists and illustrators also participating, giving attendees the opportunity to purchase works directly. Many circles (groups of creators) sell self-made games and accessories. Meanwhile, about 140 companies set up corporate booths, offering event-exclusive products.
The number of cosplay participants has been increasing each year, frequently gaining attention in online news outlets.
2.Information on Summer Comiket 2025
It’s a good idea to review the necessary information in advance if you’re planning to attend Summer Comiket 2025. Below are details about the event dates, venue, hours, ticket types, and ticket purchasing methods.
2-1.Event Dates
Comiket will be held on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Due to ongoing large-scale renovations at Tokyo Big Sight, certain areas like the West Exhibition Hall and East Halls 1–3 will be unavailable. This caused the organizers to adjust the usual event schedule.
2-2.Venue
The Comic Market will be held at various locations within Tokyo Big Sight, including East Halls 4–8, the West Exhibition Hall, and the South Exhibition Hall.
Nearest Stations:
- Rinkai Line: Kokusai-Tenjijo Station
- Yurikamome Line: Tokyo Big Sight Station
Access from Major Locations:
・From Shinjuku Station:
Take the JR Saikyo Line and get off at Kokusai-Tenjijo Station. Travel time: approximately 34 minutes.
・From Tokyo Station:
Take the JR Keiyo Line to Shin-Kiba Station, transfer to the Rinkai Line, and get off at Kokusai-Tenjijo Station. Travel time: approximately 26 minutes.
・From Narita Airport:
Take a limousine bus directly to the bus terminal at Tokyo Big Sight. Travel time: approximately 25 minutes.
・From Haneda Airport:
Take a limousine bus to Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel, then walk about 3 minutes to Tokyo Big Sight. Travel time: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
2-3.Event Hours
Doors open at 10:30 AM and close at 5:00 PM.
Closing times are approximate and may vary. Follow the instructions of the event staff during the day.
2-4.Types of Tickets
Comiket offers four types of tickets:
| Ticket Type | Early Admission Ticket | Early Access Cosplay Ticket | Morning Admission Wristband | Afternoon Admission Wristband |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Time | 10:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Notes | Available for pre-sale only. | Includes access to dressing rooms from 9:30 AM. | Sold at select stores if available. | Available at stores or on-site if in stock. |
Tickets and wristbands are sold separately for each day of the event. After purchase, exchange your ticket at the designated reception area for a wristband to enter.
2-5.How to Purchase Tickets
Early Admission Tickets are available for pre-sale on Ticket Pay. Wristband-style admission passes may also be purchased at anime shops such as Animate, Toranoana, and Melonbooks. Afternoon Admission Wristband passes are also sold on-site at the venue.
Both Early Admission Tickets and Early Access Cosplay Tickets are distributed via a lottery system. However, as of mid-November 2024, the application schedule has not yet been finalized.
3.Important Notes for Attending Comiket
もちろん、継続は不変を意味しません。参加者の年代だけではなく、デジタル技術の進展による新しい表現、SNSやサブスクのような新しいコミュニケーション。変化に少しずつ折り合いをつけ、愚直に全てを受け入れることを続けていければ、次の世代にコミケットをつなげていけるはずです #C103 to #C104 pic.twitter.com/7vnGRM4rjo
— コミックマーケット準備会 (@comiketofficial) December 31, 2023
Here are some key points to keep in mind when attending Comiket, especially for first-time visitors or those planning to cosplay.
3-1.Cosplay Participation Requires a Fee
If you wish to cosplay, you’ll need to pay a 500 yen cosplay registration fee. Register at the entrance to the dressing rooms after entering the venue. Early Access Cosplay Tickets already include this fee, so no additional payment is required.
Note that attendees cannot arrive at the venue in costume. You must register and change into your cosplay outfit in the designated dressing rooms. Changing elsewhere is prohibited, and you must change back into casual attire in the dressing rooms before leaving.
3-2.Review the Rules Beforehand
Comiket has specific rules to ensure smooth operations and safety for all attendees. For example, there are guidelines on queue formations at booths and designated areas for photographing cosplayers.
The Comic Market Preparatory Committee publishes these rules on their official website and social media.Be sure to review the “Comiket Manual” and follow all instructions on-site.
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4.Tips for Enjoying Comiket to the Fullest
コミケットの事務所にも #C103 のビッグサイトサービスのドリンクがサンプルで届きました。今回もなつめえり(@erisize)さんのイラストの緑茶です。自販機は22日より先行販売開始、店頭販売は28日からの予定とのことです。よろしくお願いします。 pic.twitter.com/zb9c2mVt9P
— コミックマーケット準備会 (@comiketofficial) December 22, 2023
To get the most out of your Comiket experience, consider these helpful tips:
4-1.Prepare a Catalog
To fully enjoy Comic Market, it is highly recommended to purchase a catalog. There are two types of catalogs available: a booklet version and a web version.
The price of the booklet version varies depending on where you purchase it—whether from Comiket’s official store, bookstores, or at the venue. The web version offers both free and paid membership options. Note that the previously available DVD-ROM version of the catalog is no longer issued.
The catalog is extremely useful for locating participating circles as it includes essential information such as booth details and venue maps.Circles are categorized by genre, so browsing through the pages dedicated to your favorite genre makes it easy to find circles that interest you.
You can log in with the web version and browse information about fan-made comics, merchandise, and other items sold at each booth anytime. Choose the format that best suits your needs and preferences!
4-2.Wear Comfortable Clothing
Since Summer Comiket takes place during the peak of Japan’s hot season, wear breathable clothing and bring a hat to shield yourself from the sun. Sun umbrellas/parasols are discouraged due to safety concerns in crowded areas, so consider wearing sun-protective clothing when queuing outside.
Opt for comfortable footwear like sneakers instead of high heels, as navigating the large venue and standing for extended periods can be tiring.
Conclusion
Summer Comiket 2025 will be held on August 16 and 17 at Tokyo Big Sight. Public transport, including trains and buses, provides convenient access to the venue. Tickets are available in advance, with different entry times and purchasing methods depending on the type of ticket.
Be sure to follow the rules when attending, pay cosplay registration fees if applicable, and prepare for the summer heat with suitable clothing and accessories. Lastly, purchasing a catalog will help you navigate the event more efficiently and make the most of your time at Comiket!
*This article is based on information available as of November 2024.
