Shopping Guide
Large-scale otaku events will be held consecutively within two weeks in March!
The large-scale otaku event AnimeJapan will be held from March 20, while Comic Market Special, which is only held once every five years, will begin on March 28. They have a common keyword: Globalization. Both events have prepared an English version of their official site to lure more overseas guests to participate.
AnimeJapan Powered Up
AnimeJapan is an event born from the fusion of Tokyo International Anime Fair and Anime Contents Expo that goes by the motto “Here is Everything about Anime.” It was first held last year, attracting 111,000 visitors in two days.
Last time, they featured precious original artwork from popular titles such as Sword Art Online II just before it broadcast and Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and offered limited edition AnimeJapan collaboration goods. We can expect to hear information and see surprise items and events regarding the latest anime this year, too.
For the venue, Halls 1-6 of Tokyo Big Sight will be rented out, just like last year, and the area will be divided into “Entertainment,” “Business,” “Family,” and “Overseas” areas with different producers responsible for each area. General producer Yuji Hirooka said they are trying to raise the number of family visitors because they didn’t meet their anticipations last year. Also, a bilingual staff will be employed in the Business Area to make negotiation with overseas buyers easier.
The Business Area will be open on March 20 and 21, and the Main Area on March 21 and 22, so be careful about the one-day difference.
Comiket Special is held once every five years. This year’s theme is “Otaku Summit 2015”
Comic Market is the world’s largest scale doujinshi fair that is held in mid-summer and mid-winter. Comiket is welcoming its 40th anniversary this year, but Comiket Special 6, Comiket’s special only held once every five years, also falls to this year, and it will be held on March 28 and 29. Special-only events will be held on the 29.
This year’s theme is “Otaku Summit 2015.” After 20 years of absence, Comiket Special returns to Makuhari Messe to promote otaku culture by introducing manga, anime, and game events held throughout the world and gathering creator circles and Japanese otaku companies.
They are also planning to organize an event called Otaku Summit Special Live on the night of March 28 where otaku from around the world can converge. The performers are said to include angela, creator of numerous anisongs, and enka singer Sachiko Kobayashi, who gathered attention last year with her Vocaloid cover album Sachi Sachi ni Shite Ageru.
The following is an abstract from the organizers’ message on the official site:
The next era is upon us -- At the forthcoming Comiket Special we, as fans of otaku culture, wish to hold a dialogue with people around the globe who also love manga, anime, and games. We may perhaps call this our “Otaku New Century Declaration.” Let’s join hands with otaku of the world, and come together at Comiket Special to enjoy manga and anime. You are sure to discover new works of art and inspiration. We will see you at Makuhari Messe!
There is a little over two months left. How about a trip to Japan with a schedule adjusted to these mega-events?
AnimeJapan
Official Site
Dates:
March 20-21 (Business Area)
March 21-22 (Main Area)
Venue:
Tokyo Big Sight, East Exhibition Hall Halls 1-6 (Main Area)
Conference Tower Reception Hall 1st Floor (Business Area)
Address:
3-11-1 Ariake, Koto, Tokyo 135-0063
Comiket Special 6
Official Site
Dates:
March 28-29 (Exclusive Comiket Special 6 events solely on the 29)
Venue:
Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex
Address:
Nakase 2-chome, Mihama, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture 261-0023
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.