COMIC MARKET RESEARCH

Guide

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First-time Guide to Comiket

A practical guide for your first visit to Comic Market (Comiket), focused on shopping at the corporate booths. Comiket is one of the largest fan events in the world, held at Tokyo Big Sight every summer and winter.

What is Comiket?

Comiket is a huge market where fans sell and buy self-published works. Most of the venue is filled with “circles” — individuals and small groups selling their own comics, illustrations, games and goods.

The “corporate booth” area (kigyō būsu) is a separate area where companies such as publishers, game studios and anime goods makers sell event-exclusive and early-release merchandise. This site covers the corporate booths.

Corporate booths at this event:West Hall 3West Hall 4South Hall 3South Hall 4
Open the venue map

Your day, step by step

  1. 1Before the dayCheck the official site for tickets and hours. Mark the booths and products you want on this site, check your budget, and save the site for offline use.
  2. 2Getting thereTokyo Big Sight is a short walk from Kokusai-tenjijō Station (Rinkai Line) and Tokyo Big Sight Station (Yurikamome). Trains are very crowded in the morning, so leave early.
  3. 3Entering the venueHave your ticket or wristband ready and follow the staff. Lines are formed outdoors and can take a long time, so prepare for the weather.
  4. 4Going to the corporate boothsHead to the halls with corporate booths. Use the hall maps on this site and your favorites route to visit booths in an efficient order.
  5. 5Lining up and buyingPopular booths have long lines. Find the end of the line, wait your turn, and buy. Items can sell out, so visit your top priorities first.
  6. 6Going homeStations are crowded in the afternoon. Charge your IC card in advance. Take your trash home with you.

How buying works at corporate booths

Lines and the “end of line” sign

  • Each popular booth has its own line, sometimes far away from the booth.
  • A staff member or the last person in line holds a sign that says 最後尾 (saibi, “end of the line”). Join behind that person.
  • If someone hands you the sign, hold it up until the next person arrives, then pass it on.

Limits, sold out and lotteries

  • Many items have a purchase limit per person (購入制限).
  • Items may sell out (完売 / kanbai) early in the day.
  • Some booths sell only to people who won a lottery in advance (事前抽選). Check each booth's announcement.

Payment

  • Cash is the safest. Bring 1,000-yen bills and coins.
  • Some booths accept cards or mobile payment, but not all. Check each booth's announcement.
  • Prices are usually shown including tax. Tax-free shopping is generally not available.

Packing checklist

Tap to check items off. Your checks are saved on this device.

0 of 10 ready

Manners and safety

In the venue

  • Do not run. Follow the staff's directions.
  • Do not cut in line or save a place for friends who are not there.
  • Do not sit or stand still in the aisles.

Photos and cosplay

  • Always ask before taking a photo of a person or a cosplayer.
  • Some booths do not allow photography. Look for signs.
  • Cosplay has its own rules, including where you may change and take photos. Check the official site.

Your health

  • Heatstroke is a real risk in summer. Drink often, rest in the shade, and leave a line if you feel unwell.
  • If you or someone near you feels sick, tell a staff member. There are first-aid rooms (救護室 / kyūgoshitsu) in the venue.

Phrases you can show

Tap a phrase to show it in large text, then show your screen to the staff.

Glossary

Words you will see on signs, booth announcements and this site.

企業ブースkigyō būsu
Corporate booth. A booth run by a company.
サークルsākuru
Circle. An individual or group selling self-published works.
最後尾saibi
The end of a line. Look for signs with this word.
列retsu
Line / queue.
完売kanbai
Sold out.
頒布hanpu
Distribution. Used at Comiket instead of “sale”.
新刊 / 既刊shinkan / kikan
New release / previously released work.
限定gentei
Limited / exclusive item.
先行販売senkō hanbai
Early release. Sold here before the general release.
購入制限kōnyū seigen
Purchase limit per person.
事前抽選jizen chūsen
Advance lottery. Only winners can buy.
成人向け / R18seijin-muke
Adult content (18+). Images on this site are blurred until you tap them.
救護室kyūgoshitsu
First-aid room.

Using this site

  1. 01Search productsFind items by title, company or tag, and filter by price and day.Search products
  2. 02Add favoritesTap the heart on booths and products. Set quantities and a budget on the Favorites page.Open favorites
  3. 03Plan your routeThe Favorites page numbers your booths in a short walking order on the hall map.Open the venue map
  4. 04Save for offlineSave products and maps on your device before you go.Offline save