Tokyo Comic Con: Japan's Take on the Popular Great American Geek Event
Tokyo Comic Con is a very young event, especially in light of more established events in town such as Comic Market (a.k.a. Comiket) which has been around for decades. Even compared to some of the similar, bigger events held at Makuhari Messe, it is smaller in scale. But, as they say, the show is only getting started, and it has started out pretty well so far.One of the big difference between Comic Con and Comiket is the celebrity "panels" and appearances. Of course, Comiket does have its share, but they are understated... writers are on site but it's not to the degree that you'd see at Comic Con. And if you look closely, you'll find some Japanese celebs hiding behind a costume. In comparison, Stan Lee (who is a god among demigods in the comic book world) was on hand at the first two Tokyo Comic Cons, but unfortunately was only present in spirit in 2018 due to his passing just weeks earlier.
Aside from creators, Tokyo Comic Con brings heavy star power in the form of movie/television stars. Names such as Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Renner, Mads Mikkelson, and the Phelps twins of Harry Potter fame among others have graced the event with speaking panels, photo ops and autograph sessions. Those come at a (heavy) price though, but getting to meet a celebrity and having a souvenir from the meeting is your type of thing, it's definitely there for the money. Many of the major entertainment/goods companies are well represented here as well. Most are of the "international" brand, but even the Japanese companies have a presence here if you're interested in those as well. And for all, the things they have on display are great... as they always are here in Japan.
Personally though, I go to Comic Con to soak in the fun, to escape reality and remember all that I found fun in the entertainment world in my younger and present life, and pretend I'm a kid again. Well, I'm still a kid really, in too many ways, but I also like to take photos now so...
And, meeting the Japan requisite of cosplay at any geek event, Tokyo Comic Con does not disappoint. The numbers may be smaller than other more well established events locally, but they are here:
And of course, what started it all... comics. You can find those here as well, in English and Japanese.
Compared to the more established events locally, the crowds are not that bad either. Give it a few years until it starts to approach, say, Wonder Festival's amount of crowd. Until then, enjoy the Tokyo Comic Con for all it is and be the kid you've always been.
Recommendations:
- Purchase tickets online in advance; slightly cheaper than purchasing on site and saves time from waiting in line to purchase.
- Many food options, but lines get long during the "common" lunch hours. Eat early or later to avoid lines.
- Weather outside is pretty cool, but inside the event halls it can get warm due to heating/crowds. Be versatile.
Specifics:
Tokyo Comic Con
Held every late Nov/early Dec at Makuhari Messe
Trips available via Camp Zama MWR
Location:
No comments:
Post a Comment