I have a few questions about Comiket. Has anyone here ever been to it? I'm going this summer, and I'm curious if there are any rules and regulations that I should be aware of. Also is it a fun event? Stories? Anything?
>>5986266Rule #1: It's going to be CROWDED. I don't mean a little crowded. I mean walking sardines crowded. Mentally prepare yourself.Rule #2: Don't wear your costumes in public while going to Comiket. Yes, cosplayers are considered freaks over there like they do over here. Even moreso. They dress up at Comiket and not before.Rule #3: You only get to cosplay/get photographed at designated areas.
went to the new years one like 2 years ago. it was kind of boring, crowded as fuck especially at the cosplay area and you have to queue all the time. get loads of free shit though and cosplays are amazing. i'm not at home so can't post pics but if this thread is still here when i get home i'll dig em up.also you don't have to buy the "ticket" catalogue or what the hell ever it is they sell. No one checked. We just walked in. Then again I was with japanese people and wearing a wig+ i speak japanese and kinda look vaguely asian so maybe that's why no one bothered us. Just try not to draw attention to yourself and it's all cool.
What >>5986273 said, for sure.I haven't been to Comiket specifically, but I did go to the Hakurei Shrine Festival (Reitaisai 8), and rules were generally the same.I did bring a cosplay, however, I was very unprepared and rushed because of it. Don't be afraid to bring a small roll-along suitcase to carry things in, as well as make sure to prep anything you can before hand for a smooth change into your costume.Also, please don't bother anyone outside of the photography area for photos. A friend I traveled with did so and made quite a few ladies uncomfortable.
>>5986273>Rule #3: You only get to cosplay/get photographed at designated areas.No, you're making the common mistake of confusing the photography allowed zone for a cosplay allowed zone. In order to prevent photographers clogging up a very crowded event they restricted photography to the area outside (and to the company booths). Naturally cosplayers congregate there to get photographed, but they're allowed to move freely in all the areas open to the public. But as you say, it's extremely crowded so it's not a good idea to move around in big costumes. Designated photography zones are in force at most other Japanese events too, so careful with the picture-snapping >>5986276That's true, there is no entry fee to Comiket. But a slight word of warning. Concurrently with Comiket they run an event called Tonari de Cosplay in the TFT building next door. You'll have to pay to get in and more than one unwary foreigner has ended up there by mistake.
I'm also going to attend Comiket this summer, so this thread is really helpful!Can anyone describe the changing rooms? I heard from a friend you have a very limited space to get into your costume and that you need to rush quite a bit with the make-up and everything because of the queues.
I feel sad when when Comiket rolls around nobody uploads pictures. It is a big con with awesome cosplayers.
>>5988606Sankaku usually posts a lot of pictures and links to some photo blogs but Japanese blogs are always such a pain to go through.
>>5987460I actually preferred Tonari de Cosplay when I went to Comiket and Tonari last year, because while it had a steeper entrance fee and more strict changing rules, the advantages (more cosplayer safety, fewer costume rule restrictions, luggage check, AIR CONDITIONING) far outweighed the price disadvantage for me. I met way more Japanese cosplayers there and had a way better time. It also stays open later than the cosplay area at Comiket, so when that closes down, people toss on regular clothes, go over to TFT, register for Tonari de Cosplay, put their outfit back on, and keep on cosplaying.>>5987851The changing rooms are pretty small. They herd you into a room that has lines on the floor marked out in tape or in ropes, and you take your spot in there to change. You don't actually get rushed along per se, but if you spend TOO long, you'll get the stink-eye. It's best to practice putting on your costume in a small area with very little help (although most people will help a neighbor with an unanticipated "Crap, needs a safety pin!" situation, I saw that happen tons with people who obviously weren't together), and also work on doing your makeup while kneeling on the ground with nothing but your rolling luggage as a table, and in poor lighting.
>>5988633(cont)If you choose to go to TFT and the Tonari de Cosplay event, they have a room for putting on your costume and a room for putting on your makeup and wig. If you start trying to put your makeup on in the cosplay room, they'll get really annoyed at you even if you are a foreigner.Oh, and if you're going to cosplay in Japan? MAKE BUSINESS CARDS with your photo (preferably of the outfit you're taking) and your Cosplay.com, Cure, and email. You'll be a total asshole if you don't have them.Also, if you don't read Japanese well, make sure to at least know the kanji for "woman" and "man", since otherwise you might go into the wrong changing room....!
>>5988635Thanks!I have another question related to the cards, though. AFAIK, when a photographer approaches you, they tell you the number of photos and different poses they want from you, and when they're finished you both exchange your cards. Am I right?Also, guess it's not a problem, but when you change into your costume I assume is not obligatory to go straight to the cosplay area? Meaning that you can buy and look for stuff while you're cosplayed.
