Japan has a number of events for anime and manga enthusiasts throughout the country. From Comiket to the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, the world is naturally your oyster in the home of these artforms. But if you’re into western comics, movies, sci-fi, or animation, what are you supposed to do? San Diego and New York are a little far for a day-trip to get merch.
Luckily for those who have a special interpretation of the word “Excelsior,” or know their red kryptonite from their pink kryptonite, Tokyo does have an annual event that can satisfy your needs — and at time of writing, it is merely a few days away! So, let us not waste time and give you an overview of the Tokyo Comic Con 2025, True Believers!
Overview
The Tokyo Comic Con is an annual event celebrating the best of fantasy and sci-fi movies, comics, and more held every year in Tokyo since 2016, making it not only one of the newer of the Comic Cons, but all the more impressive for how many guests it has attracted in just a few short years.
Modelled after the world’s biggest comics convention, San Diego Comic Con, in 2024 it attracted over 74,000 people, and Tokyo Comic Con 2025 is expected to be even bigger! This is in no small part due the exceptional quality of cosplay in Japan, where those who want to show off their Aquaman or Captain Marvel costumes rarely get the chance at anime conventions. However, it also attracts major pop culture figures who will take photos and give their signatures.
This year, it takes place from 5 December (Fri) to 7 December (Sun) at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba Prefecture, located east of Tokyo, but easily accessible via public transport.
Tokyo Comic Con 2025 Highlights
There are a number of things that will more than interest your average webhead or caped crusader at a visit to Tokyo Comic Con 2025. Here are just a few:
Cosplay
As mentioned, Japan’s cosplay is typically next-level compared to other places, owing to the long history and consequent quality resources. As such, even regular attendees who have gotten dressed up are hugely impressive.
Beyond this, though, are the cosplay events. As well as a parade from cosplay professionals, there are events on the main stage to celebrate Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and horror characters. This is really where you’ll see some of the best costumes of your favorite characters that you’ll ever see.
Celebrity Signatures and Pictures
While this requires a purchase of an additional ticket for the person or people that you want to see, you will get to have a signed picture or take a picture with one of the celebrity guests. In just its first decade, Tokyo Comic Con has become so important in the calendar of fans across the world that this year, it has a number of undisputed A-listers, including:
Elijah Wood, of Lord of the Rings and Over the Garden Wall
Sean Astin, of Lord of the Rings and The Goonies
Lea Thompson, of Back to the Future and Star Trek: Picard
Jack Quaid, of The Boys and Star Trek: Lower Decks
Christina Ricci, of The Addams Family and Pan Am
Jim Lee, iconic comics artist arguably best known for his work on X-Men
Nicholas Hoult, of Superman (2025) and Mad Max
Props and Costumes
Props and costumes from a huge range of films and TV shows are on display, so you might get the chance to take a picture with Superman’s suit, a Klingon bat’leth, or perhaps even Wolverine’s claws.
Artists Alley
If you ask real heads, this is the best place in the whole con. As the name suggests, this is a place to meet artists who are, perhaps, a little less known and on their way up. You can buy merch, talk with them about upcoming projects, and even ask for commissions from some.
Tickets
Tickets for the event can be purchased online from here. Sadly, three-day passes are now sold out, but single-day passes can still be purchased. Prices are as follows:
| Age Group | Price (including tax) |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥5,500 |
| Under-18 | ¥1,000 |
| Under-15 | ¥1,000 |
Same-day ticket purchases can be made, depending on availability, but the price will increase to ¥5,900 for adults.
As mentioned, you will need to purchase additional tickets for celebrity signings, as these are not included in day ticket prices.
Cosplay Tickets
One thing to note for cosplayers is that even amateurs are required to purchase cosplay tickets in order to wear their costumes. Be aware also that if you need to change at the venue, or use storage, you’ll need to pay extra for those, too. Additionally, these tickets are only valid for one day, so if you are going for more than one day, you’ll need a ticket for each one. Here is a brief rundown of prices:
| Ticket | Price (including tax) |
|---|---|
| Cosplay | ¥2,500 |
| Changing Room | ¥2,000 |
| Storage | ¥1,000 |
Last Minute FAQs
So you’re ready to be Marvelous with the Distinguished Competition, right? Well, there may be one or two things bugging you, but
Food Rules
While food is available at the event, you are allowed to bring in your own food if there’s something special that you want. However, to eliminate the possibility of people bumping into an immaculately made costume while eating and walking, you will be required to eat only in deisgnated areas.
Costume Checks
As mentioned above, even those not participating in a cosplay competition will require a cosplay ticket. However, wearing a simple piece of headgear like a hat, or a simple tiara. However, anything like a mask, a cape/cloak, or significant prop will require a ticket.
Re-entry Details
If you need to leave for any reason, re-entry is possible!
Until the beginning of the con, we’re going to have to leave you on a cliff-hanger, shell heads! We hope you get the chance to visit Tokyo Comic Con 2025, Japan’s best event for Trekkies, Jedi, and whatever Battlestar Galactica fans are called. Until then, boys and girls, Up, Up, and Away!
