Comic Market, also known as Japan's most famous otaku event, will hold its 106th event C106 this weekend from August 16th-17th, and is also celebrating its 50th anniversary by the end of this year! As a creator who has never participated in the event as a circle, you might be thinking “how do I join on the other side of the table?” No worries, we got you covered in this article and will be informing you about everything you need to know to join the event as a creator.
✨ What's it like on Other Side of the Table
Starting from today (August 12th) and until the 24th of August, applications for circle participation will be opened for C107, the event that will be held on the last two days of this year (2025) from December 30th-31st!
Maybe you’ve attended before as a fan previously, queued up for your favorite artist’s new release, or wandered through aisles of books and cosplay. And the next step from there will be to stand behind the table.
Being able to participate as a circle at Comic Market is a big deal. It’s the largest doujinshi event in the world and a symbol of creative expression in Japanese fan culture. Whether you’re publishing your first doujinshi, preparing some fan goods, or even writing an original story, this guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know as a first-timer in a Comiket circle participant.
🎪 Before the Event: What You Need to Prepare
If you currently live in Japan, this shouldn't be a problem for you. But for people outside of the country, this might be the biggest blockade, as applying for circle participation requires an address in Japan, despite the launch of online applications in recent years making applications more accessible. This is also why it is difficult for creators based outside of Japan to participate at Comiket.
If you've got your address sorted out and your application is accepted, you’ll receive a circle confirmation package (参加案内) in your mailbox. It includes:
- Your circle ticket: Required for pre-entry with regards to set-up purposes before event starts at 10:30
- Event guide & rule book
- Booth location: Something like “南ホール A-01a”
Be sure to keep this package safe—it’s essential!
🗓️ On the Day: How to Survive Your First Booth
⏰ 1. Arrive Early
Circle participants can enter around 08:00 in the morning—check your package for the exact time.
🛠️ 2. Set Up Smoothly
Get to the venue an hour or two before opening to:
- Lay out your doujinshis and signs
- Display prices clearly
- Prepare change for big bills to smoothen transaction processes
Once you've got things settled, it is good etiquette to greet the other creator participants that are adjacent to your booth. Enjoy the interaction and feel free to exchange works!
🛍️ 3. During the Event
Smile and greet visitors! A kind reminder to stay behind at your booth unless you have a friend watching it. Also don’t take pictures of attendees without permission as portrait rights are strongly protected in Japan.
😅 Common First-Time Mistakes to Avoid
For first-timers as tempting as bringing many books may sound, perhaps consider starting with a conservative number. Comiket is unpredictable, some booths sell out; others barely move stock. What matters is showing up and enjoying the event!
Do not underestimate the heat: Summer Comiket, or in general, Summer in Japan is brutal, there are always cases of heat stroke during Summer Comiket. Make sure to stay hydrated and wear light clothes.
📚 Do You Need to Buy the Catalog?
Yes, and no. The Comiket catalog is a dictionary-like giant B5-sized book (almost 2kg!) and lists every circle. For creators, it’s useful to:
- Find other creators nearby
- Check out booth maps
- Learn the event layout
There’s also an online version at circle.ms that’s lighter and easier to search.
🤝 Make the Most of It
Comiket isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a creator community. Talk to your neighbors, trade books, follow each other on social media. Many artists build lifelong friendships or find collaborators here. You’ll be joining a tradition that’s helped thousands of artists launch careers.
📌 Your First Booth Might Not Be Perfect—And That’s Okay
You might feel nervous. You might fumble your first sale. You might forget something obvious like tape. That’s normal. Every great doujin artist started with a first table, just like yours.
What matters most is that you showed up, shared your story, and took the first step in something much bigger than yourself.
🎉 Final Words: There’s a Place for Everyone at Comiket
Whether you’re a self-taught artist, a hobby writer or just someone who just loves drawing what they love — Comiket has space for you.
And hey—don’t forget to tweet out and promote your table number before event day. We’ll be cheering for you! 💪