Navigating Comiket− OTAKU SUMMIT Guide −Direction to Makuhari Messe

inside or near the venue during late night

Visitors to Comiket Special 6 are strictly

hours, illegal disposal of trash, and cutting intoreminded to travel to the venue on the the day

the waiting line).

of the event, only using public transportation.

4. Other activities which defy instructions from

The means available for traveling to Comiket

Comiket staff, security personnel, the FireSpecial 6 are shown below. You are prohibited

Department and the Police Department.

from arriving at the venue before 5:00am.

■Prohibited or Restricted Items
1. Attendees must not bring to the venue any

Please see Makuhari Messe official web site formore detail.

items whose possession or use is either

http://www.m-messe.co.jp/en/

prohibited by Japanese law, or may
possibly lead to criminal charges (e.g.

■Comiket Special 6

weapons and weapon-like items which are

There are noat Comiket.

subject to the Firearms and Swords

Everybody is a participant who helps makeControl Law; items deemed to be in

Comiket happen together with the Comic

violation of Penal Code 175 (obscenity

Market Committee.

restrictions) or the Child Pornography Law.

customers

2. All animals, with exception of service

Please read carefully and respect the following

animals (e.g. guide dogs).

guidelines, so that all participants at Comiket
Special 6 may enjoy a trouble free event.

3. Large batteries (when toppled, large■Prohibited or Restricted Activities

batteries such as car batteries my leak

1. Activities which infringe Japanese laws andhazardous substances). Small batteries for

local government ordinances (e.g. using thecharging mobile phones and other small

electrical outlets at the venue without

electrical devices are permitted.

permission; street parking cars in no-

4. Gas filled balloons which may float up.

parking zones).

5. Any other items deemed dangerous by
Comiket staff.

2. Activities which are deemed security and■Important Notices from Comiket

safety hazards (e.g. smoking outside
designated smoking areas; occupying no

1. Please use the public transportation or

stopping zones, and blocking access to fire

walk to the venue. If you come to thefighting gear or emergency exits).

venue by cars, bicycles, or motorcycles,

3. Activities which cause nuisance to otherplease be aware that there are no

attendees and local neighborhood (e.g. loitering

automobile parking bike parking areas

28

reserved by Comiket. We ask you to be

You must refrain from such activities forrespectful of the local neighborhood andthere are chances you may becomeseek legitimate parking spaces elsewhere.

involved in unforeseen predicaments. Also

2. Please do not arrive at the venue by taxi.

please make sure to inform your family of

There are many exhibitors who will be

your plans, including when you will returnusing taxi, and serious road congestion ishome from Comiket.

expected around the venue. If you must

■To Attendees with Small Children

use a taxi for some inevitable reason, please

1. Comiket is harsh enough for regular adults.

get-off at Makuhari Messe's designatedAll parents should place the highest

drop-off zone.

priority on your child's welfare on

3. Please do not call a taxi to go home. As it

attending Comiket. In addition to making

will be very busy around the venue after

sure to keeping an eye on your child,the event closing time, it will be impossible

please monitor his or her condition at all

to know who called which taxi.

times.

4. Do not use unlicensed radio (wireless)

2. Comiket does not have childcare services

transmitters. The Ministry of Internal

nor medication designed for children.

Affairs and Communications, Kanto Bureau

3. Please plan your visit around your child'sof Telecommunications has reported thefitness and needs in attending the event.

presence of unlicensed illegal radio stations

Make sure to equip him or her with an ID

at the event in the past. We ask you tobadge, or other means of identification. The

make correct use of the airwaves.

ID should contain your child's name, home

5. To all attendees under the age of 18: Chiba

address and emergency contact information

Prefectural Ordinance Regarding the(i.e. cell phone, the circle you are working

Healthy Development of Youths forbids

at, hotel, etc.) Contact the Information Desk

underage youths to be outside their homes

if your child has gotten lost.

at late hours, including loitering overnight.

■Suggested Packing List
●Catalog (to allow you to check maps andinstructions for the event)●Cash(papercurrencyinsmallerdenominations and coins )●Wallet (preferably a type that is easy toremove and store your money)●Spare wallet (with enough emergency cashfor your return journey)●Health Insurance card (for receiving
emergency medical care)●ID (with your name and address, contact

29

details of your family and friends)

provide a space for free expressions.

●Medical kit (any medication which you may

There is one particular issue that is crucial for

need, such as prescription medication, bandthe survival of Comiket, which we ask everyone

aids, sanitary supplies)

to think about:
The problem of attendees who loiter overnight●Small garbage bags (to collect your trash)■Regarding Consumption of Alcoholor arrive during late hours

As it is a celebratory occasion marking the 40th

These activities are absolutely unacceptable,

anniversary of Comiket, you are welcome toand here's why:
●It has become a security concern for the

toast with friends. We ask you however, toneighborhood, as people loiter around theadhere to the following rules.
●Be sensible and do not cause nuisance tovenue late at night. There have been

the people around you.

incidents of theft and mugging targeted at●You must not drink if you are a minor

those who arrive during late night hours.

(under 20 years old), or if you are planning

We have been severely reprimanded by theto drive.

police as a result.

●You must not offer or force alcoholic drinks●There have been many complaints fromon a minor (under 20 years old), or someone

neighboring facilities pertaining to those

who is planning to drive.

arriving late at night, trespassed insidebuildings and private property to spend the■Do not loiter
overnight or arriveat the venue duringlate night hours!

night, and / or causing defacing anddestruction of private property, (e.g.
trampling on lawns) and leaving behindtrash strewn everywhere.
●Many attendees who arrive during the

Please respect public manners and makeComiket enjoyablenight fall sick and collapse as a result from

Perhaps it was the desire for freedom to self-

spending long hours being exposed toexpress present in everyone that gave birth toelements. Waiting in line for entry into

Comiket 40 years ago. However the social

Comiket for an extended duration is very

environment has changed with the passing oftiring and may have adverse effects on

the time, and it has become necessary foryour condition, in some cases resulting in

Comiket to refocus its raison d'etre, fromhypothermia. Such incident must not be

welcoming any manifestation of self-

taken lightly as it can be fatal, which inmaintaining continuity of theturn will make it impossible for Comiket to. This decision has resulted in therent the facilities next time. With no venue

adoption of numerous restrictions at Comiket.

available, there can be no Comiket, and all

We have been seeking ways to coexist happilyof us will lose that precious space of we callwith the wider society, while continuing toour own.

expression
event

to

30

●Please be aware that a considerable

2. You must not cut into the line, or holdproportion of the budget is being spent totackle the issue of theplaces for others arriving later.

overnighters and3. If you must leave the line to go to the toilet

late arrivers . While this diversion of funds

or to get food and drink, please note yourtoward accommodating unwanted visitors is

position before you go by checking people

unavoidable for the safe operation of

who are in the line around you.

Comiket, but we wish everyone to recognize

4. You are asked to take responsibility forthat it is placing unreasonable and not-so-

looking after your own valuables.

small burden on other participants. Please

5. Once the line starts to move, you will notthink about the individual responsibilities, inbe allowed to rejoin the line. Be sure toorder to maintain this space for all forms offinish shopping or use the toilet BEFORE

self-expressions, for ourselves and for thethe time announced by the staff.

next generation who may follow in our

6. Please refrain from any activities whichfootsteps to become part of our community.

may cause nuisance to local shops and

It is a mission for all of us to guard andrestaurants, such as asking to change

nurture this unique space.

paper currency into coins.
7. Please do not leave your belongings behind,■Guidelines onEntering Comiket

including the trash, when you move along
the line.
8. There are instances where the line will

■When you are approaching the line
holding area

come to a halt, but please do not leave the

1. Comiket staff will guide you to the line

line as it may start to move again at any
moment.

holding area to join the waiting line. Please■Other reminders until the event opening

follow their instructions.

time

2. You must not go through areas which are

1. If you are meeting up with other members

marked out of bounds.
3. Be aware that during some hours, such asof your party, please be sure to arrange

during loading hours in the morning, there areahead of time certain details, such as thesituations where delivery vehicles are given

location, time and the contact numbers, topriority over pedestrians for road access.

avoid being confused during Comiket. (DO

4. You will be asked to wait in line at the line

NOT arrange to meet up at the circle entry

holding area until the event opening time.

gates or at the station ticket barrier as■From the line holding area to the venue

these locations will be very congested.)entrance

2. The line holding area will be an open

1. Please do not leave your place in the line,

outdoor space. Please dress appropriately

until the line is fixed and the time when

for the weather, and take care of your own

the line will start to move is announced.

well-being.

31

3. Please refrain from using umbrellas as they

■Facility Security
Measureswill take up too much space in tightly
organized lines. We ask you to use raincoats

We ask all attendees for their cooperation toinstead.

follow these following steps to prevent incidents
and crimes at Comic Market.

■Disaster Prevention■What to do if you see a suspicious■Regarding disaster prevention

objectAs a huge number of attendees come to

An object is deemed suspicious if its owner andComiket, there is also a potential for large

its content are unknown. If you find an unusual

number of casualties if a natural disaster was toobject at Comiket, ask the people nearby if itstrike. It is necessary to have measures in placebelongs to anyone. If it remains unclaimed, callto prevent such outcome, but it is equallya member of Comiket staff. Basic rules whenimportant that each attendee takes a moment

you find a suspicious object are:to think what may happen and be aware ofit! Don' sniff it! Don't disturb it! Please do notyour surroundings on a regular basis.

take matters into your own hands. Also raising■At all times

excessive alarm about such incidents will cause

Please respect following rules at all times

the crowd to panic. We ask you to remain calmduring event:and act swiftly.

1. Do not sit down on the floor, or leave your

Don't touch

There will be a safety announcement at 10:40,

baggage unattended.

at which point all attendees are asked to check

2. Do not run or push other people.

their surroundings for any suspicious objects.

■Using Escalators■In case of a major incident, e.g. natural

Safety mechanism may be triggered and cause

disaster.

the escalator to stop if it is overloaded or if

In case of an emergency, such as fire, do not

small items or parts of clothing, such as the

panic but follow the instructions by Comiket

skirt hem, get caught between the steps. Pleasestaff. You must act swiftly; leave large baggage

follow the following guideline when using an

behind, and only take the valuables with you.

escalator.
1. Do not walk on escalators.

■First Aid

2. Baggage carts and trolleys with excessive

The first aid station will be available for theload are not permitted on escalators.

duration of the event, to those who have

3. Please lift up long trailing skirts and othersuffered injury or have become ill. Please beparts of the clothing, which may get caught

reminded that visiting the first aid station

between the steps.

should limited to cases where someone is so ill

4. Please be sure to hold onto small pieces ofthat they are unable to recover on their own.

accessories and other items which may

The first aid station is located in Conference

detach and fall accidentally.

Room 3 on the north side of Hall 3. There are32

two first aid tents located in South Court B andare considering a visit to Comiket, please

Outdoor Exhibition Space (West Car Park). See

consult your doctor beforehand to be advised

map on p.8 for more detail. Both the first aid

on your ability to attend. (We have produced astation and aid tents can only provide

paragraph outlining Comiket, which can be

rudimentary care, and the attendees are asked

shown to your primary care provider/s to assist

to look after themselves by being prepared. We

in your decision making process. See below.)suggest packing items listed on p.18 when

To Primary Health Care Provider/Doctor incoming to Comiket.

Charge,■When using the first aid station

Your patient, who is asking your advise, is about

Although the first aid station is staffed byto embark to Japan in order to attend a large

doctors and nurses, it has limited facilities andscale social event for like-minded fans. This

little medication. As it can only provide simple

venue will be attended by large numbers offirst aid treatments (typical of a school's nurse's

people (above 15,000) and it will be crowded.

office), we ask the attendees to bring their own

If there is a distinct possibility that yoursupply of necessary items.

patient's condition could worsen as a result of*We ask attendees to purchase for themselves

exposure to high stresses and/or shock as aany items which are available from convenience

result of attending large and crowded places,

stores. General medication such as painkillers

please provide advise to your patient regarding

and cold remedies stocked at the first aid

howstation are purchased using funds gathered

complications. Also, if your patient's illness isthrough circle participants fees. There is a limit

being managed through medication, please write

to the stock, and we would appreciate yourout the exact name of the illness, the primary

understanding that these should be given to

active ingredient in the patient's prescription

patients in genuine need.

and its dosage, and the most common symptoms■If you have a pre-existing medicalthat would arise from the onset of your patient's

condition

toprevent

and/oraddress

suchillness. Instruct your patient to carry thisPlease be aware that Comic Market may proveinformation on-hand so that it can be easily be

to be a harsh environment for some people. As

referenced in case of emergencies.

stated previously, there will be no stock of

Please be advised that the medical aid team onprescription medication.

site at Comic Market can only guide someone

If you have a pre-existing medical condition

who has fallen ill to a hospital we feel wouldthat requires certain medication, please be surebest meet the needs of the patient. We cannot

to bring your own stock when attending theadminister medical treatment at Comic Market.

event. It would be helpful to have a copy ofThank you for your understanding and pleaseprescription as well, specifying the name of themake sure that your patient understands these

medication and prescribed dosage.

risks involved and takes appropriate measures.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and■If you see a sick or injured person

33

If you see a sick or injured person, cooperate■Press registration location and presswith other attendees and call a Comiket staff

inquiries

immediately. PLEASE DO NOT CALL FOR AN

Press registration and press inquiries on the

AMBULANCE. This is necessary to avoid

day of the event will be processed inpossible confusion from having a number ofConference Room 5, Hall 5 (North end). For

attendees making multiple emergency calls forinquiries before the event, please refer to thethe same incident, and also to allow an

contact addresses on P27, and the Comiket

ambulance to reach the patient swiftly. It would

Special 6 official web site. For inquiries

be helpful if you can stay with the patient until

regarding large scale media, such as television

the staff arrives on the scene. Please cooperate

programs, please contact us as soon as possible.

with the venue and the emergency crew, toWe may not be able to meet your request

enable swift and effective response.

without prior communication.

■Lastly, first aid at Comiket Special 6 is■About Press Registrationdifferent from regular Comiket

1. Anyoneworkingforcommercial

We have changed the name from first aid toorganizations, or their subsidiary groups,

first aid station at Comiket Special 6.

who wishes to carry out press fieldwork

The floor space for first aid is smaller than atmust be registered. You may find pre-regular sessions of Comiket, and therefore theregistration to be more expedient than on

number of patients who can be admitted is also

the day of the event. Please refer to thesmaller.

Comiket Special 6 official web site for more

Please look after your own well-being, and enjoy

detail on press pre-registration.

a safe and sound day at the event.

2. You will be asked to state the purpose ofyour fieldwork, the organization you work

■Press Coverage andInterviews
If you are attending the Comic Market as partof any type of fieldwork for a public orcommercial

news

media

serviceorentertainment provider, you are required toregister at the press registration and follow
instructions issued at the time. Japanese laws
pertaining to privacy contain provisions
regardingnonconsensual

filmingandphotographing of private individuals, even when
they are in public places. Please refrain fromfilming, photographing or carrying out
interviews near Comiket prior to registration.

34

for, and to supply a proof of ID. Pleasesafety reasons. Please follow the instructions

provide 2 business cards which show yourby Comiket staff. (Please be reminded thatfull name, your organization, and yourthere are certain areas where filming andcontact details. If you do not have businesstaking photographs are prohibited either

cards, then you will be asked for an

permanently or temporarily.)alternative means of proving your identity

6. Any actions which may cause accidents

and affiliation.

and injuries, such as using strong lighting

3. You must be agree to a briefing on theand doing fieldwork in congested area, arerules and the codes of conduct, and anprohibited.

individual responsible for the press team

7. There are certain areas where the uses ofmust sign a statement agreeing to the

tripods, monopods and reflector screens areterms specified.

permitted. However, you are prohibitedfrom using step ladders within Comiket.

■When carrying out press coverage
1. You will receive an arm band and a press

8. If you are going to film or interview

ID after registering. Please wear them atcosplayers, please familiarize yourself

all times during your fieldwork. When you

beforehand with the rules of cosplay

have finished, please return the arm band

filming / photography.

and ID to Press Registration (Conference■When you are being filmed,
photographed or interviewed

Room 5, Hall 5, North end).
2. Comiket staff members will accompany

1. Please ask to see the ID (e.g. a businesspress fieldwork when necessary, forcard which shows contact details) of theexample when a large group might need

person who has approached you, and ask

assistance in navigating Comiket.

which organization is carrying out thepress fieldwork, and for what purpose.

3. If individuals participating will be easily
identifiable in recorded images, you must

2. If you are approached or if you notice any

get their permission to be recorded and/orpress activity being carried out by

photographed. Nonconsensual filming/

someone who is not wearing a press arm

photography of individuals, any attempt inband and press ID, please report toconcealing

filming/

Comiket staff immediately. If you receive

photographing, any attempt to film/

any unpleasant or inappropriate treatment

photograph others illicitly or stealthily willby press persons, please take note of the

not be tolerated.

details

that

you

are

such

as

the

names,

the4. When photographing / filming, pleaseorganizations, or the press ID numbers, andcheck around yourself to ensure yourreport to Comiket staff immediately. (Pleaseactions do not endanger public safety.

note that press passes may not be issued
for the not-for-profit activities, such as

5. There may be instances where you areacademic researches. See below.)

asked to stop your work, for security and35

3. You as a participant at Comiket, have theindividuals for non-profit purposes available

right to choose whether to be filmed /oninterviewed or not. Please indicate clearly(http://www.comiket.co.jp/info-

about your intention to accept or refuse

a/NonProfitCollect.html), and abide by its

such requests, but also treat the press withrules.

respect. We ask you to be aware that
extremereaction

may

give

the

Comiketwebsite2. If you are filming movies or streaming on

wrong

the internet, you must make sure that the

impression to the person approaching you.

people around you are aware of yourOn the other hand please think carefully

filming activity.

about the significance of making comments

3. You must respect the right to privacy ofand showing behaviors in front of thepersons you are filming, as there are

media, and how individual responses canattendees who may wish not to be filmed.

impact the overall perception of Comiket in

4. If you are interviewing individuals, or

society. Take pride, and communicate yourrecording images where individuals can bepassion for doujinshi and Comiket.

easily identified, you must first declare
your name, contact details and the■Non-profit or private persons (academic
and personal researchers)

purposes of your actions, and gain consent

1. Non-profit and/or individuals conducting

before proceeding.

research in their own capacity for personal

5. There are certain areas where filming andreasons may be exempt from press

taking photographs are prohibited either

registration, but you must act within thepermanently or temporarily. Please follow

boundaries set out by Comiket's codes of

the instruction by the staff.

conduct, and other rules and restrictions■Setting up Comiket

regarding the recording of images, as
described in previous sections. Please alsoread●Comiket relies on volunteers to set up theFilming and photographing byfacilities needed for the event.
●Why not help out by laying out tables atthe venue that looks very different fromwhat you are accustomed to?
●The work involves marking out the table
positions, and setting up tables and chairsin position as they are loaded off the trucks.
●Please wear sensible clothes and bringwork gloves with you. We appreciate yourcooperation.
●Meeting Time: 12:00 (Midday), March 27th.
●Meeting Point: Outside Hall 5, Level 2.

36Hours: 14:00 (approx) 〜 17:00●For any inquiries during the venue set up,
please go to the Information Desk

Please read carefully the following instructions(Organizers' Office no.5, Hall 5). You are

before using the service:●Please go to the drop off only after you

also reminded that there are no trash canshave finished packing at your own circle

on-site on the 27th.

space.

■Lost and Found●Comiket does not provide tapes and otherpacking materials. Please go to the delivery■What to do if you find a lost property

service providers with your inquiry.

●If you find a lost property during the event●Please make sure to complete forms

period, please report to your nearest

beforehand. Take care when attaching a

Information Desk.
●There are Information Desks in Halls 1, 3 andform, as its adhesive backing will not stick

5, and also at Organizers' Office no.5 (Hall 5).

properly to packing tape material. Also,●When you file your report, please stateplease remove any previous labels, as thismay cause confusion.

clearly when and where you found the●Please secure your package so that theitem, and its description.

bottom does not fall out, and fill up the■What to do if you have lost an item

space inside.

●Lost properties which are found during theevent period will be returned at the Main

●You cannot use home delivery service to

Reception Desk in Hall 5 (Organizers' Officedispatch cash. Also make sure that you dono.5). If you are in doubt of the location,

not pack your return travel tickets byplease ask a member of Comiket staff.

mistake.
You cannot send packages abroad from the●During Comiket Special Live on 28th
March, lost properties may be claimed fromvenue. If you are planning to send

Information Desk in Hall 1.

packages abroad, please check how you may
do so beforehand.

■Inquiries after the event
You can claim lost property after the closing of
If you become aware after the event that you■Communication from
Comikethave lost an item, please take your inquiry to

For news and information on Comiket, please go

the venue facility itself (Markuhari Messe

to our official web site.

General Administration Center).

URL

event until 17:00.

http://cmksp.jp/cs6/w/■Home Delivery
Service・Home delivery service is available for the

You can also follow us on Twitter (@cmksp), forduration of the event.

the latest updates and announcements.

37

About Cosplay
Cosplay is an act of donning costumes ofMarch 29th- 11:00〜16:00

characters from manga, anime and games, and*Registration for using the dressing room closes

those of TV and movie stars, or wearing realat 15:00 on both days.

life occupational uniforms, to dress up and*Please note the closing time of dressing roomtransformon 28th is not the same as the closing time ofintosomeone

else.

What

distinguishes cosplay from simply dressing up

Comiket Special 6.

in fancy dress, is the attitude of the person in*You may attend Comiket Special Live in the

costume: his / her passion for the character

evening of March 28th, inand the manga, anime, game etc from which it

costume. Please refer to p.41 for more details.

is lifted, and his / her enthusiasm to act in■Cosplay

character. Comiket recognizes and respects

Operation

Area

Location/Hoursof

cosplay as another form of self-expression.

There are 3 Cosplay areas: The

We also recognize that there is much fun to be

Mall, Outdoor Exhibition Space, and in

had in meeting new friends and socializing

South Court (see map on p.8 for morewith others through shared passion for

information). Please note that the hours ofcosplay.

operation vary between areas. Once the

There is a specific guideline at Comiket, whicharea allotted time for cosplay is over, please

we ask everyone to follow. Please respect rules

follow instructions by the staff and ceaseand manners, be considerate to othercosplay activities, stop photo sessions

attendees, and enjoy cosplay at Comiket.

immediately, and move on to other areas or

Yasuragi

the dressing room.

■Dressing Room
Locations:Female Dressing Room: March 28th. Hall 1 &■Arriving at thevenue and leaving
the venue

Hall 2; March 29th. Hall 1 (2 locations) & Hall 2

Please be considerate to other travelers on*Please refer to p.8 of venue map.

public transportation, and refrain fromDressing Room Hours:

travelling to / from the venue dressed up in a

March 28th- 11:00〜17:00

cosplay outfit.

Male Dressing Room: Hall 338

3. Using the room for take a break or as a

■Where to change
into costumeplace to meet up

There are dressing rooms provided for

4. Any acts which may cause damage to thecosplayers. Do not change into costume infabric of the building (e.g. using color sprayany other locations at the venue, including

and color mousse)

toilets. You are reminded that it is also

5. Using power outlets■Please respect the following guideline:

necessary to register as a cosplayer at the

1. Please use the dressing rooms within its

dressing room.

operational hours. It is likely to be■Cosplay Registration

congested close to closing time. So you

Please register at a cosplay registration desk

should take into consideration the time it

outside one of the dressing rooms. Cosplay

takes to return to the dressing rooms andregistration will cost 1000 yen per day. You will

the time it takes for you to change out ofreceive a badge and cosplay registration ID,

costume.

and you can use the dressing rooms any time

2. Please be considerate to other users,

on the day, and as much as you like, onrefraining from taking up too much space.

showing the badge to the dressing room

Also leave the dressing rooms swiftly once

reception.

changed, to make space for others.
3. If you are unsure about rules regarding

The design of the badge will be different for thesecond day of the event.

Cosplay, costumes, props, or have any

Please make sure that you do not lose thequestion about Cosplay, do not hesitate tobadge, as you will be asked to purchase again.

ask the staff nearby.

Please keep it with you at all times when you■Rules regarding
costumes and props

are in costume.

■About the Dressing
Rooms

In order to comply with Japanese laws and local
ordinances, there are cases where certain

There are some rules for the users, so thateveryone can use the facilities comfortably andsafely:■Prohibited activities in the dressing
rooms
1. Taking photographs, including snapshots
on mobile phones
2. Leaving behind personal belongings39

costumes and props, or cosplay items, are either

you when moving between areas.

prohibited or restricted in their usage.

1. A costume which may physically harm

■Costumes which are prohibitedother attendees (e.g. a costume piece which
has sharp metal parts attached to its

1. A costume that exposes too much skin,surface)which may be deemed as indecent●Please remove such piece of clothing when

exposure (e.g. undergarment or genitalia ismoving between different areas.

exposed, genitalia is visible throughmaterials) For more information, please

1. Uniform of certain occupations with powers

refer to the later section, Check List

to enforce authority(e.g. police officers, fire

Regarding Exposure.

fighters and security guards)●Please cover-up your costume partially

2. A costume which may damage, or soil thewhile moving between different areas.

venue facilities (e.g. wet paint or other●You are prohibited from making comments

substances that can rub off easily)or exhibiting behavior which may cause■Costumes which are permitted withcertain restrictions

others to mistake you to be a real

1. A costume which may be restricted in

officer.
■Cosplay items which are prohibited

movement out of cosplay area

Items which are prohibited from Comiket (p.17)

2. Massive costumes which cannot fit through■Cosplay items which are restricted

doorways, or may break in doing so

Items which mimic weapons:●If it can be taken apart, or rearranged, then●You may only use items which do notmassive costumes may be permitted.

infringe the Swords and Firearms Control●Please move between different areas whileincompact

mode.

(You

must

Law

be

●Pellets, gas and batteries must be removed

accompanied by a second person if you

from toy guns (e.g. airsoft guns, gas guns,cannot maneuver on your own.)

electric airsoft guns) so that they cannot

1. Long trailing costume (e.g. long skirts andfire objects Large items which do not fit

capes)

through doorways, or may break when

●Please tuck-in, hold or remove such aspects

doing so:of clothing when moving between areas●Please check the safety of other people

outside the cosplay area, so you do not dragaround you when you are moving about

the costume along the floor.
1. A costume which may limit your field of

while carrying large items.

vision (e.g. helmets, masks, eye patches and■Check List Regarding Exposure
1. Dressing in costume without wearin

bandages)

underwear is prohibited.

●Please ensure the safety of people around40

●Nipple stickers and silicone adhesive bras

■About the Cosplay
Area

are accepted as underwear.
●If wearing swimwear, then it must be worn

There is a guideline for using cosplay area, towith jock strap or underwear.

maintain everyone's enjoyment.

2. Costume which exposes underwear is■Making your way to the cosplay area

prohibited.

●Please check the locations of cosplay areas●This includes costumes with wide neck and(see p.8 for the venue maps).

side openings which allow the underwear●Access routes to cosplay areas may change

to be seen through the gaps.

depending on the state of congestion at●Bra straps which are designed to be seen

Comiket. Please pay attention to staff

are permitted.

announcements.

●Types of pants which are designed to be■Prohibited activities at Cosplay areas

worn over other clothes are permitted as●Acts which are prohibited at Comiket (e.g.

costumes.

throwing, swinging or kicking objects)

3. A costume which exposes too much skin is●Climbing or jumping off objects

prohibited●Indiscriminately distributing flyers●For female Cosplayers, 2/3 of the front●Other activities which defy instructions

chest area and the underwear must befrom the staff

covered.

■To Anyone who wishes to photograph●If a skirt is very short or in case where any

or film Cosplayers

movement may cause underwear to show,
werecommend

wearingtights

1. If an individual can easily be identified inorrecorded images, then you must get

pantyhose.

permission from them before proceeding■How to protect yourself from illicit

with photographing / filming.

stealth photography

2. When filming or taking photographs, please

The general rule is that photographers must

check around you to ensure that yourget permission from the person being

actions do not endanger persons nearby.

photographed. However, we recommend

Any activities which may cause accidents,

wearing tights and pantyhose to protect

such as pointing a strong spot light toward

yourself from unwelcome attention.

people, are prohibited.

●Short and tight costumes which may

3. There may be instances where due toexpose the underwear when striking posescongestion in the Cosplay area, Comiket●Costumes which expose large expanses ofstaff or security guards will ask you to stopskin, such as shorts, leotards and swimming

photographing / filming altogether, or

wear

refrain from using your equipment.

41

●Other equipment which Comiket staff have

4. Following list of behaviors will not be
welcome by some people. Please take carejudged to be inappropriate

not be a nuisance to those being■Adverse Weather Conditions

photographed and other people around you.

There are instances where rain and adverse●Taking long time to photograph/film one

weather may restrict the use of Cosplay areas.
Please accept that details of restrictions will

person●Converge on a cosplayer en massevary depending on the state of congestion at●Forcing a cosplayer to strike certain poses

Comiket.

●Photographing / filming from extremely■Cosplay at OTAKU
Summit Special Live

low angles●Photographing / filming close up shots of

You are welcome to attend Otaku Summit

breasts, buttocks or genital area.

Special Live in cosplay. In addition to the●Publish the images on the internet or inguidelines for cosplay as described in previous

print without permissionsections, we ask you to take note of the●Pester for contact details or follow aroundfollowing points.

cosplayers●Dressing rooms are available between 16:00■To Cosplayers who are being
photographed/filmed− 20:30, to those who are attending

1. You are prohibited from partaking in

OTAKU Summit Special Live.

photographing/filming of images which●Please show your ticket for the live event

may be in breach of Japanese laws andwhen you enter the dressing room. There

local

will be no charge to register for Cosplay if

ordinances,

such

as

exposing

you are planning to be in costume only forunderwear or genitalia on purpose.

the live event.

2. You are at liberty to turn down requests●Photographing / filming/ recording artists

asking you to be photographed/filmed.
3. If

you

have

any

inquiry,or

on stage, including making such recordings

areexperiencing any trouble, please do not

on

your

mobilephoneduringthehesitate to talk to the staff.

performance, are all acts strictly prohibited.
●If you wish to employ flash photography to■Photographing/ filming equipment
Please take care that using equipment does notshoot people in cosplay and / or take snap

cause nuisance to people around you.

shots of yourselves while the live is in■Equipment which are prohibitedsession, please be very considerate toothers around you.

●Equipment which are not used in ordinary
photographing / filming activities (e.g. infra-

Photography of artists on stage is strictly

red cameras, micro cameras)

prohibited.

42