page_title: Dōjinshi convention
section_title: How it works
hierarchical_section_title: Dōjinshi convention / How it works
caption_attribution_description: English: Doujin booths at EOY Cosplay Festival 2012
context_page_description: A dōjinshi convention is a type of fan convention dedicated to the sale of dōjinshi, or self-published works. Dōjinshi conventions are usually referred to as sokubaikai or ibento. Thousands of dōjinshi conventions take place in Japan every year, but dōjinshi conventions are also held in other East Asian countries, and sometimes outside that region as well.
context_section_description: Months before the convention, organizers begin soliciting participants online and via flyers that are distributed at other conventions and in dōjin shops. The pamphlets contain information about how many spaces are available for circles, how many cosplayers can apply, and so on. Interested circles and cosplayers can usually apply by filling in the form attached to the pamphlet, or by using an online application service like Circle.ms. Visitors to dōjinshi conventions usually do not need to register either beforehand or upon arrival at the convention.
  The main activity at dōjinshi conventions is the sale of dōjinshi, although some conventions include cosplay or other activities as well. Participating dōjinshi circles sit at long rows of tables with their works displayed in front of them. They are usually grouped by fandom and sometimes also by the pairings on which their works focus, and visitors get or sometimes buy a convention catalog or flyer in which the location of every participating circle is indicated. Visitors move between the rows of tables, leaf through dōjinshi that catch their eye, and buy them by paying the circles in cash.
  Although the "for fans by fans" ethos among dōjinshi conventions is strong, not everyone present at dōjinshi conventions are fans or amateurs. In Comiket's 2004 summer edition, "5 percent of all circles participating in Comiket were headed by a professional manga artist or illustrator, while another 10 percent had some professional experience". Erotic game producers also allow artists to sell sketches as dōjinshi. The larger conventions especially often allow some involvement of media companies. Many kinds of companies support dōjinshi conventions through sponsorship, direct participation, or providing various necessary services. Comiket, for instance, has a "company area" where mostly media companies sell or give away goods and merchandise. Art supply companies and dōjin printers also have booths at many of the larger conventions.
caption: Dōjinshi circles during EOY 2012
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