Comic cons have become a cornerstone of pop culture events and Japan has embraced this phenomenon since 2016, hosting the Tokyo Comic Con each December.
Initially established as a sister event to Silicon Valley Comic Con, Tokyo Comic Con has grown in scale and popularity over the years. Held annually at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, it expanded further in 2023 with the launch of Osaka Comic Con. Together, these events celebrate Japanese and American films, comics, anime, and gaming, making them unmissable for pop culture enthusiasts.
From December 6–8, 2024, Tokyo Comic Con returned to Makuhari Messe. Highlighting the fusion of entertainment and technology, this ever-expanding event has firmly established itself as a key date on Japan’s pop culture calendar.
A brief history of Tokyo Comic Con
Tokyo Comic Con was founded by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, with the theme of merging cutting-edge technology and entertainment. The idea for this event emerged from Wozniak’s collaboration with Stan Lee, who also served as its honorary ambassador.
The convention offers a wide array of attractions, including photo sessions and autograph signings with Hollywood and Japanese actors, film props and costume exhibits, gaming experiences, tech demonstrations, cosplay contests, and much more.
Visitors can also explore Japanese gourmet food stalls, displays of anime, manga, and Tokusatsu (special effects films), as well as booths hosted by individual artists where fans can directly interact with creators and purchase unique works on the spot.
Notable guests
The first Tokyo Comic Con was held in December 2016, with Stan Lee as the honorary ambassador. Hollywood star Jeremy Renner headlined the event, which saw 111 exhibitors and over 32,000 visitors.
The following year, attendance grew to 42,793, featuring appearances by Stan Lee and Mads Mikkelsen — marking Lee’s final visit to Japan. Since then, the event has attracted a stellar roster of guests, including Tom Hiddleston, Ezra Miller, Chris Hemsworth, Jude Law, and Orlando Bloom, further cementing its reputation.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the event, leading to online versions and cancellations, Tokyo Comic Con made a triumphant return as an in-person event in 2022. In 2023, the launch of Osaka Comic Con added a new dimension, featuring unique local elements such as NMB48 as PR ambassadors.
Tokyo Comic Con 2024 highlights
Last year’s guest lineup dazzled fans once again with stars from film, television, and pop culture.
The roster included:
- Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones)
- Morena Baccarin (Deadpool, Firefly)
- Ben McKenzie (Gotham, The O.C.)
- Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit)
- John Boyega (Star Wars Sequel Trilogy)
- Daniel Logan (Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones)
- Jude Law (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Sherlock Holmes)
- Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal, Doctor Strange)
- Hugh Dancy (Hannibal)
- Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange, Sherlock)
- Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver, West Side Story)
Beyond the celebrity appearances, the event featured vibrant stage shows and captivating activities that left attendees thrilled.
The future of Comic Con in Japan
Tokyo Comic Con and Osaka Comic Con continue to expand, serving not only as a celebration of pop culture but as a space where people from diverse backgrounds come together.
Each year, the energy and creativity of these events grow stronger, solidifying Tokyo Comic Con’s role as a cultural hub. With increasing participation from international visitors and cosplayers, Tokyo Comic Con is set to thrive as a platform for cultural exchange and global connection.
Find some further highlights with our gallery from Tokyo Comic Con 2024 below…
Discover out more about Tokyo Comic Con at the official website here.
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