Tokyo Comic Con crowds gather at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba, east of central Tokyo, Dec. 9, 2023. (Stars and Stripes)
Get your cameras and costumes ready, because Tokyo Comic Con is just around the corner.
This year’s event — slated for Dec. 6-8 at Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba, just east of central Tokyo — kicks off at noon that Friday with an opening ceremony featuring celebrity guests, including Jason Momoa, star of “Aquaman” and the upcoming “Minecraft” movie; Josh Brolin of “The Goonies” and “Avengers” films; and Benedict Cumberbatch of “Doctor Strange” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
Throughout the weekend, the celebrities and voice actors from franchises like Marvel and Stars Wars will take the stage for deep-dive discussions about their previous, current and upcoming projects.
Other guests include John Boyega of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”; Christopher Lloyd of “Back to the Future”; Morena Baccarin of “Deadpool” and “Firefly”; Ben McKenzie of “Gotham” and “The O.C.”; Jude Law of “Fantastic Beasts”; Mads Mikkelsen of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Hannibal”; and Daniel Logan, who has portrayed the Star Wars character Boba Fett.
For an extra fee, you’ll be able to meet your favorite actor, get their autograph or pose with them for a photo.
A DeLorean time machine from "Back to the Future" is on display during Tokyo Comic Con at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, east of central Tokyo, Nov. 25, 2022. (Stars and Stripes)
A statue of Poison Ivy from "Batman" is on display during Tokyo Comic Con at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, east of central Tokyo, Nov. 25, 2022. (Stars and Stripes)
Conventiongoers can also get an up-close look at props from their favorite blockbuster movies and TV shows, including the DeLorean time machine from the “Back to the Future” franchise. Some items will be on display for the first time ever, according to the event website.
Cosplay will also be featured prominently at this year’s convention, and the event planners encourage cosplayers to participate in the Cosplay Gathering and Photoshoot held each day of the convention.
Artist Alley will be making a return this year and will have arts and crafts for sale from published comic and manga artists.
Last year’s Tokyo Comic Con set an attendance record — more than 85,000 people — and event planners expect a similar number of guests this year.
The annual event debuted in 2016 and was held every year until taking a three-year hiatus during the pandemic. It was revived in 2022.
On the QT
Directions: Makuhari Messe Convention center is about a 12-minute walk from the east exist of Kaihimmakuhari Station.
Times: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Costs: General admission tickets per day are 4,400 yen for adults and 2,500 yen for high school students. Admission to celebrity panel discussions is free, but there’s a charge for autographs and photographs.
Food: A food court will offer a variety of dishes, from sushi and ramen to gourmet hot dogs and steaks.
Information: Online: tokyocomiccon.jp/en
