The enormously popular Tokyo Comic Con has now sprouted a version for all the comic and celebrity fans of West Japan. While the Tokyo event happens in early winter, the Osaka version happens in spring at Intex Osaka.
What happens?
While Japan has manga and anime festivals, the emphasis is on the authors and artists. Comic Cons have a bigger emphasis on movie stars and of course western franchises — like Star Wars and the Marvel Universe. Nonetheless, one thing they have in common is a love of cosplay, so expect lots of dress-up — likely with a focus on Western movie characters rather than Japanese ones.
What celebrities will be there?
This year, there will be a bunch of famous faces. Norman Reedus, Tom Hiddleston, Mads Mikkelsen, Jason Momoa, and more will attend the event.
Tickets
For 2024, a three-day ticket costs ¥7,700 and each individual day costs ¥3,900.
Cosplay
As is normal for these types of events, cosplayers are a big part of the festivities.
You need to pay ¥1,500 on top of your admission ticket or ¥2,500 if you want to enter early from 8 a.m.
Both tickets give you access to the changing room and cloakroom. You can also just pay ¥500 to use luggage storage.
How to get there
Osaka Comic Con will be held at Intex Osaka. To get there from Namba Station, take the Midosuji Line to Hommachi Station and change to the Chuo Line for Cosmosquare Station — the whole train journey takes about 20 minutes. The venue is around a 13-minute walk from the station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
