Yesterday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The NBA suspended the season. E3 was cancelled. The Osaka sumo tournament banned in-person spectators. But Japan’s Comic Market, dubbed the largest fan event on Earth, still seems slated for this May.
This weekend, Comic Market wrapped up in Japan. Besides self-produced manga and art, Comiket is famous for all the cosplayers it attracts. This year’s summer event did not disappoint.
“Doujinshi” (同人誌) is Japanese for fan-created, self-published comics, magazines, and novels. While Japan has strict copyright laws, doujinshi tend to get a free pass and flourish. A new trade agreement could change that forever.