Image: DoKomi, Messe Düsseldorf
Already over again: One of the most popular and largest anime and manga conventions in Germany, DoKomi, came to an end again yesterday. After plenty of stage programs, a sea of cosplayers, and joyful reunions, it's now time to look forward to 2025!
The anticipation and excitement for three days of the convention in Düsseldorf were palpable in the community over the past weeks, even months. No wonder, because the artists had to prepare their booths, thousands of cosplayers were fine-tuning their outfits and props until the last minute, and there was just too much program and events to not get hyped for the expo in advance. And like every year, DoKomi 2024 was again a great success! In 2023, visitor numbers already reached over 155,000 fans. The convention is growing!
Special Guests & Fans: Who Was There?
DoKomi is not just a place to buy mangas, anime merchandise, and Japanese snacks - it's also a meeting point for friends from all over the world who share various hobbies. Fans of anime, manga, K-Pop, and more come together for dance performances, cosplay shows, photoshoots, and simply chilling out together in the Japanese Garden right across from the fairgrounds. This year’s trend? Of course, characters from Naruto (classics are a must), Jujutsu Kaisen (hard to get more popular), Genshin Impact (still just everywhere) and Hazbin Hotel (this gets really creative!) were to be seen everywhere. In the Creator Hall, there were booths from various cosplayers you might know from Instagram and other platforms. In the Artist Alley, the familiar sight of a bustling maze of booths filled with artworks and fans stretched as far as the eye could see.
Of course, there were also famous guests - some at autograph sessions, some on the VTube Stage, or on the main stage. German voice actors from well-known animes are always warmly welcomed at the convention. This time, among others, Tommy Morgenstern, known from Dragon Ball Z and Demon Slayer, and René Dawn-Claude, known as Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen, were present and signing autographs. From the streamer scene, for instance, VTuber Shoto (Meet & Greet, Q&A) and VTuber Kuromiya Lucien (Live Concert) were there!
Summer Temperatures
This year it got hot again - especially in the blazing sun or in specific cosplays. Fortunately, there were ways to cool down with bubble tea and matcha ice cream, and also seating areas in the shade. Those with small handheld fans or cosplays with fans had a clear advantage.
Is There A Date For DoKomi 2025 Yet?
Unfortunately, no date has been announced for DoKomi 2025 yet. If you want to mark it in your calendar as early as possible, it's best to check their official website and especially their social media channels! Updates are posted there regularly. By next year, hopefully, wallets will have recovered from shopping and feet from all the walking.
If you haven't had enough of Merch, you can stay right here at Impericon, because you'll find plenty of anime, games, and K-Pop Merch with us too!
