Image source: Düsseldorf Congress GmbH
DoKomi is an anime and Japan expo that has been held annually in Düsseldorf since 2009. It is a major highlight of the year for any anime fan, as it is the largest convention on anime and manga in all of Germany. This year, the event celebrated its 15th anniversary. In this article, you’ll find out why you should definitely experience DoKomi for yourself and when your next chance to do so will be!
Just the numbers from DoKomi 2023 alone speak to a successful 15th birthday: with 150,000 visitors, it even doubled the record from the previous year. From June 30 to July 2, the convention took place at the CCD Congress Center Düsseldorf and the Messe Düsseldorf. Several exhibition halls were filled with vendor booths, exhibitions, stage programs, and many, many cosplayers embodying their favorite characters from manga and anime. The weather also cooperated, ensuring that no one had to sweat or shiver too much in their outfits.
At the DoKomi Expo, there is everything related to Japanese pop culture on offer. Not just a wide selection of anime and manga, but also cosplay competitions, Japanese music, art, and fashion. We’ll give you a more detailed overview of the DoKomi 2023 program in the next section!
Dokomi-Logo [dokomi.de]
DoKomi 2023 - From J-Rave to Cosplay Contest
The J-Rave and the Cosplay Ball are two very popular events that take place in addition to the DoKomi Expo, and you need an extra ticket for each. The J-Rave delivers exactly what it promises: partying to Japanese electronic music in a disco atmosphere with well-known DJs from the scene. There, you can really party with your friends! While the convention this year took place from Friday to Sunday, the J-Rave was held on Saturday evening and invited attendees to dance until two in the morning. Unfortunately, the Cosplay Ball could not take place this year but is scheduled again for 2024. There, you can hit the dance floor in full cosplay attire, complete with a proper ballroom atmosphere.
By the way: There is also the option to go to the Cosplay Christmas Ball in the winter!
The Cosplay Contest is a perennial favorite every year. It’s a competition for which any cosplayer (including you!) can apply in advance, with a minimum age requirement of 16 years. You present your cosplay with a performance on stage, and a jury determines the winner. Your creativity has no limits!
If you prefer dancing, then the Dance Off Contest might be more your thing. Here you can apply with your friends or your dance group to perform your choreography in front of an audience and perhaps even take home the victory!
Besides these competitions, the stages offered much more to the audience, such as performances by Minichestra, a Japanese group that plays anime music on classical instruments.
An entire hall was dedicated to the so-called Artist Alley. Numerous artists exhibited their works there, from drawings and paintings to pins, stickers, and handmade plush toys. With such a range, you’ll find both fan art and entirely original designs as far as the eye can see. It is the perfect place to support up-and-coming artists!
Hall 5 was entirely dedicated to gamers. A stand from Nintendo was, of course, a must. There, attendees had the chance to play the new game “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.” A Smash Bros. tournament was also held. And the Genshin Impact booth by Hoyoverse was not to be missed: the currently very popular video game was simply everywhere, whether through cosplays, merch, or music.
Content creators were again found at the convention. Many familiar faces from Instagram and the like had their own booths and showcased their works. Popular cosplayers sold photo books or calendars, signed photographs, and took time for selfies with their fans. So, check out Instagram to see who might be there next year!
Extra Area: If you are of age, there was also access to the 18+ area. There you could find additional stands from artists and cosplayers, as well as innovative photo spots.
With all these highlights, it's impossible to list all the program points of the expo. Japan fans could enjoy a maid café and karaoke as well as delicious Japanese sweets like mochi or savory ramen. Moreover, Dokomi has long been a meeting point for many cosplayers and friends who reunite there annually to enjoy their time together.
Maid Café-Logo [dokomi.de]
Autograph Sessions at DoKomi 2023
One highlight we definitely must spotlight are the autograph sessions of the special guests! Notables like DJ Ram Rider and voice actor Daniel Schlauch, known for Luffy’s voice from One Piece, were busy distributing autographs. Fans could also see Uwe Thomsen, the voice of Zorro from One Piece, and Tommy Morgenstern, the voice of Son Goku from Dragon Ball at the convention. Such opportunities should not be missed, as when else do you get to meet these individuals in life?
DoKomi 2024 - Outlook There's great news, as the date for the next DoKomi has already been announced. From June 28 to June 30, 2024, the convention will welcome you again in Düsseldorf. Mark it on your calendar now, as next year we can certainly expect another great program and special guests. If you've had your eye on certain products, it’s recommended to arrive on Friday or Saturday, as by Sunday, for example, the stands of the content creators were already well picked over. Especially limited works go quickly—so don't wait too long!
Anime Merch at Impericon
If you couldn't attend DoKomi this year or your need for anime merch is still not satisfied—no problem, because at Impericon we have a huge selection. Whether it's accessories, T-shirts, or Funko Pops, you'll find fan articles for the hottest animes around. Feel free to browse through!
