China’s largest comic convention bans anime and manga, including cosplay

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China’s biggest comic convention, COMICUP, has unexpectedly banned Japanese anime, manga, and related costumes (cosplay) from being featured at its next event.

Event organizers announced on December 19th that the convention on December 27th and 28th will focus exclusively on “New Chinese Style.” All displays and exhibits must fit this theme.

The statement says that any exhibit booths or displays that don’t follow the new rules will be taken down. It’s up to exhibitors to make sure their materials meet these updated standards.

COMICUP is a major event held twice a year in China, known as the biggest marketplace for independently produced comics and fan-made creations. It showcases both Chinese and international content, and especially features a lot of Japanese anime and manga through merchandise, fan art, and costumes.

The sudden change in rules has led to many exhibitors, especially those representing fan-made works, cancelling their participation, and there are fears that fewer people will attend the event.

Cosplayers dressed as Japanese characters will be denied entry to the event

COMICUP shuts Japanese anime and manga down

The organizing committee announced the decision was made after carefully considering the current social climate and their responsibility to the community.

Although there wasn’t an official list of prohibited items, reports on Chinese social media indicate that security at the event will be tighter. These reports suggest cosplayers dressing as characters from non-Chinese franchises might not be allowed in, and staff will be checking to make sure everyone follows the rules.

Recently, showings of the movie Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle stopped in theaters when officials refused to allow it to continue playing, even though it was still doing well at the box office – usually, a movie with good ticket sales would be allowed to stay in cinemas longer.

It’s really disappointing to hear that other movies and shows are also being delayed! Like, the new Detective Conan movie, the latest Crayon Shin-chan film, and even the live-action Cells at Work! adaptation have all had their releases pushed back or aren’t happening at all right now. It’s a tough time for fans, honestly.

I’m really worried about COMICUP right now. With so many cancellations happening and no one knowing what’s going on for opening day, it’s causing a lot of stress for those of us in the Chinese fan-creation and cosplay scenes. It feels like everything is up in the air, and we’re all pretty concerned about what this sudden change means.

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2025-12-23 18:19