The Comic Market staff has communicated a change that hits those who organize their trip from outside of Japan: the TicketPay ticket service is closing access to international users. The notice was released by the official account of the event in X and arrives just as the lottery starts. Comiket 109, set from November 16 to 30.
The explanation that accompanies the measure is protection against cyberattacks, and the blockade would remain in the immediate future. TicketPay is the gateway that the event uses to raffle Early Entry tickets, so the restriction leaves outside buyers without the main road to ensure early access to rooms.
What is played who buys from abroad
The C109 Early Entry costs 5,000 yen and allows you to enter from 10:30 through the accesses of South and West Halls. It is not just any pass: the name of the buyer is printed on the entrance and can only be used by the one who won the draw, with a full real name and a passport or a photo document issued by the Japanese government in control. Foreign driver’s licenses and student cards are not accepted.
The same system applies to the Changing Room Early Entry cosplay, also by Lottery on TicketPay between November 16 and 30, with access to the locker room at 8:00 or 9:30 and entrance to the rooms from 11:00. The results are published on December 4 and the payment and issue are extended until the days of the event: December 29, 30 and 31.
The doors that are still open
The organization maintains a route designed for international participants: buy an e-ticket through Eplus and redeem it at the venue for the Am Entry bracelet, which gives way to the 11:00 queue, right after early access. That bracelet is sold without a lottery in Japan anime stores and in a limited quantity, and the C109 page places the start of the sale of bracelets and e-tickets on December 5.
For those who arrive later, the PM Entry bracelet remains, with access from 12:30. It is sold in stores in Japan and also in the enclosure, where it costs more and the waits are lengthened, so the organization itself recommends getting it in advance.
The detail that does not finish square
The official Comiket 109 tickets page, updated on November 9, continues to announce the TicketPay Lottery without mentioning any restrictions for the foreign public and it normally describes the purchase of the e-ticket via EPlus. The announcement of the blockade and the information published by the organization do not completely coincide, and for now there is no data on how many people would be left out and if there will be a solution before December 29.
The basics not to be left out
All C109 attendees need a ticket or a bracelet, and tickets are sold separately for each day. Children under 15 years of age or younger enter free accompanied by an adult with a ticket or bracelet. Using the cosplay room after accessing the venue implies a registration fee of 500 yen, and the printed catalog goes on sale on December 12. Resale is prohibited and resold tickets are not valid.
With the lottery open until November 30 and the results on December 4, the margin for an alternative to appear is minimal. Whoever has the trip on the go should keep an eye on the event account and the tickets page before closing the plan.