Japan's biggest doujin event, "Comic Market" (Comiket, C108), is set to hit Tokyo Big Sight from August 15th to 16th. Many are already gearing up for a massive shopping spree to support their favorite creators.
Every summer, one topic inevitably resurfaces at Comiket: the "odor problem." But in recent years, a company has stepped up as the "Odor Defense Squad," and this C108 will feature their "Odor Gate" to help attendees tackle the issue. This initiative has become a hot topic among event-goers.
The "Odor Gate" booth, set up by WAKAYAMA Co., Ltd. at Comiket, first launched at Summer C104 in 2024 and is now entering its third year. The booth aims to create an engaging activity that also contributes to improving the odor problem at Comic Market.
The booth will feature six cosplayers forming the "Odor Defense Squad," who will use the company's self-developed antibacterial and deodorizing spray to quickly neutralize the source of odors caused by sweat and bacteria.
This year, they're adding small gifts for visitors, plus a gacha machine where you can win limited-edition stickers. And of course, anyone who stops by the "Odor Gate" will have a chance to snap a photo with the cosplayers!
▼ Cosplayers from last year's "Odor Defense Squad."
Naturally, this booth has earned high praise from many netizens, who are also urging everyone to PLEASE shower before attending. They emphasize that showing up unwashed and then sweating profusely is truly agonizing, and even the strongest Odor Gate can't fully fix the horror. "Please, for the love of all that is holy, shower! QQ"
Some netizens also suggested that the booth should be placed at the entrance or in the queue lines, so everyone can be deodorized before entering. Otherwise, it's still hard to avoid encountering a crowd of smelly people even after reaching the booths.
One netizen even created Comiket merchandise with the slogan "Shower before meeting people," clearly showing how desperately they want people to bathe. This problem is... a truly heartfelt plea for everyone to shower.
Of course, this "odor problem" is discussed every summer Comiket. Now, with companies willing to step in and try to solve it, it really highlights the earnest pleas for everyone to shower before attending. Is it really that hard? Let's all comply, QQ.