Every summer, Japan's massive doujinshi convention, Comic Market (or Comiket), becomes a hotbed of discussion around doujinshi and cosplay. But another topic inevitably heats up every year: the overpowering smell at the venue.
Following C108, Japanese social media was once again flooded with posts like "it stinks" and "please take a shower." However, one post from a self-proclaimed middle-aged male photographer otaku struck a different chord. He confessed that despite his best efforts—showering in the morning and wearing a fresh T-shirt—he would still start to smell by the time he reached the venue. His post unexpectedly kicked off a massive discussion, with netizens sharing their best tips and tricks for odor prevention.
The original poster, whose thread went viral, explained that every Comiket, posts complaining about the smell suddenly explode, so he decided to speak up for his fellow middle-aged men. He lamented:
"Even if we uncles take a proper shower in the morning, by the time we get to Ariake, we start giving off that smell...!! It doesn't matter if the T-shirt is brand new." He joked that in his youth, he "never had that kind of smell," but as he got older, his body chemistry changed. Even using antiperspirant can be a problem. Some people complain, "The whole Rinkai Line train car stinks of spray, I'm gonna be sick," while spraying perfume on already sweaty skin can create a stench similar to kitchen garbage.
The poster cried out in despair: "Our bodies are basically cursed. Everyone... please understand, we really are trying!"
The post quickly drew a flood of responses, many of which skipped the mockery and instead offered serious advice on how to minimize body odor.
Some suggested that middle-aged men use cleaning products specifically targeting "kareishu" (aging odor), such as persimmon tannin soap. Others pointed out that cotton T-shirts absorb sweat but don't dry quickly, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. They recommended switching to moisture-wicking polyester clothing for summer Comiket.
Other users emphasized that antiperspirant spray is best used *before* leaving the house, not after you're already drenched in sweat. "Once you start sweating, wipe it off with a wet wipe; as soon as you feel your armpits or back getting damp, deal with it. It's too late once your T-shirt is soaked." They also strongly advised choosing unscented products, warning that mixing fragrance with body odor can create a smell that's a "special grade cursed object."
One person even joked that when attending a massive crowded event, it's "not surprising to go through a 30-pack of wet wipes in a single day."
One surprising issue that gained traction in the discussion was that the source of the odor might not be the body itself, but the backpack you carry every day. A netizen pointed out that backpacks and shoulder straps absorb sweat over time and can accumulate a severe stench.
Someone even shared an experience from a train ride: a young man who looked perfectly clean had a terrible odor emanating not from him, but from his nylon backpack. The user described the bag as a "special grade cursed object," so potent that the smell made the entire train car reek of a "card game shop."
After seeing this, the original poster added that he had actually sent his bag to be cleaned a week before the event and confirmed he was wearing a brand-new T-shirt. "So what the heck is stinking... *sob*."
Beyond cleaning products and clothing, many users argued that body odor is also linked to long-term diet and lifestyle habits. Some suggested adjusting one's diet a week before Comiket to include more fruits and vegetables, while others recommended regular exercise to get the body accustomed to sweating normally.
Another user half-jokingly remarked: "If you spend your days drinking, eating meat, and not exercising, and then suddenly give yourself a good wash on the day of the event, all the stuff that's built up inside you is still there. Of course, you're still going to stink."
What began as a discussion about "Why does Comiket stink so much?" ultimately turned into a massive, crowdsourced strategy session for combating odor at summer events. From bathing, antiperspirants, wet wipes, and clothing materials to bag cleaning, diet, and exercise, netizens offered a wide range of solutions.
The conversation also served as a reminder for many: the problem of body odor at large summer events isn't as simple as whether or not someone "took a shower." Your body, clothes, personal belongings, and daily habits can all be sources of the dreaded funk.
via： X@peyangtaneda