China’s largest comic convention, COMICUP, has announced a last-minute rule change that effectively bans Japanese anime, manga, and related cosplay from its upcoming event.
Organizers confirmed on December 19 that the December 27–28 convention will operate under a “New Chinese Style–only” format, with all exhibits required to align with the new theme.
According to the statement, any booths or displays that do not comply will be removed from the venue, placing responsibility on exhibitors to determine whether their content meets the revised standards.
COMICUP is held twice a year and is widely regarded as the largest doujinshi and fan-creation marketplace in China. The event traditionally features a mix of Chinese and international properties, with Japanese anime and manga accounting for a significant share of merchandise, fan works, and cosplay.
The abrupt policy shift has prompted widespread cancellations from exhibitors, particularly doujin booths, and raised concerns over a sharp drop in attendance.
COMICUP shuts Japanese anime and manga down
In their announcement, the organizing committee said the change followed “comprehensive consideration of the current social environment and cultural responsibility.”
While no explicit ban list was published, unverified reports circulating on Chinese social media suggest stricter enforcement on-site, including claims that cosplayers portraying non-Chinese intellectual properties may be denied entry and that staff will conduct inspections in the venue to ensure compliance.
Earlier this month, the theatrical run of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle reportedly ended abruptly after regulators declined to grant a standard extension, despite box office performance that would typically support one.
Other titles, including Detective Conan: The Time-Bombed Skyscraper, the latest Crayon Shin-chan film, and the live-action adaptation of Cells at Work!, have also faced postponements or indefinite delays.
As cancellations mount and uncertainty continues ahead of opening day, COMICUP’s sudden shift has sparked widespread concern across China’s fan-creation and cosplay communities.
