AI-Generated Content Sparks Backlash Ahead of Summer Comiket

The upcoming Comic Market 104 (Comiket 104) is set to take place this August in Tokyo, and preparations are already underway. Artists and creators hoping to sell their self-published works—be it doujinshi, games, manga, or other fan creations—can now apply for booth space at the event.

However, this year’s application process is already stirring controversy online, as it appears that AI-generated content is being accepted at Comiket, leaving many traditional artists feeling excluded.

Hand-Drawn Artists Rejected, AI Creators Accepted?

The issue went viral after a Japanese artist named Nanoko expressed frustration on social media, stating:

“Why are AI users being accepted to Comiket, but I, who draw everything by hand, was rejected?”

Nanoko is known for her adult-themed (R18) doujinshi focused on loli characters, and her tweet struck a chord with many in the artist community.

Another doujin artist, Fuya, shared his own concerns on the matter:

“Comiket is accepting booths featuring generative AI content, and these AI creators are taking spaces that should go to real human artists.
They’re openly bragging about using AI to get in—no shame, no pretense.
If this continues, Comiket is done.

The event already suffered when many top doujin circles moved to crowdfunding during the COVID era and stopped attending in person. It was never the same after that.

Now this.

Eventually, more popular circles will just stop applying, and the venue will be overrun by techbros.”

While some fans support Nanoko and are calling for her to be included in the event, others are raising broader concerns about how AI-generated works are reshaping the doujin scene—particularly in traditional spaces like Comiket, which has long celebrated hand-crafted creativity.

The backlash highlights a growing tension in the community as artists debate what qualifies as “authentic” doujinshi in an age of AI.

It remains to be seen whether the organizers of Comiket will respond to these criticisms or adjust their policies. For now, frustration continues to grow among veteran creators who fear the event’s original spirit is being lost.