In keeping with the year's trends, Tokyo Comic Con 2020 has been confirmed by staff to be an online event. Taking place from December 4th through the 6th, Tokyo Comic Con 2020 will be the 5th annual iteration of the convention which began in 2016.
Tokyo Comic Con 2020 joins the likes of New York Comic Con and DC FanDome in switching to an online-only model for 2020. The company behind Tokyo Comic Con made the announcement on August 20th, giving potential attendees plenty of time to adjust their plans for the December convention. The official site will link to several areas as part of a "Free Content Zone" where viewers can check out various events and displays for no charge, while other content will be available for an extra fee.
Originally announced in April, when the COVID-19 pandemic was still relatively new, Tokyo Comic Con 2020 was initially planned as a physical event like its predecessors. Luckily, its original choice of venue, the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, will still find some use. Various livestreams will take place at the convention center as part of the festivities, though it's likely that many of the planned panels will take place remotely. No details have been given on how the more fan-oriented events will go, such as cosplay contests, but more news should be expected as the convention draws nearer.
No guests have been announced for the event as of yet, but if the last few years are anything to go by, it wouldn't be terribly surprising to see some big names make an appearance. 2018 saw stars such as Tom Hiddleston and Ezra Miller join the fun, while Jude Law, Orlando Bloom, and even Chris Hemsworth headlined the 2019 lineup. So it may be safe to assume the guest list will maintain its quality, especially given how much easier it will be for celebrities to take part in panels remotely.
It's good to see large gatherings still able to operate like this. For many, these conventions are the best (or only) way to interact with people who share their interests, and in a world currently starved for interaction, every little bit helps. As already seen at other events throughout the summer, the adjustment to becoming exclusively online happenings has been awkward at worst, but still relatively smooth. Hopefully Tokyo Comic Con 2020 keeps in line with the best.
Many fans who had planned to attend the convention are likely a bit deflated by this news, but at this point, it was the expected outcome. Odds are, most potential attendees understand the necessity. Besides, this is a chance for something new, and who doesn't like trying new things? Wait, don't answer that.