DoKomi 2025: Düsseldorf Once Again Becomes the Capital of Japanese Pop Culture

June 02, 2025

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When thousands of colorfully costumed cosplayers gather around the CCD and the North and South entrances on the first weekend of June, one thing is clear: DoKomi is back. From June 6 to 8, 2025, the CCD Congress Center Düsseldorf and a total of nine exhibition halls will transform into a celebration of Japanese pop culture. With an expected 200,000 visitors, over 1,900 exhibitors and fan booths, as well as artists and more than 140 hours of stage programming, DoKomi is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe - and has long since become a defining part of the cityscape.

In addition to the CCD, nine exhibition halls covering around 200,000 square meters will be in use. Here, commercial vendors meet independent illustrators, esports meets Japanese street fashion, and community projects meet professional show design. The new hall layout provides significantly more space for high-demand program areas such as gaming, fashion, and creator content. Popular features like the Itasha exhibition and the new interactive format “Creamys Castel” will also move into larger spaces. Furthermore, DoKomi 2025 will see increased participation from Japanese companies, particularly in the main exhibition hall (Hall 1).
Fan favorites like the Maid Café and the Cosplay Ball remain integral parts of the ever-growing program.

Düsseldorf Congress sets new standards for large-scale events

Since 2012, DoKomi has been a fixed date in the CCD’s calendar. It is organized by AkibaDreams GmbH.

“DoKomi is not just a convention - it transforms our venue every year,” says Maria Kofidou, Managing Director of Düsseldorf Congress GmbH. “It brings people from all over Europe together, fills rooms with creativity and emotion, and shows the power of a vibrant, diverse community.”

The organizers also emphasize the importance of long-standing collaboration: “DoKomi thrives on the passion that thousands of people bring - and share with us. We see ourselves not just as organizers, but as part of this community. That’s why it’s so important to work with partners who not only understand that but actively help shape it. That’s exactly what we’ve found with the CCD,” says Andreas Degen, Managing Director of AkibaDreams GmbH.

Between subculture and city life

Whether in Nordpark, along the Rhine, in the Old Town, or on the subway: DoKomi is visible and has become one of Düsseldorf’s most influential cultural events. No surprise, as the region is home to Germany’s largest Japanese community and the popular Japan Day. DoKomi complements this connection in its own way - youthful, international, loud, and colorful.

Event overview

Date: June 6 – 8, 2025 (Friday to Sunday)
Location: CCD Congress Center Düsseldorf / Messe Düsseldorf
Halls: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7.0, 8b (entry only), 9, 10, 16, 17
Visitors (expected): approx. 200,000 over three days
Event space: approx. 200,000 m²
Exhibitors & fan booths: over 1,900 commercial and private stands
Community: 1,000+ volunteers, 15,000 community passes
Organizer: AkibaDreams GmbH (Andreas Degen, Benjamin Schulte)
Highlights: Maid Café, Host Club, Cosplay Contest, Japanese guests of honor, Streaming Area, Seijin Zone (18+), Artist Alley, Gaming