During the latest edition of Comiket, Japan’s biggest doujinshi event, multiple Twitter users reported a “strange and foul smell” in areas dedicated to the popular franchise “Blue Archive.” Held in the peak of the Japanese summer, this event is famous for attracting thousands of fans, making ventilation and space crucial for the comfort of attendees.
One of the most notable comments on social media was:
- «The Yostar booth had a “strange smell” wafting through it, and I had to leave within a minute. This is Comiket, I guess. I’ve been baptized.».
- «At Comiket, due to the heat, I couldn’t notice many smells, but at the Blue Archive booth, there was definitely a distinct smell.».
- «My thoughts on the Blue Archive space: it was too crowded. To those attending for the first time, well done. Regarding the smell, it was unbearable when you encountered someone with body odor or were stuck in line next to someone who smelled bad. The high population density means if three people in a row smell bad, it becomes unbearable. I considered getting back in line. The vendors must have struggled as well. If you didn’t notice any smell, you were lucky.».
“Blue Archive,” a mobile game developed by Nexon and published by Yostar, has become immensely popular for its blend of tactical gameplay and charming characters. Nevertheless, the large gathering of people in a confined space, combined with high temperatures, seems to have resulted in an uncomfortable environment for some attendees.
The community quickly reacted to these reports, leading to a series of comments:
- «It made me laugh.».
- «Everyone must think they don’t smell bad.».
- «You shower, then wait a long time and sweat, bacteria grow on sweat-dampened clothing, causing the bad odor.».
- «Popular areas are densely populated, so it’s expected for this to happen.».
- «That’s where these kinds of people gather the most, so it’s not surprising.».
- «I always wanted to visit the Blue Archive area at a doujinshi event, but with this… I can’t.».
- «With this heat and the number of people compared to other areas, there wasn’t much to do… Although there were probably those who didn’t take precautions regarding odor, I believe the main issue is the high number of people in a small space.».
- «This is so funny; they call it “Blue Cheese.”».
- «The density of people on this island is entirely different, so it’s unavoidable. A few years ago, the FGO area smelled awful.».
This type of situation has occurred in other popular areas of Comiket, where the high concentration of fans combined with the intense heat appears to be the primary factors contributing to this phenomenon. The “Blue Archive” franchise continues to draw in thousands of fans, but incidents like this emphasize the need for improved crowd management at events as vast and intense as Comiket.
Source: Hachima Kikou
Unusual Experiences at Comiket: The ‘Blue Archive’ Booth and Smell Reports
During the recent edition of Comiket, Japan’s largest doujinshi event, numerous attendees reported encountering a “strange and foul smell” in the sections dedicated to the popular mobile game “Blue Archive.” Taking place in the sweltering middle of the Japanese summer, Comiket is notorious for gathering thousands of fans, making proper ventilation and space crucial for attendees’ comfort.
The Smell Controversy at the ‘Blue Archive’ Booth
Social media quickly filled with comments about the olfactory challenges faced at the event. One Twitter user expressed:
- «The company’s Yostar booth had a “strange smell” wafting through it, and I had to leave within a minute. This is Comiket, I guess. I’ve been baptized.»
Attendee Reactions
Another comment highlighted how attendees navigated the crowded booth:
- «At Comiket, because of the heat, I couldn’t notice many smells, but at the Blue Archive booth, there was definitely a change in smell.»
Further comments added to the conversation around the intense atmosphere:
- «My impressions of the Blue Archive space: too many people. To those who participated for the first time, really, well done. Regarding the smell, it was hell when you came across someone with a bad smell or when you were in line and there was someone nearby who smelled bad. The population density is high, so if three people in a row smell bad, it’s hell. I considered getting in line again. The vendors must have had a bad time. If you didn’t smell anything, you were lucky.»
Understanding the Context: The Popularity of ‘Blue Archive’
“Blue Archive,” developed by Nexon and published by Yostar, has surged in popularity due to its engaging tactical gameplay and charming characters. However, the large crowds and high temperatures at Comiket seem to have created a challenging environment for attendees.
Community Feedback on the Experience
The community’s engagement on the olfactory topic has been active, showcasing a mix of humor and sympathy:
- «It made me laugh.»
- «Everyone must think that they don’t smell bad.»
- «You take a shower, then you wait a long time and sweat, bacteria grows on the clothes wet with sweat, and that’s where the bad smell comes from.»
- «Popular areas have high density, so it is natural for this to happen.»
- «That’s the place where these kinds of people gather the most, so it’s natural that it happens.»
- «I always wanted to go to the Blue Archive area at some doujinshi event, but with this… I can’t go.»
- «With this heat and the amount of people compared to other areas, there wasn’t much to do… Although there were probably also people who didn’t take any precautions regarding the smell, I think the problem is more the amount of people in a small space.»
- «This is so funny they call it ‘Blue Cheese.’»
- «The density of people on this island is completely different, so it can’t be helped. A few years ago, the FGO area smelled terrible.»
The Factors Behind the Smell Phenomenon
Such a phenomenon is not new at Comiket; the high concentration of fans coupled with the sweltering heat seem to be the main causes. The “Blue Archive” franchise continues to draw thousands of fans, but situations like this underline the necessity for better event management and crowd control strategies.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Stay Hydrated: Always carry water to stay cool and refreshed.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear breathable clothing to combat the heat.
- Personal Hygiene: Consider portable hygiene products such as body wipes or deodorants for quick refreshment.
- Timing Your Visit: Try to visit during less crowded hours for a more comfortable experience.
Similar Incidents at Comiket
This peculiar scenario has surfaced in various high-traffic sections of Comiket. Past events have reported similar complaints, reflecting a trend where densely populated areas become notorious for such environmental issues.
| Event | Issue Reported | Recommended Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Comiket | Overwhelming smell in popular booths | Better ventilation and crowd management |
| Anime Expo | Heat and body odor complaints | Hydration stations and cooling areas |
| Cosplay Events | High density and smell issues | Encourage personal hygiene and offer portable solutions |
Conclusion
As the popularity of events like Comiket grows, so does the need for effective crowd control and comfort for all attendees. While ‘Blue Archive’ does indeed provide a beloved experience, the unexpected issues reported remind fans of the challenges that come with large gatherings. Let’s hope for improved conditions in future events so that the joy of fandom can be enjoyed without additional discomfort.
Source: Hachima Kikou
