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Manga Creator Ken Akamatsu Will Not Appear at Comiket While He Is Vice Minister

Manga creator-turned-politician Ken Akamatsu confirmed on Tuesday that he will not be appearing at the second day of the Comic Market (Comiket) 106 convention this Sunday. He noted that the world's largest event for self-published dōjin works accepted his circle's application for a booth, but due to his positions as Parliamentary Vice-Minister, he will not actually take part in the event.

Akamatsu also noted that he will not attend the cross-party street demonstrations at Comiket 106. In his announcement, he cited a link to the Regulations for Ministers of State, Vice-Ministers, and Parliamentary Vice-Ministers, but did not note which section of the regulations he would be violating if he takes part in Comiket 106. However, Akamatsu added that fellow Liberal Democratic Party legislator Taro Yamada will attend Comiket 106. Yamada will be at the booth for which Akamatsu and Yamada jointly sent in an application. However, no Akamatsu works will be available at the booth.

This is the second Comiket in a row Akamatsu is not attending. In December 2024, he stated that he also would not attend Comiket 105 due to his Parliamentary Vice-Minister positions.

Ken Akamatsu is a prolific manga creator, having created A.I. Love You, Love Hina, Negima! Magister Negi Magi, and UQ Holder! Magister Negi Magi! 2. Following the conclusion of UQ Holder! Magister Negi Magi! 2 Akamatsu ran for and won his bid for the Japanese House of Councilors in 2022. In November 2024 the manga creator turned politician was appointed as the Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Reconstruction.

Sources: Ken Akamatsu's X/Twitter account (link 2, link 3)