Kimihiko Nakamura, the longtime chair of the Comitia Executive Committee, has passed away on April 26 at the age of 64. The official website for the dōjinshi (self-published works) convention announced his death, stating that Nakamura had been receiving medical treatment for cancer.
Despite his declining health throughout the year, Nakamura remained active, participating in the Comitia 155 event on February 22 and preparing for the upcoming Comitia 156 on June 7. The Executive Committee has assured attendees that future events will proceed as planned, emphasizing Nakamura's wish for Comitia to "keep going indefinitely." The convention is also considering modifications to a special "Chair Kimihiko Nakamura's Community Space" event at Comitia 156, where Nakamura would previously meet with attendees.
Born in Tokyo in 1961, Nakamura graduated from Seikei University. His career in manga media began as an editor for Zassōsha's Puff magazine while still a student, eventually rising to editor-in-chief from 1988 to 1993. It was during his time at Puff in 1984 that he helped found Comitia, taking on the role of Executive Committee representative the following year. His contributions to the industry were recognized with a lifetime achievement award at the 17th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2014.
Comitia conventions are held quarterly, focusing on the exhibition and sale of original creative works. A private funeral has already taken place for close relatives, with plans for a public memorial service to be announced later. Source: Anime News Network(https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2026-04-29/comitia-dojinshi-convention-chair-kimihiko-nakamura-dies/.236917)
