El 31 Manga Barcelona It returns with a new edition that aims to once again fill the pavilions of the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via and consolidate itself, for another year, as the premier event for manga, anime, and Japanese culture in Spain. The convention will be held 5 8 to the December and will occupy a total of Sqm 92.000 In pavilions 3 and 5 of the venue, a sea of space prepared to receive tens of thousands of attendees.
Following a previous edition that exceeded 167.000 visitorsThe organization is committed to maintaining slow but steady growth. Management speaks of stability And it's a format that has already found a comfortable fit for both the public and exhibitors. With Saturday and Sunday tickets sold out in advance and Friday and Monday tickets well underway, everything points to another year of outstanding figures.
Dates, times and access to the venue
The event will be held. 5 8 to the December, coinciding with the long weekend, in Barcelona Gran Via Fairin L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. Public access will be via the 4 gate, located at Carrer de la Botànica, 64, with continuous opening hours of 10 am to 00 am each day.
The hall will occupy 92.000m² Spread across pavilions 3 through 5, this space houses the main stages, commercial areas, food courts, themed areas, and various venues for activities, conferences, and presentations. According to the organizers, with these current dimensions The aim is to avoid excessive crowding. and maintain a smooth experience in corridors and activity areas.
Tickets for the busiest days have sold out quickly, and although some additional tickets are expected to be released as people leave the venue, the recommendation is plan your visit in advanceIn addition, the following have been introduced: Onachan Fast Pass tickets, a format that allows priority access to the venue and has become one of the logistical innovations of the edition.
An edition focused on manga, anime, and Japanese culture
The organization, driven by ficomicHe insists that Manga Barcelona has been much more than just a Japanese comic book convention for years. The fair has transformed into a grand celebration of Japanese culture In a broad sense, with room for gastronomy, fashion, music, language and traditions, without neglecting its central core: manga and anime.
For this edition, the director of the competition, Meritxell Puig, highlights a sustained growth and a “very positive experience” for both the public and the participating companies. The goal is to continue strengthening the trade fair's identity as essential annual meeting point for fans from all over Spain and also for visitors from other European countries who travel specifically to enjoy the event.
The content advisor, Oriol Estrada, emphasizes that the program seeks to balance new features, international guests and participatory activitieswithout losing sight of the family audience and the new generations who are approaching the universe of manga and anime for the first time.
Special guests: manga artists, directors, and anime figures
One of the main attractions of the 31st Manga Barcelona is the list of international guests, which combines manga authors, illustrators on InstagramAnime directors and professionals associated with well-known franchises. Among the most anticipated names are the manga artists. Gou Tanabe, Tsutomu Takahashi and the character designer Akemi Takada.
Gou Tanabe will present a exhibition dedicated to his manga adaptations of the HP Lovecraft universewhere it will be shown how he has translated the writer's characteristic atmosphere of cosmic horror into the language of Japanese comics. For his part, Tsutomu Takahashi He will be there to talk about his works Jumbo Max y Guitar Shop RosieWhile Akemi Takada, known for having brought to life such iconic characters as Lamu, creamy mami o Madoka, will focus on her work as a character creator for classic anime series.
The program will also feature Shinichiro Watanabe, director of seminal titles such as Cowboy Bebop, Y de Takashi Matsuyama, former assistant of Akira Toriyama and responsible for numerous funds and visual elements in Dragon Ball, including the emblematic Kame HouseTheir participation reinforces the salon's connection with some of the most influential works of Japanese animation of recent decades.
The guest list is rounded out by other anime and manga professionals who will participate in Talks, signings, masterclasses and meet-and-greets with fansThe intention is to offer a broad and diverse view of the sector, from the creative process to the production and internationalization of these works.
Music as the protagonist: Yoko Kanno, SEATBELTS and AiNA THE END
This year, Music will play a central role in the Manga Barcelona program. The main protagonist will be the composer and instrumentalist Yoko kanno, responsible for such renowned soundtracks as those of Cowboy Bebop o Ghost in the Shell, who will visit the hall and He will take the stage on several occasions.
Yoko Kanno will perform with the band SEATBELTS, known for its blend of jazz, blues, funk and experimental soundsand for having composed the legendary soundtrack of Cowboy Bebop. It will be the first time SEATBELTS perform outside of Japan, a milestone that adds a strong appeal to the event's musical program.
The concert section also features the presence of AiNA THE END, Japanese artist linked to the music of Dan Da Dan, which will offer its first concert outside of Asia as part of Manga BarcelonaTheir performance joins other musical offerings spread throughout the four days, with the aim of giving anime and J-music as much weight as the comic itself.
In addition to the concerts, there will be fan meet-and-greets and talks on the relationship between animation and musical composition, where we will analyze how the soundtrack contributes to the construction of atmospheres and characters in Japanese series and films.
Collaboration with 3Cat and anime premieres
The close collaboration with 3CatThe Catalan public media group, is another key player in this edition. Manga Barcelona will host Special screenings coinciding with 3Cat premieres, with three titles that will be announced in detail closer to the event.
One of the most significant milestones is the preview of the first episodes of Journeys Pokemon: The Series dubbed into CatalanThis presentation is part of a larger agreement by which 3Cat has acquired the rights to dub the first three seasons of the series into Catalan, thus restoring Pokémon's presence on public television in this language.
The organization has announced that the Monday 8nd at 13:30 pm A special session has been scheduled at the Auditori Manga, in which, they say, “there will be Lots of Pikachus running around the auditoriumThis suggests an activity designed for families and fans of the franchise. Oriol EstradaThis collaboration with 3Cat is especially relevant because he believes it is “very important that public television should invest in this type of content" and that Manga Barcelona is the natural environment to introduce them.
These screenings are in addition to other anime sessions, season previews, and special content that will be revealed as the convention dates approach, reinforcing Manga Barcelona's role as a showcase for new releases and audiovisual projects related to manga and anime.
Pets, kawaii culture and themed exhibitions
In the more playful and visual aspects, this edition will incorporate and expand upon several thematic spaces which have already become a hallmark of the show. One of them is the Takeshita Barcelona St, a recreation of a street in the neighborhood of Harajuku in Tokyo, where exhibitors of Japanese fashion, accessories, alternative styling and culture are concentrated kawaiiThis area is making a strong comeback for those who want to experience Japanese urban trends firsthand.
Also returns the Nagomi Areaa space dedicated to artisans and traditional products From Japan, where you can find high-quality objects, handmade pieces, and designs that connect manga and anime with classic craftsmanship and design. According to the organizers, this space “is here to stay” and this year will feature more display surface.
Among the main new exhibits are “Onachan’s Room”, a setup designed to get to know better Onachan, the official mascot of Manga BarcelonaThe exhibit recreates its environment and serves as a meeting point for fans and the curious. Alongside it is the exhibition “Sant Jordi. From Auca to Ôtsu-e”, a collaboration between the Escola Joso of Barcelona and the University of Art and Design of Seian that puts into dialogue two artistic traditions: the Catalan auca and the Japanese Ôtsu-e.
The most endearing guest of this edition will be Kumamon, the popular mascot of the prefecture of Kumamoto in Japan, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Kumamon will participate in performances and meetings with the public and will share the spotlight on stage with Onachan, reinforcing the festive and family-friendly nature of the event.
Gastronomy, culture and activities for all audiences
The gastronomic program is once again concentrated in the space Nihon Ryori, dedicated entirely to the Japanese cookIn this area, the following will be organized: workshops and demonstrations with chefs and specialists to bring both traditional recipes and more contemporary proposals closer to the public.
Those interested in language and culture will find specific activities in areas such as Nihongo Experience, designed to approach to the Japanese language and cultural aspects beyond manga and anime. The goal is for the visit to the convention to also serve as a gateway to a broader understanding of Japan.
For families and younger visitors, the program again includes the space Manga Kidswhere adapted activities, creative workshops, and content designed for children are organized. The idea is that the event is accessible and enjoyable for all ages, from veteran fans to those approaching this world for the first time.
In addition, the venue will feature workshops, screenings, competitions, talks, interactive spaces and introductory activities to various creative disciplines. This range of offerings aims to provide something interesting both for those who are going shopping and attending brand events, and for those seeking training, networking, or simply spending the day discovering new hobbies.
Funko, collectibles and the presence of major brands
The phenomenon of collecting figures It will have a special prominence thanks to the presence of Funko, who returns to Manga Barcelona with a 64 m² stand installed next to the toy store chain toysThis collaboration, established over six years ago, is reflected in a space designed specifically for fans of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture.
At this stand you will find more than 600 references of products, including figures Pop!, Bitty Pop!, articles of Lounge flyFunko will be bringing its own line of products, accessories, and other items aimed at collectors. As with the previous edition, Funko will be bringing its own line of products. five exclusive figures created for the salon, to which will be added a sixth figure in limited edition not yet revealed. All these pieces will only be available for purchase during the days the event is held.
The brand seeks to capitalize on the popularity of anime and manga among new generations, who see these figures as a way to take home a piece of their favorite series and charactersThe expansion of Funko's catalog, featuring classic heroes, current protagonists, and iconic villains, reflects the rise of collecting as a fundamental part of the fan experience at events of this kind.
Beyond Funko, the convention's retail area will feature Specialty stores, publishers, distributors, import labels, artisans and merchandising brands that will cover a wide range of interests: from comics and artbooks to figures, themed clothing, posters, prints and imported products that are hard to find in the usual circuit.
Video games in the living room: Nintendo, Pikmin Bloom and tournaments
The scope of game It's once again very present at Manga Barcelona, with spaces dedicated to both traditional console games and mobile-related offerings. One of the main focuses will be... Nintendo booth, which will host a competition area open for the four days of the event.
This area will be the venue Daily tournaments on Nintendo Switch 2 No prior online registration is required. Visitors wishing to participate can register in person on the day of the tournament between [time range missing in original text]. 10:00 and 11:45, up to a maximum of 128 people per day. The The first rounds will begin at 12:00 and will be contested around different titles: Mario Kart World (December 5 and 8), Kirby Air Riders (December 6) and EA FC26 (December 7).
Participants who manage to place themselves in the podium of each day They will be eligible for various prizes. The first-place winners will receive a LEGO Mario Kart set: Mario and Kart standard accompanied by a SanDisk 256GB microSD Express card for Nintendo Switch 2. The runners-up will receive a LEGO Super Mario World set: Mario and Yoshi, while third place will be awarded a LEGO Game Boy setThe general conditions of participation are set out in a specific regulation available through the organization.
To liven up the competitive atmosphere, several content creators specializing in video games They will visit the Nintendo booth and participate in games and demonstrations with the public. Among the announced names are: LauraPikPik y Sliver on Friday; AndrésFN y Bl3ssur Saturday; MrMigre Sunday; and Ray Bacon on Monday, which will alternate in different time slots and titles.
The Nintendo booth will also feature specific areas dedicated to anniversaries and iconic franchisesOne of them will be focused on the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.with decorative elements, games and the possibility of making one souvenir photo in the classic green pipeThere will also be a space Pikmin bloomdesigned for activities related to this mobile title and with a augmented reality camera which will allow you to take photos in which the Pikmin appear integrated into the scene.
Fans of Pokémon In addition to the 3Cat screenings, you'll find a spot to take photos with Mega Gardevoir and Mega Lucario statues, two of the mega evolutions that will be part of the future game Pokémon Legends: Z-AAll of this reinforces the presence of Nintendo and its main franchises at the heart of Manga Barcelona.
Pikmin Bloom and its special event at Manga Barcelona
The link between mobile video games and in-person events is solidified this year with the participation of Pikmin bloom at the 31st Manga Barcelona. The game has prepared a specific event linked to the hall, taking advantage of the fact that it is the The largest convention of manga, anime, cosplay and Japanese culture in Spain and one of the most important in Europe.
According to the details provided, the players who attend Fira Barcelona Gran Via between December 5th at 10:00 and December 8th at 20:00 They will receive in the application a special mission of 3.000 stepsUpon completion, they will receive a golden seedling which will result in a Pikmin disguised as red photo badgeIt is not mandatory to meet the step goal within the venue: you can finish later, as long as it is completed before the event closes in the app.
The mission can only be completed once per usereven if you visit the hall several days. Furthermore, within the venue there will be two special sites which will allow you to obtain more golden seedlings if you interact with them. In the Nintendo Zone You will be able to obtain a Pikmin disguised as Lucky charms, while in the area of japanese restaurants The reward will be a Pikmin dressed as ramen keychain.
In both cases, the The Pikmin's color will be assigned randomly. And it will only be possible to collect one golden seedling per day at each of these special locations. The game organizers remind players that the event may be modified or canceled depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, and that players should Always respect safety regulations and local signs. while they play.
Live programs and media coverage
The impact of Manga Barcelona is also felt in the media and cultural outreach. This year, the program Territory 9 Radio 3 will attend the show for the first time, where they will perform a Special live program on December 5th at 15:00 PM from the Manga Stream space.
This broadcast will review the full festival program to Oriol EstradaThe mangaka will be interviewed Joan C., One Spanish illustrators, regarding his work Eternal YoshioPublished by Norma Editorial; the comic will be presented Brain Rot from the hands of its authors, Carles Dalmau, Fernando Llor and Eiden MarsalPublished by Planeta; and the team from the specialized website will participate. Ramen for Two to discuss trends and the most anticipated moments of the edition.
This program can be followed on live video streaming from the Radio 3 website and, later, in podcast format through its app. The presence of both specialized and general media contributes to amplify the impact of the event and to bring its content closer to those who cannot travel to the venue.
In addition to this coverage, it is common for events to take place throughout the weekend interviews, reports and live broadcasts from the different stages and stands, which reinforces the national and international showcase character of the 31 Manga Barcelona.
With all these proposals, the 31st Manga Barcelona presents itself as a very complete event that combines Big-name guests, concerts, anime premieres, interactive activities, food, fashion, video games, and collectibles in a single space. The combination of established thematic areas, such as Nihon Ryori, Nagomi Area, and Takeshita Barcelona St, with new additions like the Onachan exhibitions and the artistic dialogue between Sant Jordi and Ôtsu-e, along with the presence of brands like Funko and Nintendo and collaborations with 3Cat and Pikmin Bloom, reinforces the fair's position as The main meeting point for enthusiasts of Japanese culture in Spain and a reference within the European circuit.
