After the celebration of its 30th anniversary, Manga Barcelona continues to look to the future with enthusiasm, drawing on the strength that has made it a benchmark event for the last three decades. This new edition features exceptional guests, exclusive proposals, and a spectacular poster.

Kamome Shirahama, author of Atelier of Witch Hat, was one of last year's special guests. She was enchanted by Manga Barcelona, which is why she wanted to design the poster for this 31st edition. The poster features Coco, the protagonist of her famous manga, accompanied by someone very special: the Manga Barcelona mascot, Onachan! And, as one would expect, Shirahama was inspired by modernist art and Gaudí to create this beautiful poster. Meritxell Puig, the director of Manga Barcelona, said, “We are honored to have an artist of such authenticity and artistic sensitivity illustrate this year's edition. It's a magical poster that once again brings together Catalan culture and Barcelona with manga and Japan.”

We are still working on this year's guest list, but we can already announce some of the authors and artists who will be visiting us this edition. The first confirmed guest is the exceptional Gou Tanabe, who is best known for his manga adaptations of the works of American writer H.P. Lovecraft. We will also be joined by Satoru Nii, an author famous for the manga series Wind Breaker. For fans of illustrated gastronomy, Mao Momiji will be joining us. He is an artistic genius who can bring the most exquisite dishes to life through his hyper realistic illustrations.

As for anime and music guests, we have a very special combination this year. First, Shinichiro Watanabe will visit us. He is the director and creator of one of the most acclaimed anime series of the last 25 years: Cowboy Bebop. Watanabe has also directed gems such as Samurai Champloo, and he recently released Lazarus, one of the most notable series in recent years.

Cowboy Bebop is also known for having one of the most celebrated opening songs and soundtracks in anime history. Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts composed the music. Oriol Estrada, content advisor for Manga Barcelona, announced that: “For the first time outside of Japan, the singer and the group will come together to offer a memorable concert, turning Manga Barcelona into the setting for a very special event!” The concert will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025. The band will perform their anthems during the 31st edition of Manga Barcelona in an exclusive concert. To add to the celebration for Cowboy Bebop fans, Yoko Kanno and Shinichiro Watanabe will discuss together their collaboration on the legendary soundtrack.

With each edition, the Manga Barcelona auditorium has solidified its reputation as a destination for fans of Japanese animation, consistently drawing larger audiences. For now, we can announce three screenings for this edition. First is one that has become a tradition: the screening of Detective Conan, dubbed in Catalan, on Monday afternoon. This year, we will screen Detective Conan: One-Eyed Flashback. Next, we have two birthday celebrations. To celebrate Studio Ghibli's 40th anniversary, we will show Whisper of the Heart on Sunday. This lesser-known film could be described as a cult classic. Finally, on Saturday, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Memories, the work of manga and anime genius Katsuhiro Otomo.

Our beloved mascot will be the star of this edition again, this time with a new exhibition: Onachan's Room. This space will allow us to explore their personal space and learn about their passion for otaku culture. Other returning spaces at Manga Barcelona include Takeshita Barcelona St., which will transport you to the iconic Harajuku street, and the Nagomi Area, which will offer the best handmade and original Japanese products.

As a new feature this year, we are introducing additional ticket options. Visitors can purchase an Onachan Fast Pass, which offers preferential access via an exclusive queue, allowing them to move more quickly during the event. Because Manga Barcelona values families and recognizes the generational shift, the Family Pack now includes a children's ticket. This reduced-price ticket aims to make it easier for children to join us and experience these special days.

As the date of the event that fans of Japanese culture look forward to with great anticipation approaches, the time left is dwindling. However, many surprises are still to be revealed. As usual, you will need to keep an eye on social media and upcoming announcements, so you don't miss any details about this edition.

Ticket sales will begin at the end of July. We look forward to seeing you from December 5 to 8, 2025, at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.