For more than 30 years, Manga Barcelona has been the leading event for manga, anime and Japanese culture enthusiasts, thanks to the quality of its programme, the prominence of its guests, and the strong support it receives from both the Japanese and local industries. Manga Barcelona has earned this reputation by consistently putting creators and their works at the heart of the event while placing its attendees at the centre of the experience. Its main mission is to promote reading and showcase the many worlds that surround and enrich otaku culture.

The 32nd edition will take place from 5 to 8 December 2026 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via and features some particularly noteworthy news: the return of Junji Ito, one of the most influential figures in contemporary horror manga. Ito is returning ten years after his first visit, now established as one of the most popular manga authors.

Ito has chosen to showcase his talent at Manga Barcelona by designing the official poster in his unmistakable style. His characteristic unsettling atmospheres are transported to an iconic Barcelona landmark, Park Güell, offering a much more colorful take than we are used to seeing in the mangaka’s work. This image, brimming with personality, has become one of this year's defining visual symbols. As expected, the renowned Japanese mangaka will be joining us at the convention, in a highly anticipated visit following more than a decade's absence.

The event will also feature a prominent lineup of Japanese artists. Leading the way is Shoji Kawamori, a key figure in the anime industry and the creator of the Macross universe. He is renowned for his career as a director, screenwriter and mechanical designer on internationally significant projects. Also connected to this universe is Risa Ebata, an animator and character designer whose elegant and expressive style has contributed to various productions in this iconic science fiction saga. Both Kawamori and Ebata will present their most recent work, the film Labyrinth, at the Auditori Manga.

Also joining this line-up is Oswaldo Kato, the internationally acclaimed Brazilian illustrator known for his work on the Pokémon Trading Card Game as well as his contributions to anime, film and video game projects. Manga Barcelona will also welcome Yaya Han, one of the most influential figures in the international cosplay scene. Rounding out this first preview is Konata, a returning author who is gaining prominence in Japan thanks to her fresh and contemporary talent.

This year, Manga Barcelona's music line-up brings together some of the most distinctive voices in the Japanese scene. ALI, the band behind anime music hits such as "Lost in Paradise" (Jujutsu Kaisen) and "Wild Side" (Beastars), will bring their energy to the main stage. Also performing is Reol, one of the most influential and genre-defying artists in Japanese music, fusing electronic, rock, and pop into a sound all her own. Completing the line-up is Lotus Juice, the rapper behind the iconic Persona video game soundtracks, with collaborations across anime titles like Noragami, Soul Eater, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Alongside the convention’s now iconic areas, such as Nihon Ryori, Cool Japan, Takeshita Barcelona St. and the cosplay parades, the aforementioned Auditori Manga Barcelona is also returning. It continues to establish itself as a key destination for fans of Japanese animation, with a growing number of attendees. One of this year's major premieres will be AGITO: Psychic War, the new film set in the Kamen Rider universe. There will also be a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Paprika, the final film by the late Satoshi Kon.

Doctors Without Borders is returning to the event with a very special collaborative project featuring the One Piece universe starring Tony Tony Chopper. Visitors will be able to learn about the organization’s medical and humanitarian work through informative content and interactive experiences.

Many more guests and new features are still to be announced, but we can reveal that this 32nd edition will once again be a memorable celebration and gathering place for fans, creators and the manga and anime industry. Follow us on social media and watch out for upcoming press releases so you don't miss any new and spectacular announcements.

Ticket sales will begin in late July. We look forward to seeing you from 5 to 8 December 2026 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.