The 31st Manga Festival has kicked off in Barcelona, immediately transforming into a vibrant parade of colorful costumes, cosplay, and passionate fans of Japanese culture. From the very first moments at Fira Gran Vía, it was clear: this gathering brought together not just comic book enthusiasts, but true devotees eager to spend hours discussing their favorite characters and showcasing their creative looks. Katanas, wigs, armor, and even giant boomerangs all blended seamlessly into the festive atmosphere, where everyone could feel part of the anime world.
Particular attention was drawn to participants dressed as characters from iconic series. Among them stood out Roronoa Zoro with his three swords, the enigmatic Kakashi Hatake with silver hair and an eye patch, and Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail in dazzling armor. There was even a heroine from Kill Bill who seemed lost among the many other katana wielders. Despite the abundance of weapons, the mood remained purely friendly—here, no one took the swords seriously; they were just part of the cheerful masquerade.
There were also some truly unexpected costumes: a giant ‘cucaracha’ turned out to be a cyborg horse from Kamen Rider, while the girl with the massive boomerang was Sango from InuYasha. The most eye-catching character of the day was Angelwoman from Digimon Adventure, whose snow-white wings amazed all visitors. For those unfamiliar with the world of anime, a walk through the hall became a real revelation: you could meet anyone here—from warriors to adorable creatures.
Japanese atmosphere
The Manga Festival in Barcelona is more than just comics and cosplay. Organizers have put together an extensive program: concerts, drawing workshops, lectures, meet-and-greets with authors, and even Japanese language classes. On one stage, a young woman from Osaka dressed in a First Communion outfit performed songs in Japanese. In nearby halls, workshops for all ages let visitors try their hand as manga creators or simply buy unique accessories—from cat ears to kimonos and Zelda-inspired perfume.
Fans of Japanese cuisine weren’t left out either: the food court offered traditional dishes, and anyone craving a familiar coffee and muffin had to search a bit harder. For the most energetic guests, there were sports areas where you could play mini-football under the watchful eyes of Oliver y Benji, volleyball, or table tennis. Themed spaces proved especially popular: the Hello Kitty house, celebrating its anniversary, and the room dedicated to the festival mascot, Onachan.
Manga stars
This year, the festival welcomed true stars of the Japanese industry. Gou Tanabe, renowned for his adaptations of H. P. Lovecraft’s works, met fans in person and signed copies of his albums. His booth, decorated with Cthulhu tentacles, was a hit among selfie lovers. A special exhibit showcased Tanabe’s works along with an exposition highlighting his creative journey.
Among the guests was Kazuki Nakashima—the creator behind cult anime such as Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill, and Promare, as well as a renowned playwright. He shared secrets of crafting scenes for theater and animation, and spoke about his favorite Japanese band, Yellow Magic Orchestra. Director Shinichirō Watanabe also took part, holding an open discussion about his new film Lazarus and his collaboration with the director of John Wick. Watanabe emphasized the importance of traditional hand-drawn animation and encouraged the audience to listen to more Japanese music.
The Creative Process
Tsutomu Takahashi held a special place at the festival. He is the author of popular series such as Neun, Detonation Island, Black Box, Rosie, and Jumbo Max. During a meeting with journalists and fans, he spoke about the influence of sports manga on his work, the differences between film and comics, and how personal experiences inspire his storylines. According to Takahashi, his stories are like different dishes made with the same ingredients, where tension and pressure are always present.
Takahashi admitted that he prefers to work with diluted ink, which gives his drawings an element of randomness and vitality. He noted that the frenzied pace of publications in Japan leaves no time for perfection, and creators face enormous psychological pressure. Although his works are often described as dark, he believes he simply reflects the reality of Japanese society rather than writing for children.
Stories and Inspiration
Takahashi draws inspiration for his stories from personal memories and historical events. For instance, in Detonation Island, he describes his own experience as part of a biker gang, while in Neun he explores the topics of Nazism and genetic experiments. He says he chose this era because of the abundance of available materials and the absence of copyright on historical documents. He emphasizes that it is important to approach the subject of fascism with caution and thoughtfulness.
Neun tells the story of twelve children, alleged descendants of Hitler, who are being hunted down on Himmler’s orders. The main character, a boy named Neun, must hide from the SS alongside other children and their protectors, including a girl wielding a katana, while being pursued by the sinister Dr. U. Takahashi noted that for him it is important not only to convey the atmosphere of the era, but also to show the internal struggle of the characters.
If you didn’t know, Salón del Manga de Barcelona is the largest event in Spain dedicated to Japanese culture, comics, and animation. Every year, the festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors, including not only manga fans but also professional artists, publishers, and entertainment industry representatives. The event features presentations of new projects, meetings with world-renowned authors, and themed exhibitions. Over the years, Salón del Manga has become an important part of Barcelona’s and Catalonia’s cultural life, as well as a magnet for fans from all over Europe.
