Manga Barcelona has revealed a star-studded guest list for its event at Fira Barcelona Gran Via from December 5-8, headlined by horror manga master Junji Ito, who also drew this year’s official poster. The announcement confirms a packed lineup of manga creators, anime directors and musical guests travelling from Japan for the Spanish convention.
Junji Ito (Credits: Manga Barcelona)
Manga Barcelona December 5-8 guests include Apothecary Diaries creator Hyuganatsu
Among the manga creators on the guest list is Hyuganatsu, the creator of The Apothecary Diaries, who will be joined by her beloved boar companion Uririn. Fans of the hit series will get a rare chance to see its creator in person, with the convention celebrating one of the biggest manga and anime properties of recent years.
The lineup also includes Nao Iwamoto, creator of The Seven Knights of the Marronnier Kingdom, and Sakaomi Yuzaki, the manga creator behind She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat. Both series have built devoted international followings, and their presence underlines how broad Manga Barcelona’s programming has become, spanning fantasy, romance and slice-of-life storytelling.
Another major name is Kore Yamazaki, creator of The Ancient Magus Bride, a series long praised for its rich fantasy world and emotional storytelling. Her appearance is sure to be one of the most in-demand signings of the weekend, with fans eager to meet the mind behind Chise and Elias’s story.
Anime directors and more guests announced for Manga Barcelona
On the anime side, the event will host director Keiichiro Saito, known for his work on Bocchi the Rock! and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, alongside Frieren producer Yuichiro Fukushi. Their panels are expected to draw huge crowds, given Frieren’s status as one of the most acclaimed anime of recent years.
The announcement also names additional guests including Kenny Ruiz, Risa Ebata, Yudetamago, Taizan 5, Reol, Lotus Juice, Ali and Nightmare, rounding out a lineup that covers manga, anime and music. With creators, directors and performers all in one place, this year’s edition looks set to be one of Manga Barcelona’s biggest yet.
Last year’s event, held in December 2025, welcomed guests including manga artist Gou Tanabe, Wind Breaker creator Satoru Nii, Delicious in Dungeon anime food designer Mao Momiji, Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe, theme song artists SEATBELTS, and DAN DA DAN season two opening theme artist Aina The End. If that edition set the bar, the December 5-8 lineup looks ready to clear it.
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Source: Anime News Network — read the full story there.
