The Barcelona Manga Fair: Japanese Geekland

Can you imagine walking down the street and meeting Spiderman, Pikachu and Hello Kitty smiling and taking pictures of one another? A very peculiar combination, but typically amusing for manga geeks and visitors of the Barcelona Manga Fair, which celebrates its 21^st edition between October 29^th and November 1^st, in Palacios 1, 2 & 4 of Barcelona’s Fira de Montjuïc. And if you’ve never been, you can start working on your costume… it’s time to lose yourself in this Japanese universe!

If you look closely, the poster of the fair depicts the Sagrada Familia by Gaudi, who is particularly well known in Japan, and was chosen by Japanese author Konami Kanata to symbolize the main theme of this edition: architecture in manga. Moreover, this edition will also explore other aspects of Japanese culture, such as fashion, cuisine, and the latest trends.

Spaces for Every Taste of Manga

The event draws in an increasing number of visitors and exhibitors every year, so don’t miss out and check out in advance what you are bound to find in each particular area. To start with, Palacio 1 will be devoted to the popular Super Mario Bros and Japanese cuisine. Yes, I also love Japanese food, and so I have delved a bit deeper into the topic to learn more about the amazing things we’ll be able to witness: from a demonstration of haute cuisine for Otakus, where they’ll show off some of the most advanced culinary techniques applied to Japanese cooking, to a presentation titled “Become a Master of Japanese Knives”, explaining their use in detail…Don’t be shy and take part in it!

Following on with the tour, Palacio 2 will include exhibitor stands, manga workshops, children’s activities, and a space called The Spirit of Japan, devoted to culture, tradition, and Japanese spirituality. To end with, Palacio 4 will be the site for screening rooms, spaces for cosplayers, and Japanese games workshops. In other words, they’ll have it all.

Unavoidable Personalities and Shopping

Are you one of those people who can’t visit a convention without an autograph book? If so, make sure you have enough blank pages! You’ll find guests of the likes of prestigious mangaka Io Sakisaka, author of Aoha Ride and Strobe Edge, or the two Spanish authors behind Studio Kôsen, Aurora García Tejado and Diana Fernández Dévora, whose manga works are in print since 1998.

If you are considering buying manga, know that Selecta Visión will be launching some new series and movies, like the extended version of Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, or the full series of No Game No Life. Better secure a place in the fair by buying tickets in advance on www.ficomic.com

Your Traveling Manga Apartment

Like every self-respecting geek, we also love traveling and staying in unique apartments. That is why we’ve selected these three that remind us of manga style and Japanese culture. See them below!

This apartment is located right in Barcelona, and besides being in the city of the Barcelona Manga Fair it includes Japanese décor with high attention to detail. How about relaxing on this comfortable couch after a long day at the fair?

 

And if you are into Roman-style manga, choose this apartment with chairs that take us right into Son Goku’s world. Moreover, it’s located in a very centric location and it can house up to 5 people. Perfect for an escapade with friends.

 

Is Son Goku not your style and you are more into Sakura Kinomoto, the Card Captor? It could very well be the case if you are a group of female manga travelers. For you, we’ve handpicked this Parisian apartment near Montmartre in pinkish hues.

 

Warsaw is another possibility. Nothing more authentic than an apartment with Japanese lighting, including parking space so you can park your car from the future.