Kikan S Winter 2026 (vol. 92)

Kikan S (季刊エス) is a quarterly Japanese magazine dedicated to illustration, design, and visual storytelling, spanning anime, manga, games, and fantasy art. Published by Pie International, it's known for exclusive cover artwork, in-depth artist interviews, and step-by-step making-of features that make it a favorite among illustrators and collectors alike. Printed in full color on premium paper, each issue of Kikan S doubles as an art book — a lasting collectible for fans of Japanese character illustration. Issue Highlights Vol. 92's cover comes from Yukiko Horiguchi, the acclaimed character designer behind K-On! and Tamako Market, who contributes a newly drawn illustration for the idol project 22/7 (Nanabun no Nijuuni) alongside an in-depth interview under this issue's theme, "Akogare Utafuyo" ("A Song of Longing"). The feature also includes an interview with 22/7 project director Shin Wakabayashi on the film The Girls of That Day, plus a conversation with Shiori Sakura. Manga and anime coverage includes interviews with Yuki Shiwasu on Tamon-kun, Which Way Now?!, Shotaro Tokuno on IDOL×IDOL STORY!, and Auri Hirao on the hit series If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to Budokan, I Would Die, alongside a feature on the anime Cosmic Princess Kaguya! with illustrator Hechima. Rounding out the issue is a spotlight on the idol game Is It Okay to ___ with an Idol? with artists Mikimaki, Hoshinegi, and Nagi Nemoto. Also in This Issue A large illustrated pin-up of Yukiko Horiguchi's cover artwork Copic marker making-of tutorial by Yuuki Kuniyasu Results from the 19th Pentablet de Art illustration contest Serialized illustrator interviews and columns from Masayuki Tanaka, Mana Nanakami, Yusuke Nakamura, and more Ongoing serialized artwork by Range Murata, Hiroyuki Asada, Fuu Aoi, Totomame, and Ugomba About Kikan S Since its founding, Kikan S has served as a bridge between the worlds of manga, anime, games, and fine art — spotlighting the illustrators shaping Japan's visual culture through exclusive cover commissions, candid interviews, and detailed making-of breakdowns. Each issue pairs a major illustrator feature with a large full-color pin-up, contest results, technique columns, and serialized artwork from some of the industry's most celebrated names, making Kikan S essential reading for artists and collectors alike. Specifications Magazine: Kikan S (季刊エス) Issue: Vol. 92, Winter 2026 Language: Japanese Publisher: Pie International Release Frequency: Quarterly Condition: Brand New Shipping: Ships from Japan