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