Naruto Director Leads 10,000s
Anime India Mumbai debuts with performances by J-Pop artistes ASCA and Luna Gaomi, and a cosplay challenge that drew fans from Mumbai to Odisha
The inaugural edition of Anime India Mumbai was held from August 28-30 at NESCO Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, bringing together anime fans from across the country. The event featured renowned names from the anime industry, including Naruto director Hayato Date and Sakamoto Days producer Ryota Hasegawa.
The event hosted interactive panels, workshops, and experiential zones for fans, with dedicated segments to popular series like Demon Slayer, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, Doraeman, and Pokemon. J-Pop artistes ASCA, Luna Gaomi, Yura Akari, and duo Mofmofmo performed at the event, enthralling the crowds with their performances.
A cosplay challenge was held across categories, with fans dressing up as their favorite anime characters. Fans like Harrison Ho, a 25-year-old Mumbai resident, attended the event dressed as Naruto's anti-hero Itachi Uchiha. Arpita Kujur, a 19-year-old from Odisha, attended the event dressed as Misa Amane from Death Note, while Prihas, a 23-year-old from Nashik, attended the event dressed as Subaru Natsuki from Re: Zero.
The event was co-founded by Mishaal Wanvari and Neha Mehta, and was attended by fans from various parts of the country, including Mumbai, Odisha, and Nashik. The growth of Japanese anime culture in India has been impressive, and the fans of the genre got to experience the fandom as a community over the past weekend.
## Why it matters The inaugural edition of Anime India Mumbai marks a significant milestone in the growth of Japanese anime culture in India. The event provided a platform for fans to come together and celebrate their love for anime, and with its success, it is likely to become an annual event. The event also highlights the increasing popularity of anime in India, with fans from across the country attending the event.
## What happens next With the success of the inaugural edition, Anime India Mumbai is likely to become an annual event, providing a platform for fans to come together and celebrate their love for anime. The event is expected to grow in size and scope, with more renowned artists and industry professionals attending in the future.
