ANIME FINDS ITS FANBASE IN INDIA

Anime's rise in India reflects a youth-led wave powered by digital access, localised content, and cross-cultural appeal

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The recent Ghibli trend, a viral wave where Al-generated images mimic the distinctive aesthetic of Studio Ghibli, has once again spotlighted India’s growing fascination with anime. While the community may not yet be vast, it is loyal, vocal, and increasingly present in mainstream cinema conversations.

Naturally, two questions arise: How big is the anime industry in India? And what's driving this devoted fan base? Before diving into India’s growing love for anime, it’s worth knowing why anime enjoys such widespread global appeal.

People are familiar with animation. But animation which is specific to Japan and its culture is called anime. This is a clear distinction between animation and anime. And anime - animation that is rooted in Japanese culture - is a genre unto itself. This distinction is key. Anime made its debut as early as 1917, showcasing a rich history that has since influenced creators not just in Japan, but also in the US, China, South Korea, and beyond. It’s ok to say anime is Japan’s creative gift to the world.

There are two standout characteristics that set anime apart. First, it isn’t restricted to children - anime caters to all age groups. Second, it explores a wide spectrum of themes, from the deeply philosophical to the wildly fantastical.

More specifically, anime differs from cartoons in three major ways:

1 Emotive characters – often with nuanced expressions and personalities.

2. Detailed, layered and complex backgrounds – intricate settings that enrich the story.

3. A sense of magic or futurism – worlds that blur the lines between the real and the imaginary.

Now, let us understand a few key factors which make anime popular in the world.