Anime, the unique and engrossing form of Japanese animation, has gone past niche fandom in India to establish itself as an important cultural movement accepted by the broadest spectrum of generations. This ‘mania’, as could be described by some, is not an impulse but a quietly increasing wave fueled by interesting narratives, creative mastery, and a growing sense of community further accentuated by events such as the growth of Comic Con India.

For most Indian children, initial exposure to Japanese popular culture was through endearing toys such as Pokémon cards and Beyblades. Such childhood favorites, far from mere toys, were a window into fantasy worlds and a source of friendship. As we entered our teen years (approximately 15-17 years old), our viewing habits became more mature. Though nostalgic for the uncomplicated cartoons of Tenali Rama, Popeye, and the Powerpuff Girls, we were increasingly drawn to the more sophisticated and intricate storytelling of anime.

One of the first collaborations between India and Japan in anime is The Legend of Prince Ram. The movie is an example of the initial relationship between the two nations in the animation field. Such early exposure paved the way for subsequent generations of Indian anime fans.

It was the depth and maturity of the story that was appealing. Unlike the often episodic and straightforward plots of many Western cartoons we grew up with, anime series often presented intricate storylines, well-developed characters with internal conflicts, and explored complex themes like morality, loss, and the meaning of existence. Shows like Death Note, Attack on Titan, Naruto and Code Geass, which gained popularity during our teenage years, offered a level of narrative sophistication that resonated with our growing intellectual curiosity. The serialized nature of many anime also allowed for deeper character development and more immersive world building, a far cry from the self-contained episodes of older cartoons.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as an unwitting accelerant, greatly amplifying anime’s presence in India. As traditional entertainment channels were curtailed, streaming services such as Netflix and Crunchyroll emerged as indispensable windows of content. The easily accessible and wide range of available anime titles brought the medium to a huge new base, eradicating earlier access barriers and continuing to stoke the interest already gaining traction among our generation.