India is falling in love with Japan, and it’s not just about sushi or samurai. From anime movies to Japanese language classes, a wave of Japanese culture is sweeping across the country, driven by passionate fans, cultural exchanges, and a growing curiosity for all things Japanese. This is the story of how Japan is finding a new home in India—and why it’s more than just a trend.
A Teen’s Dream Sparks a Movement
Meet Divishth Pancholi, a 16-year-old from Jaipur who, back in 2019, had one big wish: to watch Weathering With You, a Japanese anime film by Makoto Shinkai, on the big screen. He didn’t want to settle for a pirated copy online. So, he started a Change.org petition to convince distributors to bring the movie to India. To his shock, over 50,000 people signed it! Suddenly, Divishth realized he wasn’t alone—there was a huge community of Indian anime fans out there, all craving the same thing.
The petition worked. Shinkai himself was touched by the love from India and agreed to screen the film here. He even visited for the event! “I was so surprised it worked,” says Divishth, now 22 and an animator. “It felt like a big moment for anime in India.” Today, anime movie releases in India are becoming common, and Divishth is taking his passion further. This fall, he’s heading to Kyoto University of the Arts in Japan on a government scholarship to blend Rajasthan’s traditional phad painting with modern Japanese animation. How cool is that?
Anime, Food, and More: Japan’s Growing Influence
Divishth’s story is just one part of a bigger picture. Japanese culture is popping up everywhere in India. Anime film festivals are drawing crowds, Japanese restaurants are packed with people trying ramen and sushi, and more Indians are signing up to learn Japanese. Schools and colleges are offering courses, and some students, like Divishth, are even heading to Japan to study.
Tourism is booming too. Indians are flocking to Japan to see cherry blossoms, visit ancient temples, and explore the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. And it’s not just one-sided—Japan is noticing India too. Koji Sato, a director at the Japan Foundation in Delhi, says things have changed a lot. “Twenty years ago, Indians were happy with their own movies and shows. Now, there’s a huge craze for Japanese films and anime all over India,” he says. The Japan Foundation, which promotes cultural exchange, is busier than ever, organizing events to bring Japanese art, music, and films to Indian audiences.
A Shared Love for Storytelling
Why is Japanese culture clicking so much with Indians? It’s the storytelling. Anime, with its stunning visuals and emotional stories, feels fresh and different. Whether it’s a tale of love, adventure, or fantasy, anime speaks to people of all ages. Plus, there’s a sense of connection—both India and Japan have rich traditions, vibrant festivals, and a deep respect for art and heritage. Fans like Divishth are taking it a step further by mixing Indian and Japanese styles, creating something totally new.
The Future is Bright
From small petitions to big cultural exchanges, the bond between India and Japan is growing stronger. Anime clubs are popping up in cities, Japanese culture festivals are becoming annual events, and more young Indians are dreaming of studying or working in Japan. It’s a love story that’s just beginning, and it’s full of excitement, creativity, and shared passion.
Arigatou, Japan, for bringing so much joy to India! (That’s “thank you” in Japanese, by the way!)
FAQs
1. Why is anime so popular in India now?
Anime is popular because of its unique art style, emotional storytelling, and diverse genres that appeal to all ages. Thanks to streaming platforms, anime is easier to watch, and fans are building communities to share their love for it.
2. How can I experience Japanese culture in India?
You can attend anime film festivals, visit Japanese restaurants, join Japanese language classes, or check out events by the Japan Foundation. Following anime clubs or cultural groups online is a great start too!
Expressing my excitement: I’m totally blown away by how Japan’s vibrant culture is sparking so much creativity in India! �� It’s like a colorful cultural party, and everyone’s invited!
