India’s love for Japanese Manga and Anime content has witnessed a phenomenal rise, with consumption surging by 300-400% post-Covid, making the country an emerging hotspot for this globally popular entertainment genre.
Manga’s Growth in India
The Indian media and entertainment industry is now keenly investing in Japanese-style comic books and graphic novels, collectively known as Manga. This trend is fueled by growing interest from over-the-top (OTT) platforms, gaming developers, and content studios eager to cater to India’s expanding fanbase.
“India’s Manga and Anime content market has experienced exponential growth since the pandemic,” said Chandrashekhar Mantha, Partner and Media & Entertainment Sector Leader at Deloitte India. “India is becoming a priority market for Anime and Manga producers, thanks to its rapidly expanding consumer base.”
OTT Platforms Driving Demand
Major OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ Hotstar have been instrumental in boosting Anime and Manga consumption. By continuously expanding their Anime libraries, these platforms have made Japanese content more accessible to Indian audiences.
• Daily Watch Time: The average daily watch time for Anime content in India has exceeded 60 minutes, reflecting deep engagement among viewers.
• Fan Engagement: Fans are not only consuming content but are also actively engaging in discussions, fan art, and community events centered around Manga and Anime.
Industry Outlook
The Manga and Anime boom in India presents lucrative opportunities for content producers, gaming developers, and rights holders. Gaming platforms are exploring collaborations with Manga franchises, while local studios are looking to create hybrid content that blends Japanese storytelling with Indian themes.
Chandrashekhar added, “India’s youthful demographics, coupled with increasing digital penetration, make it an attractive market for Anime and Manga content. The industry is set to grow even further with strategic investments and localized content offerings.”
The Future of Manga in India
With Anime conventions gaining popularity and OTT platforms introducing simulcasts of popular Japanese shows, the Manga and Anime wave in India is only expected to grow. This cultural crossover highlights the power of storytelling to bridge nations and create a shared global audience.
India, the latest ‘superhero’ in the Manga world, is poised to become one of the genre’s biggest markets in the coming years.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/amp/entertainment/india-emerges-as-japanese-manga-s-latest-superhero-amid-rising-interest-125011400859_1.html
