India’s Anime Boom: A Golden Opportunity for Japanese Studios
Japanese anime companies are aggressively expanding their presence in India, targeting a new generation of anime enthusiasts who grew up watching popular children’s shows. With streaming services booming and theatrical releases increasing, Japan’s anime industry sees India as a key market for future growth.
Anime Times and TV Asahi: Strengthening Distribution in India
Japanese media giant Avex is leading the charge with Anime Times, a streaming platform available in India via Amazon Prime Video. Since its launch in 2023, the service has doubled its anime library, featuring hit titles like “Tokyo Revengers” and “Spy x Family”.
To attract more Indian viewers, Anime Times has introduced an affordable subscription plan for just 69 rupees per month.
Meanwhile, TV Asahi is reviving the gag anime series “Obocchama-kun”, set to premiere on Sony YAY this spring. Additionally, a new “Crayon Shin-chan” movie will debut in India this October, marking the first time the franchise has a theatrical release in the country. Interestingly, the movie will also be set in India, appealing even more to local audiences.
Geek Pictures Expands Anime Production and Film Releases
Tokyo-based Geek Pictures, known for producing Uniqlo commercials, has identified anime films in India as a major growth opportunity. The studio first entered the Indian market in 2019, following previous expansions in China and Thailand.
In January 2025, Geek Pictures collaborated with PVR Cinemas to re-release “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama”, a remastered 1993 Indo-Japanese animated film. Dubbed in Hindi and other regional languages, the movie was a hit among Indian audiences.
Looking ahead, Geek Pictures plans to expand into local anime production, further cementing Japan’s influence in India’s growing animation industry.
India’s Growing Anime Market: A Rising Opportunity
The Indian animation industry has long been dominated by children’s content, with popular homegrown series like “Chhota Bheem” and international favorites like “Tom and Jerry”. However, the demand for anime among young adults is rapidly increasing.
While Japanese anime movies were rare in Indian theaters before 2018, that changed in 2019 when over 50,000 fans petitioned for the release of Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering with You”.
Since then, anime screenings in India have surged. In 2024 alone, eight anime movies were released in over 50 cities, including the “Spy x Family” film and Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron”.
According to Ernst & Young, India’s animation market was valued at 40 billion rupees ($458 million) in 2024, an 80% increase from 2019. By 2026, the market is expected to reach 56 billion rupees ($641 million), largely driven by streaming platforms.
Challenges: Competing with Disney and Fighting Piracy
Japanese anime companies are not the only ones eyeing India’s lucrative entertainment sector. In November 2024, The Walt Disney Company partnered with Reliance Industries to expand its TV and streaming content in India. With Disney’s strong brand presence, Japanese studios face stiff competition.
Another major challenge is piracy and counterfeit merchandise. Many anime fans in India opt for bootleg DVDs and fake merchandise, which are priced at 30% of the original cost.
Hiroki Kawasaki, senior director at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in New Delhi, emphasized that anime studios must educate consumers about the value of genuine products to ensure long-term profitability.
Conclusion: The Future of Japanese Anime in India
With a rapidly growing fan base, increasing theatrical releases, and expanding streaming services, India is set to become a major anime market in the coming years.
Japanese studios like Avex, TV Asahi, and Geek Pictures are making strategic moves to capture this audience, while competition from Disney and piracy concerns remain key challenges.
As more Indian viewers embrace anime as a mainstream entertainment genre, the industry’s success in the country will depend on affordable access, local partnerships, and strong anti-piracy measures.
