Anime isn’t just a genre—it’s a movement. As a global language of emotion, action, and wonder, what started out as flickering black-and-white frames in Japan has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry. But where did it all begin?
Many people confuse anime with cartoons, but the two are very different. While both are animated forms of entertainment, anime frequently features detailed artwork, complex narratives, and mature themes, whereas cartoons focus on humor and are primarily intended for children. Anime ranges among multiple genres, from action and romance to horror and psychological thrillers, making it appealing and engaging to all age groups.
Anime, as we know it today, has a fascinating history of over a century. The first Anime of Japan was released in 1917, inspired by western animation. But during 1960s the legendary animator Osamu Tezuka introduced Astro Boy, Japan’s first major anime series. It revolutionized animation with different art styles, expressive characters, and deep storytelling.
Over the decades, anime gained a global fanbase. In 1980s and 1990s animes such as Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Akira became very famous in United states, Europe and Beyond.
But Anime gained worldwide popularity in the 2000s because of internet, streaming platforms, and social media. Thus, Anime which was considered as a niche art form suddenly became a worldwide pop culture movement.
India’s experience with anime followed a similar pattern, beginning as an underground fandom and growing into a cult following. It has now entered the mainstream with Anime Booth, India’s first dedicated anime channel, which was launched by Bharti Airtel in collaboration with Sony.
For anime fans, this is a historic moment. For newcomers, now is the time to discover the magic of anime. How did anime evolve from a niche subculture into a cultural phenomenon in India? And what is causing this unstoppable increase? Let’s find out.
Anime’s Journey to India
Anime first arrived in India in the early 1990s with the broadcast of Robotech, Saber Rider, Transformers, and Speed Racer. These were the first anime shows that sparked curiosity among the Indian audience.
The Golden Era of Anime was around in 2001, when iconic shows like Dragon Ball Z, Pokemon, Beyblade, and Cardcaptor Sakura aired on Cartoon Network and Toonami. These series turned anime from a passing trend to a beloved memory.
Suddenly, children were trading Pokémon cards, fighting with Beyblades, and imitating Goku’s Kamehameha.
India has also made its name in the anime industry with its own productions. Animes like The Legend of Hanuman (created by Graphic India) and Mighty Raju draw inspiration from anime storytelling and animation methods. Studio Durga’s Karmachakra, India’s first independent anime film, is another game-changer. Karmachakra, with its intricate animation, deep psychological themes, and cyberpunk-inspired storyline, explores how Indian creators embrace the anime aesthetic while incorporating culturally rooted narratives.
As Indian kids grew up, their love for anime evolved. Today, Anime is a massive entertainment industry in India with millions of dedicated fans. Now ‘Anime Booth’ Indias first anime channel, has achieved true mainstream status.
Why Is Anime Growing So Fast In India?
Some of the most well-known and influential anime series and characters have helped shape the anime fandom in India. Iconic characters like Saitama from One Punch Man, and Eren Jaeger from Attack on Titan, have become fans’ favorites. Classic series like Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach, also known as the “Big Three,” helped define an entire generation of anime fans.
Anime is more than just a television show; it has become a cultural force in India, influencing social media, fashion, and even gaming. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are overwhelmed with anime edits, reels, and memes, making characters such as Gojo Satoru (Jujutsu Kaisen), Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan), and Luffy (One Piece) famous. For many years, anime in India was only available in English or Japanese, limiting its reach to non-English speaking audiences. However, the rise of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs has transformed accessibility, allowing more fans to participate in their favorite stories. The official launch of Anime Booth, India’s first dedicated anime channel, marks a watershed moment—bringing Hindi-dubbed anime directly to television screens across the country, breaking down language barriers and encouraging a larger fanbase.
In India, anime has become a way of life rather than just something to watch. Anime fans in India often identify themselves with certain subcultures, using terms such as otaku, anime freaks, and weebs to show their enthusiasm. With the rise of social media, these terms have become a way for anime lovers to connect, share memes, and celebrate their favorite series. Merchandise such as anime-themed clothing, posters, phone cases, and accessories have become fashionable among fans. Events such as Comic Con India and AnimeCon have fueled the country’s growing cosplay culture by bringing fans together to celebrate their favorite characters in luxurious outfits.
The collaboration of anime and gaming has also played an important role in this expansion. Games such as Genshin Impact, Pokémon, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm have introduced millions of Indian gamers to anime, and eSports tournaments, Twitch streams, and anime-themed gaming collaborations are helping to bridge the gap between the two industries. Meanwhile, streaming services such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube channels like Muse Asia have made legal watching anime. easier than ever.
What was once a niche fandom has become a pop culture powerhouse, thanks to Airtel and Sony’s Anime Booth. Indian anime fans have finally received the mainstream recognition they’ve been seeking. This is only the beginning! Expect to see more anime channels, Indo-Japanese collaborations, blockbuster films, and gaming expansions. As the influence of anime spreads through fashion, music, and storytelling, India has joined the global anime wave. As Indo-Japanese collaborations flourish and new creative ventures emerge, one thing is certain—India’s love for anime is only getting started, and the best is yet to come!
