Anime is no longer niche in India. Surveys and streaming data reveal a surge in popularity, especially among Gen Z and young millennials. According to market research by JetSynthesys, anime accounts for 83% of Indians’ preference for animated content, placing India second only to China in global anime viewership.
Industry analysts project the Indian anime market will grow at ~13% CAGR through 2028, making it one of the fastest-emerging markets for Japanese IP expansion.
➡ Source: JetSynthesys Research Summary | MSN – The Untapped Market: Why India Could Be Anime’s Next Frontier
Key Growth Drivers
Explosive Viewership Growth
- 73% of Indians reported watching anime in 2020.
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Crunchyroll has seen double-digit YoY growth in India, now its second-largest market globally (behind China, ahead of the US).
➡ Source: Crunchyroll
Streaming Platforms Fuel Expansion
- Crunchyroll launched its dedicated India service in Jan 2024, offering 800+ titles and 80+ Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs.
- Netflix India has steadily expanded its anime lineup, recently releasing One Piece Film: Red with Indian subtitles.
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Amazon Prime Video introduced Anime Times, an anime-specific channel.
➡ Source: Netflix India | Amazon Prime Video India
Localisation & Celebrity Endorsements
- Dubbed titles like Solo Leveling and Kaiju No. 8 have seen strong uptake, especially in smaller cities.
- Bollywood stars Rana Daggubati and Ali Fazal voiced characters in Solo Leveling, while Rashmika Mandanna and Tiger Shroff co-hosted the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo.
➡ Source: Crunchyroll India News
Fan Culture & Events
- Longtime hits (Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Death Note, Attack on Titan) coexist with newer sensations (Demon Slayer, Solo Leveling, One Piece).
- Indian fans have successfully petitioned to bring anime films (Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Weathering With You) to local cinemas.
- Mumbai’s Comic Con now hosts Japanese voice-actor meet-and-greets.
- Cosplay and anime merchandise demand is surging, especially in the 10–30 age group.
Source: Comic Con India
Opportunities for Japanese IP Holders & Brands
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Localised Distribution & OTT Partnerships
- Work with Indian streaming services to bring dubbed and subtitled content to both metro and non-metro audiences.
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Merchandising & Retail Collaborations
- Partner with Indian retailers for anime-themed apparel, toys, collectibles, and home décor.
- Case in point: Pokémon & Converse collaborations have seen traction in India.
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Event Activations & Conventions
- Sponsor cosplay contests, fan meets, and theatrical screenings.
- Launch Indian legs of Japanese pop culture festivals.
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India-Specific Content Development
- Adapt local stories into anime format in collaboration with Indian creators to deepen cultural relevance.
Why This is the Moment
With 500+ million OTT users and a rapidly growing fandom, India’s anime market remains largely untapped for deep engagement and monetisation. The infrastructure – streaming, localisation, celebrity advocacy, and fan events- is already in place. What’s missing is strategic brand entry.
At Super Sugoii, we connect Japanese IP owners, studios, and brands with India’s OTT networks, retailers, and fan communities – building bridges that deliver cultural authenticity and commercial success.
Now is the time to bring your anime IP to India’s vibrant audience.
📩 Contact: rachita@supersugoii.com
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