Anime Times Participates as Title Sponsor in India's Largest Anime Event, "Anime India Delhi 2026"

Anime Times Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hideo Katsumata), comprised of 13 companies including Avex Pictures, Kodansha, Shueisha, and Shogakukan, participated as the title sponsor in "Anime India Delhi 2026," India's largest anime event, held on June 6 (Sat.) and 7 (Sun.), 2026, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Delhi, India.

"Anime India" is India's premier anime event, held across various locations in India since its inaugural event in Mumbai in 2025. In 2026, it is scheduled to be held in five cities across India, starting with Delhi. The Delhi event attracted approximately 42,000 visitors over two days. The event has been expanding its scale as a platform connecting Japanese anime creators with Indian fans, having previously hosted guests such as director Tetsuro Araki, known for "DEATH NOTE" and "Attack on Titan," and director Kan Sawada, known for "Haikyu!!." Japanese companies including Toyota Motor Corporation, UNIQLO, and FUJIFILM are also sponsoring and exhibiting, drawing attention as an event symbolizing cultural and industrial exchange between Japan and India.

This time, voice actor Kazuhiko Inoue, known for his role as Kakashi Hatake in "NARUTO -NARUTO-", was invited from Japan. Mr. Inoue became the first Japanese voice actor to appear as a guest at Anime India. In addition to Meet & Greet sessions with fans and appearances on talk stages, a public live dubbing stage titled "Anime Times Presents: NARUTO Live Dubbing Experience with Kazuhiko Inoue," hosted by our company, was held, featuring fan participation and generating significant excitement.

Furthermore, a photo booth themed around "NARUTO -NARUTO-" and a campaign for members were set up within the venue. Official merchandise and apparel from popular anime works including "NARUTO -NARUTO- Shippuden," as well as Anime Times original products, were also sold. Many fans visited the booth, and sales of merchandise were strong, indicating a high level of interest in Japanese anime-related products.

Additionally, details of the "Anime Idea Contest," aimed at creating new co-creation opportunities between Japanese and Indian creators, were announced. Initiatives for nurturing future creators, in addition to fan interaction, were also introduced.

The next event is scheduled to be held for three days from August 28 (Fri.) to 30 (Sun.) in Mumbai, India. Anime Times is scheduled to participate again as the title sponsor, inviting director Hayato Date, who worked on the "NARUTO -NARUTO-" series, as a guest, and our company will also be planning special stages and booth exhibitions.

Anime Times will continue to contribute to the development of anime culture in both countries by acting as a bridge between Japan and India, engaging not only in content distribution but also in human resource development and creator support.

Key Initiatives and Achievements of Anime Times

● Special Stage Featuring Kazuhiko Inoue, Voice Actor for Kakashi Hatake in "NARUTO -NARUTO-"

Anime Times invited voice actor Kazuhiko Inoue, known for his role as Kakashi Hatake in "NARUTO -NARUTO-", as a guest from Japan. Mr. Inoue, the first Japanese voice actor to participate in Anime India, appeared on "Anime Times Presents: NARUTO Live Dubbing Experience with Kazuhiko Inoue." During the stage event, a live dubbing session was held using famous scenes from "NARUTO -NARUTO-". In addition to Mr. Inoue performing live dubbing to the anime footage, a participatory segment allowed audience members to try voicing Kakashi in Japanese, and the entire venue worked together to create a scene by taking on roles such as villagers. The interaction between Mr. Inoue and fans attempting Japanese lines was met with great cheers from the audience. Many posts were seen on social media after the stage concluded, making it one of the signature events of this occasion.

● Booth Exhibition: Creating Fan Engagement with a "NARUTO -NARUTO-" Theme

At the Anime Times booth, a photo booth and digital photo frame project themed around "NARUTO -NARUTO-" were presented. As a campaign for members of the Prime Video subscription service "Anime Times," a prize giveaway was held featuring items such as "NARUTO -NARUTO-" original shopper bags, signed shikishi boards by Kazuhiko Inoue, and Anime Times original merchandise.

● Hideo Katsumata, President and CEO of Anime Times Inc., Announces "Anime Idea Contest"

Hideo Katsumata, President and CEO of Anime Times Inc., took the stage for a session themed "Cross Culture, Create Together" and announced the details of the "Anime Idea Contest," a new initiative to connect anime creators and fans in Japan and India.

This contest is a project that invites original anime concept ideas and video works from all creators, both professional and amateur, residing in Japan and India. The application period is until July 31, 2026, and submissions are accepted in two categories: "Video Category" and "Idea Category." The Video Category targets video works such as pilot films and trailers, with a grand prize of 1 million yen. The Idea Category seeks ideas based on proposals including plots and character designs, with a grand prize of 300,000 yen.

For outstanding works, opportunities for connection with anime industry professionals and potential commercialization are being considered, aiming to create opportunities for Japanese and Indian creators to jointly produce new works and ideas.

Many questions were received from attendees regarding contest application methods and future developments, indicating a strong interest from India's younger generation in anime production and creative fields. Anime Idea Contest URL: https://animetimes.info/aic2026

"Anime India Delhi 2026" Guest: Voice Actor Kazuhiko Inoue's Comment

"It was a valuable experience to meet the anime fans of India at 'Anime India.' I was able to directly feel the passion with which the fans love the works.

I was especially happy to co-star with the people of India during the live dubbing stage for 'NARUTO.' The warm applause and cheers from the venue, and the fact that there are people who cherish the work across borders, touched my heart.

This event was an unforgettable, treasure-like time for me. I want to continue to play a part in delivering wonderful works so that fans can love anime even more."

"Anime India Mumbai 2026" Guest: Director Hayato Date's Comment

"Thank you for inviting me to Anime India Mumbai 2026.

In Japan, it's been almost 10 years since 'NARUTO,' which I was involved in up to episode 699, finished airing.

I'm not very familiar with the anime situation in India, so I'm a little anxious about how it's received by the people of India, a different culture in a distant land? As a creator, I'm a bit worried, but please feel free to talk to me when I'm there. Oh, and I only speak Japanese (lol).

I'm looking forward to interacting with anime fans."

About Anime Times Inc.

With the slogan "Spend Anytime with Anime," Anime Times operates a Prime Video subscription service offering unlimited viewing of various anime works, from popular current titles to nostalgic classics, including theatrical films, TV series, and OVAs*1. They also manage the official Anime Times YouTube channel, where users can enjoy full anime episodes for free each month, and operate Anime Times STORE as a cross-border e-commerce platform. *1 OVA: Original Video Animation.

Company Overview

Company Name: Anime Times Inc.

Representative: Hideo Katsumata, President and CEO (Avex Pictures Inc.)

Established: March 4, 2015

Address: Sumitomo Fudosan Azabu Juban Bldg. 5F, 1-4-1 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo

"Anime Times" Prime Video Subscription India Version Overview

Channel Name: Anime Times

Service Start: December 12, 2023 (Tue.)

Channel Price: 39 Rupees for the first month / 69 Rupees per month thereafter

*Registration for Anime Times on Prime Video is required to view content.

Global Official Website: https://animetimes-global.com/

Official Instagram (India): https://instagram.com/animetimes_in/

YouTube Channel (India): https://www.youtube.com/@animetimes-india