New Delhi – A two-day exhibition event promoting Japanese anime, featuring live performances of anime songs, talk shows and other attractions, kicked off in New Delhi on Saturday.
The event, titled “Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!,” is being held in the Indian capital for the third time. The Hindi word “mela” means “festival” or “fair.”
This year’s event, held at a shopping mall, features booths of many anime-related companies, including major Japanese publisher Kodansha, which is known for the popular manga series “Attack on Titan.”
Kodansha established a joint venture in India this year with major Japanese printing firm Dai Nippon Printing and others, to start publishing locally by the end of the year.
Yae Sahashi, deputy manager of Kodansha’s global business management department, said the strong interest and enthusiasm shown by visitors gave her confidence in the publishing business in India. “I hope people will get to know not only the anime but also the original manga,” she said.
A 22-year-old local student, who loves “Attack on Titan” for its portrayal of its characters’ complex emotions and psychology, expressed hope for Japanese anime and manga to become more popular in India.
Poplar Publishing, which is known for the children’s book series “Kaiketsu Zorori” and established a local subsidiary in September, also had a booth at the event.
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