Anime India Delhi returns with Kazuhiko Inoue, J-Pop concerts and cosplay on a grand scale

Bolsterflip By Bolsterflip
5 Min Read

Thousands of anime fans, cosplayers, gamers and collectors are expected to converge at New Delhi’s Yashobhoomi Convention Centre this weekend as Anime India Delhi 2026 returns for what organisers say will be its largest edition yet.

Scheduled for June 6 and 7, the two-day convention is expected to draw more than 34,000 visitors, reflecting the rapid growth of anime and Japanese pop culture in India.

Kazuhiko Inoue: The voice of Kakashi in Delhi

One of the biggest draws this year is Japanese voice actor Kazuhiko Inoue, whose career spans several decades and some of anime’s most recognisable characters. Best known as the voice of Kakashi Hatake in NarutoYoriichi Tsugikuni in Demon Slayer, and Kars in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Inoue will participate in stage appearances, live sessions, meet-and-greets, and exclusive fan interactions across the weekend.

His appearance marks a significant moment for Indian fans who grew up watching the globally beloved series. Organizers emphasize that Anime India’s vision is to bring Japanese creators directly to Indian audiences while building a domestic creator ecosystem.

J-Pop concert by YURiKA

Music is expected to take centre stage as well. Japanese singer YURiKA, known for songs featured in anime series including Little Witch AcademiaBEASTARS, and Land of the Lustrous, will headline a dedicated J-Pop concert that organisers expect will attract more than 2,000 attendees.

Her performance is expected to transform the venue into a full-scale anime concert experience packed with energy, emotion, and sing-along moments.

Gaming arena and Beyblade X launch

The convention floor will feature a large gaming arena with tournaments, free-play experiences and esports activities, alongside trading card game communities and Japanese gaming showcases. Fans can expect to see titles including Street FighterPokémon Legends, and 2XKO.

A major highlight will be the official Indian launch of Beyblade X by Japanese toy company Takara Tomy, with demonstrations, competitions, product displays, and a dedicated experience zone featuring four active Beyblade X gameplay stadiums planned throughout the event.

Cosplay competitions

Cosplay, a key feature of anime conventions worldwide, will occupy a prominent place in the programme. Three major competitions are expected to bring together costume artists and performers from across the country, transforming the venue into a parade of characters from anime, manga and gaming franchises.

Special attractions and exhibitors

For Indian audiences, another highlight will be the first public promotional showcase for the upcoming animated expansion of the Baahubali franchise, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of one of the country’s most successful entertainment properties.

The event is presented by Anime Times, with Toyota as title partner. Toyota’s booth will feature spin-the-wheel activities, anime quizzes, exclusive giveaways, Attack on Titan-inspired merchandise, and a specially wrapped Toyota car on displayUniqlo joins as silver partner, while Instax Fujifilm is the associate partner.

The exhibitor lineup includes Takara Tomy Beyblade, Curee Collectibles, India Book Distributors, Japan Foundation, Vaibhav Studios, Pentel, XP Pen, Huion, Asus, Anime Times Store, Gunpla, Maya Toys, and several anime communities and independent creators.

Beyond the headlines

Beyond the headline attractions, the event will host fan-led discussions on topics ranging from the rise of webtoons and anime collecting to Gundam model-building and the enduring appeal of the magical girl genre. A cultural exchange performance featuring Japanese government officials performing Indian songs rounds out a programme that blends entertainment, fandom and cultural exchange.

Event details

Anime India Delhi 2026 will be held at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre (Sector 25 Dwarka, Bharthal, Delhi) on June 6 and 7 from 9:55 AM to 9 PM.

Tickets start from ₹599 on District.in. There are also different passes available, including two-day exhibition passes combined with the live house experience.

With upcoming editions also planned for Mumbai and Hyderabad, the festival is helping build a stronger anime community across India, bringing together fans, creators, performers, brands, and artists under one roof.

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