Athul KP
For many young Indians, anime is far more than colourful animation and action-packed battles. It offers stories that explore friendship, perseverance, empathy, self-discovery and personal growth, themes that resonate strongly with a generation navigating the pressures of modern life. The rise of streaming platforms has played a significant role in anime’s growing popularity, making Japanese animation more accessible than ever before. At the same time, social media has helped fans connect, discuss their favourite series and build communities around a shared passion. One such community in Goa is the Goa Anime Group, which has become a meeting point for anime enthusiasts across the state. Through regular gatherings and events, members discuss new releases, exchange manga recommendations and connect with fellow fans. According to Adarsh Chanabhat, founder of the Goa Anime Group, anime’s diversity is one of the key reasons behind its appeal. “It provides a genre for every type of liking. Be it action, adventure, cooking, mythology, psychology, philosophy or a mix of science fiction and fantasy, you get your type of entertainment that doesn’t bore you. Every anime has a different style of presentation and drawing style, which makes it even more diverse and unique compared to live-action cinema,” he says. Anime enthusiast Rhea Elaine believes its accessibility and relatable storytelling have helped it connect with Indian audiences. “A major reason would be anime entering global media platforms and thus becoming more accessible. The plots are enjoyable and relatable, especially in a country with such a young population. Plus, the soundtracks are catchy and the visuals are appealing to the demographics that make up a majority of the Indian population,” she says. Perhaps the most significant influence of India on anime can be seen through mythology. Rather than directly adapting Hindu epics, many creators reinterpret Indian gods, legendary warriors and philosophical ideas within new fictional settings. In ‘Record of Ragnarok’, Shiva is inspired by the Hindu deity Shiva, one of the principal gods of Hinduism. The series presents him as a powerful warrior whose cosmic dance, the Tandava, becomes a source of extraordinary strength. While the portrayal generated debate among some viewers, it also highlighted the global influence of Indian mythology in contemporary storytelling. “Honestly, it’s thrilling to see Indian culture pop up in shows like ‘Record of Ragnarok’, ‘DanMachi’, ‘Berserk’ and ‘Black Butler’. Since these nods are still pretty rare, spotting them feels validating—like we’re finally being seen globally,” says Francis J D’Souza, a member of the Goa Anime Group. The ‘Fate’ franchise draws extensively from the Mahabharata. Karna, celebrated in Indian mythology for his generosity and honour, is reimagined as one of the most powerful heroic spirits in the series. His abilities are linked to the sun, reflecting his origins as the son of Surya. Arjuna, another central figure from the Mahabharata, also appears in the franchise. Although transformed into a supernatural warrior, he retains many of the qualities that made him one of the epic’s most respected heroes. The rivalry between Karna and Arjuna remains an important element of their portrayal, echoing one of the most memorable relationships in Indian mythology. These adaptations demonstrate how Indian myths continue to inspire creators far beyond the country’s borders. Ancient stories that originated thousands of years ago are being reimagined for modern audiences, allowing younger generations around the world to encounter elements of Indian culture in new and unexpected ways. For many young Indians, that journey often begins with a favourite series but leads to something much larger, a deep appreciation of the people, traditions and ideas that shape the world beyond their own. As anime continues to grow in popularity across India, the relationship between the two cultures is becoming increasingly visible. For many Indian fans, anime serves as a window into Japanese society and storytelling. At the same time, the presence of Indian themes, mythology and cultural references in anime reflects the enduring appeal of India’s rich heritage. As anime has found a growing audience in India, Japanese creators have also drawn inspiration from Indian culture, mythology and history in their own works. While India is not a frequent setting in anime, elements of its traditions, beliefs and legends have appeared in several popular series, introducing global audiences to aspects of Indian culture through a Japanese creative lens. Goa has found a place in anime discussions through the globally popular series One Piece. The story features the fictional Goa Kingdom, the childhood home of protagonist Monkey D Luffy and his brothers Ace and Sabo. While creator Eiichiro Oda has never confirmed any connection to the Indian state of Goa, the shared name has sparked curiosity among fans, particularly in India. For many Goan anime enthusiasts, the reference adds a unique and personal connection to one of the world’s most beloved anime series. One notable example is ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders’, which features Varanasi, historically known as Benares. The series portrays the city’s bustling streets, crowded markets and vibrant atmosphere, presenting India as colourful, energetic and culturally rich. For Indian viewers, such references often create a stronger sense of connection with the stories they watch. “I feel it is very relatable and makes me more connected and invested in that anime,” said Adarsh
