Crunchyroll delivered one of the biggest anime showcases in India this year as it took center stage at Mumbai Comic Con 2026, turning the Jio World Convention Centre into a hub of anime fandom on May 9 and 10. The global anime platform brought together major Japanese talent, live performances, and immersive fan experiences, highlighting the growing influence of anime culture across India.
The weekend featured packed panels, high-energy concerts, and interactive booths that drew thousands of fans. From Solo Leveling voice actors to legendary anime musicians, Crunchyroll’s presence stood out as one of the biggest attractions of the event.
Solo Leveling Panel Brings Fans Closer to the Anime
One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was the special panel for Solo Leveling, which gave fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the popular series. The panel featured Japanese voice actor Taito Ban, animation producer Atsushi Kaneko, and Hindi voice artist Rajesh Shukla, with hosting duties handled by Vijay Vikram Singh.
The session offered fans insights into the production process, voice acting challenges, and the global success of the anime. However, the most memorable moment came during a live dubbing performance, where Taito Ban and Rajesh Shukla recreated iconic scenes in Japanese and Hindi on stage.
The crowd reaction reached its peak when Taito Ban delivered Sung Jinwoo’s famous line, “Okiro” meaning “Arise,” live during the session. The moment instantly became one of the standout highlights of Mumbai Comic Con 2026, with fans cheering loudly in response.
Hiroshi Kitadani Turns the Event Into a Concert
The excitement continued with a live performance from Hiroshi Kitadani, best known for performing the iconic theme song “We Are!” from One Piece. His performance transformed the venue into a massive singalong, with fans joining in on one of anime’s most recognizable tracks.
Kitadani performed several popular songs during his set, creating one of the biggest crowd moments of the weekend. The energy inside the venue highlighted how deeply anime music resonates with Indian audiences, especially when performed live by original artists.
Beyond the stage events, Crunchyroll’s booth remained one of the busiest attractions throughout the weekend. Fans had the chance to participate in anime dubbing experiences, explore themed installations, and interact with content inspired by popular titles.
The booth also featured live DJ sets by DJ Kazu, who kept the energy high with anime music mixes that drew large crowds. Attendees could also pick up exclusive merchandise and collectibles, adding to the fan experience.
Interactive zones based on popular anime worlds, including One Piece and Suzume, allowed fans to immerse themselves in their favorite series. These experiences helped create a festival-like atmosphere that extended beyond traditional panels and performances.
As part of Crunchyroll’s Ani-May celebrations, fans also contributed to a collaborative thread art installation during the event. The activity encouraged attendees to express their creativity while contributing to a shared artwork that evolved throughout the weekend.
This initiative reflected Crunchyroll’s focus on building community engagement and giving fans opportunities to actively participate in the event rather than just observe it. The installation became a visual representation of the passion and creativity within the anime community in India.
