Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!! A Grand Celebration of Japanese Pop & Anime Culture Draws huge crowd

New Delhi: The Mela! Mela! Anime Japan festival, held on September 28 and 29, 2024, at the Pacific Mall in Tagore Garden, New Delhi, emerged as a spectacular celebration of Japanese pop and anime culture, drawing an impressive crowd of enthusiastic visitors. Organized by the Japan Consulate in Delhi, this vibrant event highlighted the growing popularity of anime in India and offered a rich tapestry of activities that delighted fans and curious newcomers alike.

The event witnessed the participation of over 40 Japanese brands across categories such as Travel & Tourism, the Japanese Universities, and various aspects of culture, which brought excitement to visitors. Additionally, food and music brought an extra layer of joy and excitement to the event.  The exhibition celebrated Japanese culture through exhibitions that promoted education, automobiles, apparel, tourism, music, and authentic cuisine.

It showcased a world-famous anime festival, providing a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Japan firsthand. The MMAJ experienced a remarkable 74% increase in footfall over the weekend, showcasing the appeal of its diverse offerings and the growing interest of visitors in such events.

The event was inaugurated by the then Ambassador of Japan to India, Hiroshi Suzuki and President of JCCII, Yoshiyuki Enomoto, with felicitation by Pacific Mall’s AVP Marketing Ms. Mehak Khanna and Marketing Mall Head Ms. Priya Vij.

As the doors opened promptly at 11 AM each day, attendees were greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that filled the air with excitement. The festival boasted an impressive lineup that included film screenings of beloved anime titles, live performances from renowned artists, interactive experiences designed to engage fans on multiple levels, and a marketplace filled with exclusive merchandise.

Attendees had a chance to engage with beloved anime titles such as Suzume, Hello Kitty, ⁠JUJUTSU KAISEN 0, SPY x FAMILY CODE: White, and Attack on Titan. Visitors enjoyed film screenings, booths featuring products from Japanese companies, and authentic delicious Japanese cuisine. The event also hosted various exciting activities, including animation, anime music, and cosplay contests.

The atmosphere buzzed with energy as fans immersed themselves in the enchanting world of anime without worrying about ticket costs for most activities. However, some popular screenings did require tickets, creating a sense of anticipation among attendees eager to secure their spots.

One of the festival’s major highlights was the premiere screening of “Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama”, which captivated audiences with its stunning animation and unique blend of Indian mythology. This non-ticketed screening was a significant draw for families looking to introduce their children to the magic of animation rooted in cultural narratives.

Additionally, fans flocked to see “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Season 4 Episode 1” and “Attack on Titan”, both of which generated considerable buzz and excitement among attendees.

For those willing to purchase tickets, acclaimed films by legendary director Makoto Shinkai were featured prominently. Titles like “Your Name”, “Weathering With You”, and “Suzume” drew large crowds eager to experience the breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling that Shinkai is known for. Other ticketed screenings included highly anticipated titles like “Jujutsu Kaisen 0” and “Spy x Family Code: White”, ensuring that there was something for every anime aficionado.

The festival’s live performances added an electrifying element to the weekend. The J-pop band spira spica took center stage, captivating audiences with their infectious energy and catchy tunes. Fans danced and sang along as the band performed popular hits that resonated deeply with their love for Japanese pop culture.

Meanwhile, DJ Kazu spun a mix of electrifying tracks that kept spirits high throughout the event, encouraging attendees to let loose and celebrate their shared passion for anime.

In addition to film and music, Mela! Mela! Anime Japan offered a variety of interactive experiences designed to engage fans on multiple levels. Attendees eagerly participated in activities like the Blue Lock Game, where they could test their skills against fellow enthusiasts in friendly competition. A special photo-op station allowed fans to capture memories from the event with printed keepsakes featuring their favorite characters, creating lasting connections among attendees.

The Crunchyroll booth became a hub for exclusive anime merchandise, where visitors eagerly collected swag bags filled with postcards, stickers, and other goodies. Various booths showcased unique products related to anime culture, from collectible figurines to handmade crafts created by local artists. This marketplace not only provided attendees with opportunities to take home a piece of the action but also supported local vendors passionate about sharing their love for anime.

As excitement built throughout New Delhi for this grand celebration, Mela! Mela! Anime Japan stood as a vibrant testament to the fusion of Indian enthusiasm and Japanese cultural richness. The festival not only highlighted beloved series but also fostered a sense of community among fans who shared a passion for this dynamic art form. With its impressive turnout and diverse offerings, Mela! Mela! Anime Japan successfully created lasting memories for all who attended, solidifying its place as one of the premier events celebrating Japanese pop culture in India.

Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director of Pacific Group, expressed, “With each passing year, we remain dedicated to delivering diverse and unique experiences for our visitors, reaffirming our ongoing promise to make their time memorable. This event served as a bridge between India and Japan, enabling a strong bilateral bond and creating an exciting environment for cultural exchange. Our visitors had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture through a variety of engaging activities, celebrating the rich heritage and creativity of both nations. We were delighted to host a variety of activities and can’t wait to create more such memorable events in the future!”

Mr. Takayuki Yamanaka, Co-chairman of MMAJ 2024, said, “We are delighted to be able to host such an event during the India-Japan Month. I am genuinely moved by how warmly this event, made possible with the support and sponsorship of both governments as well as various public, private, and academic organizations, has been received by the people of India. Regarding the choice of venue, we selected a commercial facility like Pacific Mall rather than a convention centre to ensure that not only core Japan fans but also the general public could recognize and easily come to the event. I believe we achieved this goal with this event. I am extremely proud that this event has contributed to cultural exchange and deepening mutual understanding between Japan and India, and I hope we can further promote such initiatives in the future.”