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Director Hayato Date Shares Message for Indian Fans Ahead of Anime India Convention
posted on by Adriana Hazra
Thank you very much for inviting me to Anime India Mumbai 2026. It has been almost ten years since NARUTO finished its original broadcast in Japan with Episode 699, which I had the privilege of working on. To be honest, I don't know very much about the anime scene in India, so I'm a little nervous, but also very excited, to find out how NARUTO has been loved and enjoyed in a country so far away with such a different culture. If you see me at the event, please don't hesitate to come and say hello! I'd love to meet you. The only problem is… I only speak Japanese! (Haha.) I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you and sharing our love of anime together. See you in Mumbai!
Date will attend the upcoming Anime India Mumbai event as a guest. Voice actor Akari Yura (The Beginning After The End, Catch Me at the Ballpark!) will perform as a musical act at the convention.
The next Anime India event will take place from August 28 through August 30 at NESCO Goregaon.
Anime India hosted voice actor Kazuhiko Inoue (Naruto, Parasyte -the maxim-, 2025 Ranma ½) as a guest at its event in Delhi. Delhi Anime India took place at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre on June 6 and June 7. YURiKA (Little Witch Academia, Miss Kuroitsu From the Monster Development Department) performed at the event as well.
Anime India hosted its Kolkata event at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan on February 14 and February 15. The event featured a panel and a workshop by director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!! director, Weathering With You key animator).
Anime India's previous Mumbai event took place last year from August 22 through August 24 at NESCO BEC in Mumbai. Director Tetsuro Araki attended the event as the "flagship guest." Voice actor Tsunko (D4DJ First Mix, D4DJ All Mix), president of Avex Pictures' Hideo Katsumata, and DJ Tōko Nakamura also attended the event as guests. Hikari Dobashi attended the event as an exhibitor representing TV Tokyo.
Source: Press release
