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Anime India Responds to Artist Alley Vendors' Allegations of Mismanagement at Mumbai 2026 Event

Several Artist Alley vendors took to social media to claim mismanagement after the Anime India Mumbai event that took place from August 28 through August 30 at NESCO Goregaon.

Artist TAO claimed to ANN that several vendors had to set up without tables at the event after paying between ₹12,000 to ₹22,000 for a booth including two tables, two chairs, and a power socket. They stated some Artist Alley booths were not provided with tables until 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on August 28. TAO and several other booths were allegedly not provided with power sockets until August 29. Sumit Edison made some of the same complaints on social media along with alleging that Artist Alley customers were removed from the lane multiple times in order to utilize the lane for VIP guests. _cosytales_ alleged similar mismanagement on social media, also complaining about the lack of internet and lack of communication from convention staff.

ANN reached out to Anime India regarding these allegations, and in response, representatives told ANN: "As the event scaled up, we definitely encountered some operational issues from vendors that we will strive to improve."

TAO also alleged that the management allowed AI art to be sold at the event despite the rules stating that AI art was not allowed in the Artist Alley. They also alleged that exhibitors displayed AI generated animation in their presentations. Anime India did not confirm or deny the alleged AI use, but told ANN, "We will also improve due diligence to be stricter and tighter to avoid any AI usage by any sponsor or exhibitor at the event."

Cosplayer Qwinnnbee alleged in her statement to ANN that there were repeated instances of poor behavior from staff and volunteers as well as harassment from attendees.

Anime India also stated to ANN, "This is our second year and We will improve with every anime India edition." The next Anime India event will take place in Hyderabad.

Naruto director Hayato Date (Naruto Shippūden, Flame of Recca) attended the Mumbai 2026 event as a guest. Voice actor Akari Yura (The Beginning After The End, Catch Me at the Ballpark!) performed as a musical act at the convention's concert, and Luna Goami (Sparks of Tomorrow) and Mofmofmo performed at the concert. ASCA (Sword Art Online: Alicization, Edens Zero) also performed at the event. Producer Ryōta Hasegawa (Dr. Stone, Sakamoto Days) attended the event as a guest. The event hosted meet and greets for all four musical artists as well as with Ryōta Hasegawa. Kadokawa participated in a "fireside chat" in the event's Animation & More Summit, as did 'Sony YAY!'

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).

After the Kolkata event, core team of organizers comprising one employee and several contractors left the organizing company due to alleged poor working conditions.

Anime India's previous Mumbai event took place in 2025 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: Online correspondence