Anime India Acknowledges Operational Problems After Mumbai Vendors Raise Complaints

Anime India acknowledged operational problems after several Artist Alley vendors alleged mismanagement at its Mumbai convention. The event ran from August 28 through August 30, 2026, at NESCO Goregaon.

Responding to ANN’s inquiries, representatives said the event’s growth brought operational issues involving vendors that organizers would work to address.

Artist TAO told ANN that several vendors initially had to set up without tables. They had paid ₹12,000–₹22,000 for booths that included two tables, two chairs and a power socket.

According to TAO, some Artist Alley booths received tables only between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on August 28. TAO alleged that their booth and several others lacked power sockets until August 29.

Sumit Edison shared some of the same complaints on social media. Edison also alleged that staff repeatedly cleared customers from the Artist Alley lane to make room for VIP guests.

cosytales posted similar allegations of mismanagement, additionally citing unavailable internet and poor communication from convention staff.

TAO further alleged that organizers permitted AI art sales despite Artist Alley rules prohibiting them. They also claimed exhibitors included AI-generated animation in their presentations.

Anime India neither confirmed nor denied those allegations. Representatives told ANN that organizers would strengthen checks to prevent sponsors or exhibitors from using AI at the event.

Cosplayer Qwinnnbee separately told ANN that staff and volunteers repeatedly behaved poorly. She also alleged harassment by attendees.

Organizers said Anime India was in its second year and pledged improvements with each edition. Its next event will take place in Hyderabad.

Mumbai’s 2026 guest lineup included Naruto director Hayato Date, whose credits also include Naruto Shippūden and Flame of Recca. Producer Ryōta Hasegawa, whose credits include Dr. Stone and Sakamoto Days, also attended as a guest.

The event’s musical performers were:

• Voice actor Akari Yura, whose credits include The Beginning After The End and Catch Me at the Ballpark!, performed at the convention’s concert.
• Luna Goami, whose credits include Sparks of Tomorrow, performed at the concert.
• Mofmofmo also performed at the concert.
• ASCA, whose credits include Sword Art Online: Alicization and Edens Zero, performed at the event.

The convention held meet-and-greets with all four musical artists and Hasegawa. Kadokawa and Sony YAY! each participated in a fireside chat during its Animation & More Summit.

Anime India’s Delhi event ran on June 6 and June 7 at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre. Voice actor Kazuhiko Inoue attended as a guest; his credits include Naruto, Parasyte -the maxim- and the 2025 Ranma ½.

YURiKA, whose credits include Little Witch Academia and Miss Kuroitsu From the Monster Development Department, also performed at the Delhi event.

The Kolkata edition took place on February 14 and February 15 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan. Director Susumu Mitsunaka led a panel and workshop. His credits include directing Haikyu!! and working as a key animator on Weathering With You.

Following the Kolkata event, a core organizing team consisting of one employee and several contractors left the organizing company over alleged poor working conditions.

Anime India’s previous Mumbai convention ran from August 22 through August 24, 2025, at NESCO BEC in Mumbai. Its guests included:

• Director Tetsuro Araki, billed as the flagship guest.
• Voice actor Tsunko, whose credits include D4DJ First Mix and D4DJ All Mix.
• Avex Pictures president Hideo Katsumata.
• DJ Tōko Nakamura.

Hikari Dobashi also attended the 2025 event as an exhibitor representing TV Tokyo.