Shabake in India
Crunchyroll Brings Japanese Fantasy Series 'Shabake' to India
Streaming giant continues aggressive expansion in one of anime's fastest-growing markets
Highlights
- Crunchyroll will stream the new anime 'Shabake' in India, releasing it the same day as Japan.
- This is part of Crunchyroll's major push into India's booming anime market.
- The story is a supernatural mystery about a man who solves crimes with spirits.
Crunchyroll confirmed Friday it will stream the upcoming historical fantasy anime "Shabake" in India starting Oct. 3, marking another step in the platform's push to capitalize on surging demand in the South Asian market.
The series, based on Megumi Hatakenaka's bestselling novel franchise that has captivated Japanese readers since 2001, will debut simultaneously with its Japanese broadcast on Fuji TV's Noitamina programming block. The same-day availability represents Crunchyroll's continued effort to eliminate the release delays that have historically frustrated international anime audiences.
Fantasy Series Targets Growing Audience
Set during Japan's Edo period, "Shabake" follows Ichitaro, the frail heir to a merchant dynasty who possesses the ability to communicate with yokai, supernatural spirits from Japanese folklore. When a murder triggers a series of mysterious killings across the city, Ichitaro must use his otherworldly connections to solve the crimes. Bandai Namco Pictures, known for producing "Gintama" and "Birdie Wing," is handling the adaptation under director Takahiro Okawa.
The announcement reflects India's emergence as a strategic priority for Sony Corp.-owned Crunchyroll, which has been racing to capture market share in a region where anime consumption is projected to grow 13% annually through 2030. The growth is driven by passionate Gen Z and millennial viewers, with the market projected to grow approximately 13% annually from 2024 to 2030.
Since intensifying its India push around 2022-2023, Crunchyroll has expanded its local catalog and invested in localization, offering approximately 30 popular series dubbed in Hindi and other regional languages.
The addition of "Shabake" represents Crunchyroll's strategy to offer diverse content beyond mainstream action series, catering to what the platform sees as evolving audience preferences in the region.
"Shabake" premieres Oct. 3 on Crunchyroll in India, with episodes available with subtitles. The series marks the latest addition to a slate of fall anime acquisitions as the platform prepares for the industry's traditional October premiere season.
Author
Krishna Goswami is a content writer at Outlook India, where she delves into the vibrant worlds of pop culture, gaming, and esports. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) with a PG Diploma in English Journalism, she brings a strong journalistic foundation to her work. Her prior newsroom experience equips her to deliver sharp, insightful, and engaging content on the latest trends in the digital world.
Krishna Goswami is a content writer at Outlook India, where she delves into the vibrant worlds of pop culture, gaming, and esports. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) with a PG Diploma in English Journalism, she brings a strong journalistic foundation to her work. Her prior newsroom experience equips her to deliver sharp, insightful, and engaging content on the latest trends in the digital world.
