Mela Mela Anime Japan! Festival Returns to Delhi, Bigger Than Ever

Delhi's largest celebration of Japanese pop culture is set to return this weekend with confirmed musical performances and screenings for tens of thousands of expected attendees.

Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!!, organized by the MMAJ Executive Committee with support from the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, will take place Sept. 13-14 at Pacific Mall in Tagore Garden. The festival serves as a flagship event for Japan Month 2025 in India and represents a major bilateral cultural exchange initiative.

Last year's inaugural event drew nearly 50,000 visitors and featured 16 participating Japanese companies, according to press releases from organizers. This year's programming expands on that foundation with confirmed screenings and live performances.

The festival will feature anime screenings, including Makoto Shinkai's "5 Centimeters Per Second," "Takopi's Original Sin," and Godzilla-related animations. Special screenings will showcase new Japanese animation releases and works from Tokyo's DLE studio, including "Eagle Talon" and "SORO-TANI," marking the studio's debut participation in the festival.

Renowned anime singer Minori Chihara has been officially confirmed as a performing guest on Sept. 14, headlining the festival's Anison concerts alongside cosplay competitions.

More than 20 Japanese anime-related companies and brands will operate exhibition booths, featuring franchises including Godzilla and Doraemon as well as DLE presentations. The booths will showcase merchandise and manga collectibles while also providing information about study and career opportunities in Japan, including university programs and scholarships.

Food vendors will serve authentic Japanese cuisine including ramen, sushi and takoyaki from Delhi NCR restaurants. The festival will also feature workshops and panels with anime creators, illustrators and industry experts offering hands-on activities for attendees.

The event reflects growing interest in Japanese pop culture in India, building on the success of last year's festival which featured notable exhibitions including Makoto Shinkai materials and an Attack on Titan balloon display.