Exploring Japanese Animation with Masters ‘Frames of Imagination

New Delhi, India – Exploring Japanese Animation with Masters’ was successfully held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on September 15. Jointly organised by the Embassy of Japan, Geek Pictures India, the Japan Foundation, and TV Asahi, the event marked a landmark moment in cultural exchange between Japan and India through the medium of animation.

This masterclass was designed to deepen cultural cooperation and mutual understanding between Japan and India through the medium of animation. The Masterclass featured Ms Takako Kanda, Director of 3D Anime at GEEK TOYS, one of Japan’s leading animation studios, and Masakazu Hashimoto, the acclaimed director of the anime ‘Shin Chan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers in India’.

The event witnessed over 200 attendees, including students, professors and industry professionals. With lively sessions on the evolving world of Japanese anime, the event saw active participation from the audience, followed by post-session interactions and question-and-answer segments, and concluded with an autograph signing session. The event was deeply appreciated by students and budding animators, who gained newfound insights into the craft of animation.

The event was kick-started by a welcome note from Takashi Kobayashi, the Ambassador of Japan to India, who graciously welcomed the audience to the masterclass. Ms Moksha Modgill, CEO of Geek Pictures India, had an interactive chat with the audience exploring the popularity and viewing trends of anime among the current generation.

Ms Takako Kanda’s session spanned conversations over the history and production process of anime, highlighting seminal works such as Akira (1988) as well as the series Attack on Titan (2013-2023) to cover the growth of the animation industry and familiarise the audience with how to enter the anime industry as a professional.

Masakazu Hashimoto then explored the unique journey of bringing Shin Chan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers to life in India. The director discussed his journey to India and his exploration of its culture to capture the essence of the country. Jenica Kalra, Deputy Director, JETRO, helped the audience connect with Masakazu Hashimoto by translating between Japanese and English.

The audience got a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of how one of the world’s most beloved anime characters was brought to life. The event concluded with a closing note by Ms Masayo Hasegawa, the Director of the Film and Broadcast Department at the Japan Foundation. The workshop successfully introduced participants to the fundamentals of anime creation, including storytelling, design, and production, while also positioning the animation sector as a promising career pathway for young Indian talent.

By creating a vibrant platform for learning and dialogue, Frames of Imagination strengthened people-to-people ties and reaffirmed the growing cultural partnership between India and Japan. This comes in the wake of the WAVES summit held earlier this year that strengthened India’s position as a key hub for the global media and entertainment industry.

Shedding light on the session, Moksha Modgill, CEO of Geek Pictures India, said, “Today’s sessions brought the masters of Japanese animation directly into dialogue with Indian students and young creators. This exchange can open a gateway for the placement of Indian talent in Japan. It reaffirms our belief that anime is not only an art form but also a bridge of opportunity, creativity, and collaboration between India and Japan.”