From Japanese artists to cosplay: Anime India lands in Hyderabad

Anime lovers in the city have a big weekend ahead. Anime India, billed as an anime convention and anison concert, is making its Hyderabad debut on November 14th and 15th in Narsingi, Hyderabad.

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The programme runs across two stages, the Main Stage and the Open Stage, with performances, contests, showcases and fan activities. Organisers say there is something for everyone, from lifelong otaku to first-timers.

Who’s coming?

Japanese pop artists Maena and MaRe are the special guests. The legendary guest is director NoriyukiAbe, known for Bleach, Yu Yu Hakusho and Black Butler. Organisers also list more than 15 celebrities, comic creators and professional cosplayers.

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Take part in cosplay contests

Cosplay is the heart of the event, with three separate competitions.

Grand Cosplay Royale: The flagship contest has a Rs 2 lakh prize pool, with Rs 1 lakh for the winner, Rs 50,000 for second place and Rs 25,000 for third. Five Judge’s Choice awards carry Rs 5,000 each. Entries are solo and go through pre-judging and a stage round. Judges look at costume construction, detailing, fit, mobility and character portrayal, and participants must submit work-in-progress documentation. Characters must come from Japanese works such as anime, manga and light novels.

Closet Cosplay: A free, budget-friendly stage built on the idea that cosplay doesn’t have to be expensive.

Gaming Cosplay Championship: A separate contest for characters from video games.

A lot more to compete in

Quiz buffs can take on The Otaku Quiz on November 14th , and singers can try AIDOL, the flagship singing competition, on November 15th. Each carries a Rs 10,000 prize pool. Quiz registration closes on November 10th at 11:59 pm, while AIDOL registration closed on November 8.

On the floor

Gamers can head to The Versus Experience for Street Fighter 6, Smash, Under Night In-Birth and Pokémon VGC. The expo floor also features Artists Alley, a Japan Pavilion, Shoutengai street, a Fandom Realm and a food court, along with merchandise and fan art.

A paid Maid Cafe, “Cafe Kyaa!”, runs on both days. On November 14th, Anime Times hosts a DJ Night from 7:30 pm onwards, with RSVP through the organisers’ form.

Want to be a part of it?

Fans who want to help out can fill in the General Volunteer Application, linked on the organisers’ website. Anime lovers who enjoy dressing up can also apply to work as a maid or butler at the Maid cafe. Exhibitors and artists can apply for booths and Artists Alley spots, and fans can pitch fan panel sessions through separate forms. All links are on the Anime India Hyderabad Linktree. With the event just days away, interested applicants are advised to register at the earliest.

Mark the dates

Dates: November 14 and 15, 2026

Time: 10 am onwards

Venue: The Address, Conventions & Exhibitions, Narsingi, Hyderabad

Tickets: Available on District

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