India is witnessing a remarkable surge in its anime and manga industry, propelled by the launch of the WAVES Anime and Manga Contest, also known as WAM!. This ambitious initiative, organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media and Entertainment Association of India, has set the stage for a transformative movement in India’s creative ecosystem. By providing a platform for budding artists to showcase their talent, WAM! is bridging the gap between India’s rich storytelling heritage and the global popularity of Japanese animation and comics.
One of the standout participants in this groundbreaking contest is Resham Talwar, a visually challenged voice artist whose journey exemplifies resilience and creativity. Resham’s triumph in the Voice Acting category at WAM! has not only brought her talent into the limelight but also challenged traditional notions of success in the competitive world of media and entertainment. Leveraging her expertise in voice-overs, radio jockeying, and audio editing, her win has opened doors to a wider recognition of diverse abilities and talents in India’s growing anime and manga sector.
WAM! is not merely a competition; it is a platform designed to foster local creativity and adapt Japanese artistic styles to suit both Indian and global audiences. This initiative features state-level contests across 11 cities, culminating in a grand national finale at the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai. WAVES itself is a first-of-its-kind event scheduled from May 1 to May 4, 2025, at the Jio World Centre. Combining diverse facets of media and entertainment, such as films, OTT platforms, comics, and gaming, the summit aims to position India as a global hub for storytelling and creative innovation, with a targeted market value of $50 billion by 2029.
The contest has already unearthed exceptional talent. Angel Yadav, a high school student from Varanasi, impressed judges with her skills in the student manga category, leading to her recruitment by a prominent Kolkata studio. Similarly, Randeep Singh, a professional manga artist, received critical acclaim for his work at WAM! Bhubaneswar, securing lucrative projects and highlighting the contest’s role in transforming passion into viable careers.
This cultural shift is supported by industry leaders offering concrete opportunities for participants. Established names in animation and media are backing WAM! by providing internships, job placements, distribution deals, and pitching opportunities. The collaborative ecosystem around WAM! not only nurtures talent but also aligns with India’s broader goal of self-reliance in the creative sectors, addressing the country’s existing skill gap in anime and manga.
India’s anime and manga market is growing exponentially. Valued at $1.6 billion in 2023, it is expected to reach over $5 billion by 2032. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ Hotstar have played a pivotal role in this expansion, making anime content accessible to millions of Indian viewers. Similarly, the increased availability of manga through e-commerce platforms has fueled the enthusiasm among fans, who number approximately 180 million, making India the world’s second-largest market for anime after China.
As WAM! continues to empower creators and inspire audiences, it stands as a testament to India’s potential to lead in the global anime and manga industry. By integrating its timeless storytelling traditions with contemporary formats, the initiative promises to transform India into a powerhouse of creative excellence and innovation. The journey of participants like Resham, Angel, and Randeep is not just their personal triumph but a broader symbol of the opportunities WAM! offers to aspiring artists across the nation. This initiative is not merely an event; it is a movement reshaping the way India contributes to the global narrative of anime and manga.
