In a landmark initiative to promote anime and manga culture in India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), has officially launched the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!).
This innovative contest is part of the “Create in India Challenge”, aiming to nurture local talent and tap into the growing interest in Japanese manga and anime among Indian audiences.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, lnformation and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India unveiled the Create in India Challenge—Season One at New Delhi on Aug 22, 2024.
This challenge serves as a precursor to the upcoming WAVES summit, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Design in India, Design for the World,” articulated during the 78th Independence Day address.
About WAM!
WAM! revolves around harnessing the burgeoning interest and consumption of Manga and Anime in India by creating localized versions for global audiences.
This initiative aims to cultivate and showcase Indian talent through a series of competitions, offering substantial marketing support and the potential for publishing and distribution deals.
By organizing state-level competitions that culminate in a grand national event in Delhi, the initiative seeks to establish a robust platform for creative expression and international recognition.
This initiative not only aims to tap into the existing interest in Manga and Anime but also to cultivate and amplify Indian talent, creating opportunities for global recognition and growth in the industry.
The popularity of manga and anime in India has been steadily growing over the past decade, driven by increased accessibility, dedicated fan communities and cultural exchange.
India is the second-largest anime market in the world after China. There are an estimated 180 million anime fans, who are expected to contribute 60% of global anime growth.
India anime market size was valued at USD 1,642.5 million in 2023. The market is anticipated to grow from USD 1,855.4 million in 2024 to USD 5,036.0 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.3% during the forecast period.2
WAM! features three categories, each offering a unique platform for creative expression:
- Participation Verticals
- Manga (Japanese style comics)- Individual Participation for Student and Professional Category
- Webtoon (Vertical comics for digital mediums) – Individual Participation for Student and Professional Category
- Anime (Japanese style animation) – Team (of upto 4 people) Participation for Student and Professional Category
- Format & Delivery – script provided on the spot. Participants to generate:
- Manga (Student, Individual) – 2 pages manga with at least 4 panels each, ink and color (physical / digital)
- Manga (Professional, Individual) – 2 pages manga with at least 4 panels each,ink and color (physical / digital)
- Webtoon (Student, Individual): 7 panels with ink and color
- Webtoon (Professional, Individual): 10 panels with ink and color.
- Anime (Student, Teams) – 10 seconds of anime as per the provided script
- Anime (Professional, Teams) – 15 seconds of anime as per the provided script
Competition Structure and Schedule
Participants can compete individually or in teams (of upto 4 people), with separate categories for students and professionals. The event is structured in two levels: state-level competitions across eleven cities and a national-level finale.
Each state-level event begins with registration at 9:00 a.m., followed by a welcome and briefing session at 9:30 a.m. The competition runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring a bustling expo and job fair that connects participants with industry opportunities.
The day concludes with a wrap-up and celebration from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with activities such as cosplay competitions, musical performances, voice acting sessions and exciting giveaways.
Key Dates and Locations for WAM!
- WAM! Bangalore: Oct 27, 2024
- WAM! Chennai: Nov 10, 2024
- WAM! Kohima: Nov 22, 2024
- WAM! Kolkata: Nov 24, 2024
- WAM! Bhubaneswar: Nov 26, 2024
- WAM! Varanasi: Nov 28, 2024
- WAM! Delhi: Nov 30, 2024
- WAM! Mumbai: Dec 15, 2024
- WAM! Ahmedabad: Dec 17, 2024
- WAM! Nagpur: Dec 19, 2024
- WAM! Hyderabad: Dec 21, 2024
The WAM! Finale will take place as part of the WAVES summit from Feb 5-9, 2025, at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.
Winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Anime Japan and similar international events, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
NOTE: Registration is open on WAM! Website www.meai.in/wam and participation is free of charge for all categories.
Talking about the immense potential of Webtoons, Anime & Manga in India and the world, the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju said “With its rich storytelling, creative styles and vibrant artistry, WAM! has the capability of elevating Indian talent on a global stage, inspiring a new generation to dream boldly and connect deeply with the global tapestry of creativity. The potential also lies in catering to the high demand among Indian consumers for such creatively weaved stories, enriching our creative landscape”.
Talking about the WAM! contest verticals across 10 States, Mr. Jaju added “This will cultivate healthy competition among students and professionals, encouraging innovation and skill development. By providing platforms for showcasing their talent, we can inspire excellence and effectively identify emerging talent within the industry.”
Secretary of Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), Ankur Bhasin noted that WAM! was a significant step in bringing the anime and manga culture in India to the forefront. According to him, this platform will allow creators to showcase their work and also strengthen the Create in India vision.
“The launch of WAM! marks a significant step in bringing the vibrant culture of anime and manga to the forefront in India. By providing a platform for talented creators to showcase their work and reach global audiences, we are not only fostering creativity but also strengthening the ‘Create in India’ vision. This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing local talent and building a thriving ecosystem for the AVGC-XR and media sectors in the country.”
About MEAI
The Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) is a national-level organization dedicated to advancing the media and entertainment industry.
Representing over 3,300 members, including media conglomerates, animation studios, VFX firms, VOD and OTT platforms, gaming companies, journalistic outlets, and educational institutions, MEAI plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future.
The association organizes a variety of B2B and B2C events and delegations, often in partnership with governmental and non-governmental entities. Additionally, MEAI offers consultative services to state and central government bodies, using its expertise to influence policies and strategies that drive industry growth.