Natsuki Hanae, Yuma Takahashi & DJ Kazu Light Up Mumbai Comic Con 2024

On a dull Saturday afternoon, away from the sweltering summer heat, the anime fans who had made their way into Mumbai Comic Con 2024 at Jio World Convention Center in Bandra-Kurla complex were having the time of their lives.

Gathered outside the Crunchyroll booth, these fans sang in unison, as DJ Kazu belted out some immensely popular anime songs. As the convention hall reverberated to the sounds of Gurenge, Where Our Blue Is, Unravel, Bling-Bang-Bang-Born, We Are and others, even passersby were not spared of the infectious energy of these fans.

However, the highlight of the day came later as Natsuki Hanae, the voice of Tanjiro, and Yuma Takahashi, the producer of Demon Slayer from Aniplex, made an appearance at the main stage as part of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To The Hashira Training World Tour 2024.

Hundreds of fans who attended the panel were witnessing history in the making as this was the first time ever that a Japanese voice actor has made an appearance at a convention in India.

Natsuki Hanae entertained fans with a few renditions of Tanjiro’s dialogues, and also answered some interesting questions during the panel discussion. When he was asked which breathing style he would like to use other than water breathing and Hinokami Kagura, Hanae answered “cat breathing”, because he wanted to kill the demons with cat’s cuteness rather than resorting to swords.

Takahashi on the other hand explained the role of a producer in an anime. There was also a surprise video participation from Takahiro Sakurai (Giyu’s VA) from Yokohama in Tokyo, during the panel, adding to the fans’ excitement.

Crunchyroll had also organized a fan meet and greet with Natsuki Hanae and Yuma Takahashi attended by 150 Demon Slayer fans. The meet and greet was followed by the screening of the movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training, which was released recently.

Natsuki Hanae and Yuma Takahashi were genuinely delighted by the overwhelming fan love for Demon Slayer and anime in India. Witnessing the admiration for their work only deepened the connection between Indian fans and the creators behind their favorite anime, making the experience all the more memorable and special for all.

Source: Mumbai Comic Con 2024