Cinepolis India has revealed that four iconic figures from the Japanese anime industry, Makoto Kimura, Makoto Tezuka, Atsuo Nakayama, and Hideo Katsumata, are visiting India. The event, titled “Titans of Anime – The Icons of Japan,” will take place at Cinépolis, Andheri West, Mumbai, on Saturday, May 3rd, at 5:30 PM, offering fans a rare opportunity to meet the legends who’ve shaped the global anime industry.
This one-of-a-kind gathering will feature:
Makoto Kimura: Makoto Kimura served as Executive Director and Rights Management Director at MAPPA from 2018 until his departure in March 2024. During his tenure, he was instrumental in securing funding and managing licensing for major titles like Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan: The Final Season. Notably, he spearheaded the innovative approach of featuring 12 different ending songs for Chainsaw Man, each with unique animations. After leaving MAPPA, Kimura founded Blue Rights Co., Ltd., a company focusing on anime planning, music, merchandise, and global outreach, aiming to create a more creator-friendly environment in the industry.
Makoto Tezuka: Son of Osamu Tezuka, the “God of Manga,” Makoto Tezuka has carved his own path in the anime industry. He directed the Black Jack anime and supervised Pluto, a mature reimagining of Astro Boy. His work blends legacy with innovation, keeping his father’s influence alive in modern anime. As the head of Tezuka Productions, he continues to preserve and expand upon his father’s visionary creations.
Atsuo Nakayama: Atsuo Nakayama is a sociologist and entertainment business expert who founded RE Entertainment, a company that studies fan behavior and trends. He merges sociology and data science to analyze anime audience behavior, helping studios build long-lasting IPs through research-driven strategies. His unique approach has been instrumental in understanding and catering to the evolving tastes of global anime audiences.
Hideo Katsumata: Currently the CEO of Anime Times and former president of Avex Pictures, Hideo Katsumata has been a key figure in bringing anime hits to international screens. He played a significant role in producing Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Guilty Crown, and Yuri!!! on ICE. His expertise in anime distribution has been crucial in expanding the global reach of Japanese animation.
The event will feature a panel discussion with all four guests, offering insights into the anime production process, behind-the-scenes experiences, and the evolution of the industry. Attendees can expect candid conversations about fan culture, content strategy, and the global future of anime.
Event Details
Date: May 3, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Venue: Cinépolis, Fun Republic Mall, Andheri West, Mumbai
Format: Live Q&A
Tickets: Available via Cinepolis website, and District by Zomato
For the first time, four influential figures from the Japanese anime industry are visiting India together. Its a significant moment for Indian anime fans and the growing local industry. This visit marks a step forward in recognizing India as an emerging market with strong potential for anime viewership and collaboration.
These guests have been behind some of the most iconic titles in recent years, and their arrival signals new opportunities for creative exchange, discussions around content production, and deeper industry ties between Japan and India.
Source: Cinepolis
