For Hayato Date, his first official visit to India for Anime India Mumbai 2026 was also an opportunity to discover how deeply Naruto had connected with audiences in a country culturally distant from Japan.
Before arriving in Mumbai, Mr. Date admitted that he knew little about India’s anime community. That unfamiliarity left him feeling both nervous and excited about meeting the fans who had embraced his work.
He shared how happy he was to accept the invitation to Anime India Mumbai 2026.
His maiden visit ultimately brought him face-to-face with the country’s growing anime fandom. It also gave him a chance to speak about how Indian culture has quietly influenced his creative work over the years.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Mr. Date revealed that elements inspired by India have occasionally appeared in the visual backgrounds of Naruto, despite the series being firmly rooted in Japanese ninja culture.
“Even though Naruto is Japanese through-and-through and it’s about ninjas, in the scenery in the background, I do add Indian elements here and there.”
Although his busy convention schedule kept him largely around his hotel, Date already had several Mumbai landmarks he hoped to explore. His interest extended beyond sightseeing, as he viewed the visit as an opportunity to discover more Indian imagery and inspiration.
From arriving uncertain about India’s anime culture to witnessing its enthusiasm firsthand, Date’s visit highlighted how Naruto continues to connect people across languages, borders and cultures.