Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced a strategic partnership with Animation Express for the highly anticipated Anime India 2026 series, marking a…
Author: News Desk

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced a strategic partnership with Animation Express for the highly anticipated Anime India 2026 series, marking a unique collaboration between the automotive and entertainment industries. The partnership aims to strengthen Toyota’s engagement with Gen Z and young millennial audiences while creating immersive brand experiences through the rapidly growing anime culture in India.

The first event under this collaboration will take place at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on June 6-7, 2026, as part of the Anime India Delhi edition. The event promises an exciting lineup, including a live J-pop performance by renowned Japanese singer Yurika and the much-awaited India debut of celebrated Japanese voice actor Inoue Kazuhiko, best known as the voice behind Kakashi Hatake from the globally popular anime series Naruto.

As part of its experiential showcase, Toyota will display three of its popular vehicles—the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Toyota Glanza, and Urban Cruiser Taisor—at dedicated exhibition stalls. The flagship Toyota booth featuring the Urban Cruiser Hyryder will host several interactive activities, including a spin-the-wheel contest, quiz competitions, and a stamp rally designed to engage anime enthusiasts and visitors.

Adding to the excitement, all three display vehicles will feature special wraps inspired by the internationally acclaimed anime series Attack on Titan, creating a unique fusion of automotive innovation and Japanese pop culture. The initiative reflects Toyota’s efforts to build stronger connections with younger audiences through culturally relevant experiences.

Commenting on the partnership, Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stated that Anime India provides a valuable platform to connect with a passionate community that embraces creativity, self-expression, and contemporary pop culture. He emphasized that the collaboration aligns with Toyota’s vision of positioning itself as an exciting and relatable brand for younger consumers.

Anime India has emerged as one of India’s leading ticketed anime conventions, attracting more than 60,000 Gen Z attendees across its previous editions. The platform celebrates licensed anime, manga, gaming, cosplay, and Japanese popular culture while bringing together fans, creators, and international industry participants.

Through this partnership, Toyota Kirloskar Motor continues to explore innovative engagement platforms, reinforcing its commitment to connecting with evolving customer communities and expanding its appeal among India’s next generation of consumers.