For many Indian kids growing up in the late nineties and early two thousands, television was filled with colourful characters, action packed adventures and emotional stories that became a part of everyday life. What most of them did not realise at the time was that many of these beloved shows were not just cartoons but Japanese anime that had quietly made their way into Indian homes through dubbed versions and local television channels.
Shows like Dragon Ball Z became a cultural phenomenon, with school playgrounds echoing debates about Super Saiyan levels and favourite fighters. Pokémon introduced an entire generation to the idea of collecting, training and bonding with creatures, while also teaching values like friendship and perseverance. At the time, these shows were simply seen as exciting cartoons, with little awareness of their Japanese origins or the larger anime culture behind them.
Doraemon and Shinchan found massive popularity thanks to their humour and relatable everyday situations. Their Hindi dubs felt so natural that many viewers assumed these shows were created specifically for Indian audiences. The cultural differences were subtle and often overlooked, making it easy for kids to connect with the characters without questioning where they came from.
Other series like Beyblade, Digimon and Yu Gi Oh blended action with fantasy, strategy and emotional storytelling. These shows stood out from typical western cartoons because they had ongoing story arcs, character growth and high stakes, yet they were embraced without any label. For Indian kids, they were just part of after school entertainment and weekend rituals.
It was only years later, with the rise of the internet, streaming platforms and anime fandoms in India, that many viewers realised their childhood favourites were actually anime. This discovery brought a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for how deeply Japanese storytelling had influenced their early years without them even noticing.
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