Exploring India's Entertainment Business: A Comprehensive 8-Day Study Tour

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Courier Japan is launching an exciting 8-day study tour, offering a deep dive into India's vibrant entertainment and media industry. Scheduled for January 10-17, 2026, this tour aims to provide participants with an unprecedented opportunity to explore the latest trends and developments within this rapidly growing sector. As of November 11, we have already received applications from 15 participants, reaching full capacity. However, due to popular demand, we are pleased to announce a limited number of additional spots.

Leading this journey is Yoshinobu Koga, the founding editor of Courier Japan, who possesses extensive knowledge of the Indian entertainment landscape. With over 15 years of experience working with Kodansha on various projects in India, Koga has built a robust network that he will leverage to guide participants through key industry sites in New Delhi and Hyderabad. Accompanying him will be Hiroaki Minami, the current editor-in-chief at Courier Japan, who has also contributed to Indian series and features in the publication.

India's market harbors immense potential for growth, yet building relationships with local companies and gaining firsthand insights can be daunting. This tour serves as a valuable gateway to identify concrete business opportunities within the Indian market. Beyond networking opportunities with local companies, participants can also forge connections with fellow attendees, creating a platform for collaboration on business expansion, partnerships, and more.

Tour Highlights: An Insightful Journey into the Industry

Participants will be supported throughout the tour by navigator Yoshinobu Koga, who has been involved in Kodansha's international business since 2010. His contributions range from launching TV anime series to publishing children's books in local languages and spearheading educational initiatives related to manga set in India. Koga's extensive experience and wealth of connections will ensure that attendees receive vital information, advice, and tailored arrangements as needed during the tour.

Visits to Influential Companies in India's Content Industry

The itinerary includes visits to pivotal sites in India’s publishing and news media, particularly focusing on New Delhi and Hyderabad, the nation's second-largest IT hub where the animation and film industries are on the rise. Participants can expect to visit notable locations such as:
1. One of Asia's largest film production studios
2. The Indian headquarters of a global animation streaming company
3. An Indian animation production company
4. A major media conglomerate
5. Promising game development firms
6. And much more!

Discover the Rich Diversity of India

In addition to industry visits, there will be opportunities to explore lesser-known spots within the vibrant local culture, guided by Koga's insider knowledge. We understand that safety and hygiene may be concerns for some prospective travelers; rest assured, our knowledgeable staff will take all necessary precautions to ensure a comfortable and secure experience.

Why Focus on India's Entertainment Industry?

By 2027, India's entertainment and media market is expected to exceed 5 trillion yen. Dubbed the largest frontier in Asia and an IT powerhouse, the media sector is currently thriving. According to EY India, this market is projected to grow by an average of 7% annually over the next three years, potentially reaching a size of 5.2 trillion yen by 2027. The popularity of Japanese content is surging, particularly among younger audiences eager to engage with anime. Crunchyroll, a leading distributor of anime, regards India as the 'second-largest market after the United States.' Moreover, there is an increasing call for collaboration between Japanese enterprises across various sectors, representing a substantial opportunity for businesses.

The Indian government is actively supporting the development of the media and entertainment industry. At the recent WAVES 2025, an international content event organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, contracts and investments totaling 165 billion yen were completed over a four-day period, highlighting the government's commitment to this burgeoning industry. The international acclaim of Indian cinema, commonly referred to as Bollywood, continues to grow, with the historical action film 'RRR' grossing over 24.3 billion yen globally upon its release in 2022, demonstrating the potential of VFX and animation production technologies.

Tour Details

Tour Dates: January 10-17, 2026
Cities Visited: New Delhi and Hyderabad
Limited Spots Available: Initially 15 attendees, now with a few additional spots
Tour Costs: 868,000 yen (including tax) for shared rooms; 988,000 yen for single occupancy
Travel Plans: Expected partnership with Japan Airlines
Hotel: The Grand New Delhi Taj Krishna
Application Deadline: November 21, 2025
Organizer: NPO Overseas Cultural Center (Best World Co., Ltd.)
Travel Agent Registration: No. 145, recognized by the Japan Tourism Agency

This study tour represents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in India’s dynamic entertainment sector, gain valuable insights, and cultivate meaningful relationships for future endeavors.