Crunchyroll’s Ani-May Brings Chainsaw Man Movie and Mumbai Comic Con Events to Anime Fans

Anime fans have a reason to celebrate this May as Crunchyroll launches Ani-May, a month-long global anime celebration featuring streaming premieres, gaming tie-ins, and special events. The celebration kicks off early with the Chainsaw Man movie streaming, followed by a slate of activities that bring fans together across different formats throughout the month.

The Announcement

Crunchyroll has unveiled Ani-May, a comprehensive campaign designed to unite anime fans worldwide. The initiative begins with the streaming of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc on April 30, setting the stage for a month packed with anime content and activities. This global celebration aligns with Crunchyroll’s strategy to engage fans through both digital and physical experiences, recognizing the growing demand for immersive anime events.

Key Details

The Indian segment of Ani-May features Crunchyroll’s biggest booth yet at Mumbai Comic Con 2026, scheduled for May 9 to 10. The booth will include:

• Appearances by Taito Ban, the voice of Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling
• Atsushi Kaneko, producer of Solo Leveling
• A live performance by Hiroshi Kitadani, known for the One Piece theme “We Are!”
• A live dubbing booth for fans to experience voice acting
• Exclusive merchandise and fan experiences

Online, Crunchyroll India will spotlight local anime creators, influencers, and voice artists through social media features throughout May, highlighting the growing Indian anime community.

Why It Matters to Anime Fans

Ani-May represents the increasing importance of physical anime events in the digital streaming era. As anime continues to gain global popularity, platforms like Crunchyroll are expanding beyond content delivery to create immersive fan experiences. This month-long celebration demonstrates how streaming services are becoming cultural hubs that connect fans with the creators and communities they love.

The Mumbai Comic Con events are particularly significant as they spotlight the growing Indian anime market. By featuring local voice actors and producers, Crunchyroll acknowledges and supports regional anime communities, which is crucial for the global expansion of Japanese pop culture.

J-Hub’s Take

This announcement reflects a broader trend in the anime industry: platforms moving beyond simple content aggregation to become comprehensive entertainment ecosystems. We’re seeing more streaming services investing in physical events, creator meetups, and community-building activities—recognizing that anime fandom thrives on connection and shared experiences.

The inclusion of popular titles like Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End shows strategic curation aimed at diverse fan segments. This approach helps maintain interest across different demographics while introducing newer works to wider audiences.

For anime fans, Ani-May offers multiple entry points to engage with their favorite series, from streaming content to in-person events. This multi-format approach caters to varying levels of fandom intensity and accessibility, ensuring that both casual viewers and dedicated enthusiasts can find meaningful ways to participate.

Looking Ahead

As Ani-May unfolds, fans can expect more announcements regarding streaming premieres, event schedules, and special activations. The Mumbai Comic Con events in early May will provide a concentrated hub for anime enthusiasts in India, while the global celebrations offer digital engagement opportunities for international fans.

This month-long celebration reinforces anime’s position as a vibrant, evolving medium that continues to innovate in how it connects with audiences worldwide. For fans, Ani-May represents not just entertainment, but a chance to celebrate their shared passion in both physical and digital spaces.