The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 reaffirmed Inda’s position on global literary chart at a top position. Beyond just being an exhibitory platform, it came out as a space for convergence of global literary voices and ideas that revolve around cultures. One of the most significant and notable moments of the event, was the first ever Indian-appearance of Japanese bestselling manga artist Yoshitoki Oima, celebrated for her bestselling Japanese manga works – A Silent Voice and To Your Eternity.
BooksWagon had the honor of taking Yoshitoki Oima’s interview, fostering cultural exchange, while gaining insights into her creative process, the reality behind the guiding principle of her introspective storytelling, and her point of view on the future for aspiring manga creators.
Observation is the key – Oima san-sae’s story
Born in 1989 in Gifu, Japan,YoshitokiOima’s writing has been greatly influenced by her upbringing and her mother’s work as a sign language interpreter. Its reflections are evident in her works, also serving as the inspiration behind her bestseller, A Silent Voice.
Her debut manga Mardock Scramble, till To Your Eternity emerge from attentive observation of human interactions, emotions, silent reflections and the aftermath of events in one’s life. She has also worked on illustrations behind The attack on Titans.
Emerging fanbase of Manga in India
Yoshitoki Oima’s presence that encouraged the presence of such a huge fan base, at the New Delhi World Book Fair, suggested the growing recognition of graphic novels and manga.
It is evolving as a serious literary art in India- with millions of readers, as well as emerging artists. It underscores the increasing relevance of global literary dialogue and the cultural significance of cross-border storytelling in an interconnected world.
The majority of people in the crowd already knew the Japanese, while some fluently greeted her saying “Oima san-sae” ; “san-sae” used as honorary suffixes in Japanese. This highlights the importance of the art and cross-cultural artists, and became the spectacle of great appreciation of art in India.
Highlights from the World Book Fair Conversation
The BooksWagon stall saw a colossal crowd of Oima’s fans from different parts of the country. The people were carrying life-size canvases from her anime, with people cheering aloud for her at the top of their voices saying “Oima San sae” . People were there even from the extreme corners of all parts of India This being her first visit to India—and the first large-scale presence of a Japanese manga artist at the fair—offered ample reason for the visible excitement among the crowd.
The podcast commenced with greetings exchanged in both languages, as more readers gathered to catch a glimpse of the artist. What stood out prominently was the strong presence of young readers and aspiring manga artists, reflecting a growing creative community and serving as a moment of cultural pride.
Oima responded to the moderator’s question very warmly about her journey to which she responded that it came “naturally to her while she was painting at the back of her desk in her flying school”. The rest is history. She gave her message to the crowd stating “You must grasp the meaning of your life yourself.” She also asked the Manga writers to follow their dream and go on, ending the podcast with her modest bow thanking everyone saying “Arigato.”
The conversation was followed by a book-signing session, where fans—many of whom had waited for hours—finally had the chance to meet her personally. She patiently signed copies and interacted with readers, making the experience deeply memorable. Her limited presence on social media added to the excitement, as fans valued the rare opportunity for personal interaction. It was an anticipated reaction but what we witnessed exceeded the limits of fandom and affection people carry, for manga, in India.
Her bestselling Manga works, include these recommendations, which are also the best for people who plan to begin their manga journey.
To Your Eternity Volume 1
To Your Eternity Volume 1 introduces an immortal being Fushi, who is the key role player. who continuously evolves by adopting different forms. Through encounters marked by joy, loss, grief, and reflection, Fushi gradually understands the essence of human existence. This volume sets the philosophical and emotional foundation of the series, making it an ideal choice for readers drawn to thoughtful fantasy and character-driven storytelling.
To Your Eternity (full series)
The full set is itself an achievement in graphical literature. It sets chronicles of Fushi’s journey of humanity through relationship and human emotions Serialized for over eight years in Weekly Shonen Magazine, the series blends imaginative world-building with introspective themes. It reflects on impermanence, memory, and resilience.
It is also the winner of Best shonen Manga at Kodansha Manga Awards and has inspired multiple anime adaptations.
A Silent voice (full box set)
A silent voice introduces Shoya Ishida’s complex emotional world. It explores the emotional complexity of Shoya Ishida’s journey toward understanding and redemption. Addressing themes of bullying, communication barriers, and emotional healing, the series invites readers to confront how people harm—and ultimately support—one another. It stands as one of Oima’s most profound and emotionally resonant works.
At BooksWagon, throughout the event, readers were engulfed in the vast ocean of books and interacted with exceptionally talented authors . Featuring authors like Yoshitoki Oima expanded the Indian readers’ access to global narratives that redefined what literature can be. Whether one explored the bestselling Japanese mangs, or other varied genres, this moment that was captured at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 exemplified how literature bridges cultures and distance.
For readers and literary enthusiasts, Oima’s work is an invitation to read beyond the surface, and understand and feel beyond Silence.
