by It has officially been announced that the acclaimed manga The World Is Dancing will be adapted into a TV anime, scheduled to air in Summer 2026. Along with the announcement, a teaser visual, promotional video, and initial cast details were released, immediately drawing attention from fans of historical and artistic storytelling.
The anime will be produced by Cygames Pictures, a studio known for its high-quality visual craftsmanship, and will star Yumiri Hanamori in the lead role as Oniyasha, the boy who would later become Zeami, the legendary founder of Noh theater.
About The World Is Dancing
The World Is Dancing is based on the manga by Kazuto Mihara, which was serialized in Kodansha’s Morning magazine. Although the manga concluded in just six volumes, it gained strong critical recognition for its refined narrative, emotional depth, and themes that remain relevant even today.
The story is set during a turbulent period in Japanese history, an era where conflict, instability, and death were part of everyday life. Against this harsh backdrop, the series tells a fictionalized coming-of-age story inspired by the youth of Zeami, one of Japan’s most influential cultural figures.
At this point in history, Noh had not yet been established as a classical art form. Instead, it existed as “Sarugaku,” a cutting-edge and evolving form of entertainment.
A Story of Dance, Growth, and Impermanence
The protagonist, Oniyasha, is portrayed as a curious and strikingly beautiful boy who becomes deeply enchanted by dance. As he encounters people from all walks of life, he experiences joy, sorrow, failure, and self-doubt. Through these encounters, he begins to search for meaning in movement and expression.
Despite lacking exceptional talent or social status, Oniyasha continues to challenge himself, driven by a desire to create something new—something that can resonate with people living in an impermanent world.
This is not a story of instant genius or effortless success. Instead, it is a quiet, emotional journey about perseverance, artistic passion, and the human desire to leave something meaningful behind.
TV Anime Production Details
The TV anime adaptation will be handled by an experienced creative team:
- Animation Studio: Cygames Pictures
(Uma Musume Cinderella Gray, The Light’s Dead Summer) - Director: Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
(The Great Passage, We Love You) - Character Designer: Keigo Sasaki
- Title Calligraphy: Satoru Nemoto
- Broadcast: Summer 2026
Cygames Pictures’ involvement signals a strong focus on visual beauty, atmosphere, and emotional expression—essential elements for a story centered on dance and performance.
Yumiri Hanamori as Oniyasha (Young Zeami)
The lead role of Oniyasha will be voiced by Yumiri Hanamori, a highly respected voice actress known for her emotional range and subtle performances.
Her casting has been praised for its suitability, as the character requires:
- Innocence and curiosity
- Emotional vulnerability
- Quiet determination
- Inner conflict and growth
Hanamori’s performance is expected to capture Oniyasha’s internal struggles as he searches for his own “flower”—a metaphor central to Zeami’s philosophy.
Teaser Visual and Promotional Video
The newly released teaser visual features Oniyasha, designed by Keigo Sasaki, alongside powerful calligraphy reading “The World Is Dancing.” The calligraphy was created by Satoru Nemoto, who also worked on title calligraphy and instruction for the NHK Taiga drama To You, the Light.
The promotional video highlights:
- The stark beauty of the historical setting
- The harsh reality of an era where death was ever-present
- Oniyasha’s first shocking encounter with dance
- Appearances by historical figures, including Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
The trailer balances elegance and brutality, setting the tone for a story that is both poetic and grounded.
Comments from the Creative Team
Director: Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
“This is the story of a boy named Oniyasha who challenges himself to create something new in an era when what we now call Noh was still cutting-edge entertainment. He has no special talent and no achievements to boast of. Yet he continues to pursue Sarugaku, hoping to become someone who can change the world. His journey reflects the ‘beginner’s spirit’ that lives within all of us.”
Kuroyanagi also expressed his hope that the anime would become a work cherished for many years, much like the philosophy Zeami passed down over six centuries ago.
Yumiri Hanamori (Oniyasha)
“There are countless things people perceive as ‘good’ in this world. If you can find even one thing you believe in, it can become a flower that colors your life. I believe that wholeheartedly.”
Her comment reflects the central theme of the series: discovering personal meaning in a world full of uncertainty.
Keigo Sasaki (Character Designer)
“After reading the original work, I knew I would regret it if I didn’t take part. Inspired by Oniyasha’s passion, I challenge myself every day alongside the rest of the staff to bring this world to life.”
Satoru Nemoto (Title Calligrapher)
Nemoto explained that his calligraphy was inspired by Zeami’s writings, including Fūshikaden and Hanakyo, which use flowers as a metaphor for beauty and expression.
He described katakana as a script that exists between written language and pure expression—making it the perfect medium to visually represent Zeami’s philosophy.
Why The World Is Dancing Stands Out
Unlike many anime focused on action or fantasy, The World Is Dancing offers:
- A historical setting rarely explored in anime
- A focus on traditional performing arts
- A human, grounded protagonist
- Themes of impermanence, growth, and artistic struggle
It is a story that appeals not only to anime fans, but also to viewers interested in Japanese culture, history, and philosophy.
Final Thoughts
With its elegant visuals, thoughtful storytelling, and strong creative vision, The World Is Dancing is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive TV anime releases of Summer 2026.
By portraying the fictionalized youth of Zeami through the eyes of a struggling boy named Oniyasha, the series promises a deeply emotional exploration of what it means to create, to fail, and to keep dancing despite it all.
As more information is revealed, anticipation for this historically inspired anime continues to grow.
