by The upcoming TV anime World Is Dancing has officially confirmed its broadcast premiere for July 2, 2026, while also unveiling a stunning new main promotional video (PV), key visual, opening theme song, and several major additional cast members.
The historical drama anime has already begun attracting attention for its breathtaking visuals, emotional storytelling, and rare focus on traditional Japanese performing arts. Based on the acclaimed manga by Kazuto Mihara, the series tells the coming-of-age story of Oniyasha — the boy who would later become the legendary creator of Noh theater, Zeami.
Alongside the release of the new PV, the production team also announced the participation of several renowned voice actors, including:
- Takahiro Sakurai
- Nobuo Tobita
- Mamiko Noto
- Inori Minase
- Hazuki Seto
The anime is scheduled to air every Thursday at 10:00 PM on TOKYO MX, BS Asahi, TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting, and other stations across Japan.
Main PV Reveals Emotional Dance Sequences and New Characters
The newly released main PV immediately captures viewers with a dramatic and emotionally charged dance performance.
The trailer begins with Oniyasha, voiced by Yumiri Hanamori, performing a powerful dance that highlights the anime’s theatrical atmosphere and artistic direction.
The PV then focuses on the life-changing encounter between Oniyasha and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, portrayed by Takahiro Sakurai.
Several important new characters also appear throughout the trailer, including:
- Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
- Nijō Yoshimoto
- Gyōko
- Chiharu
- Satsuki
- Inuō
Together with the previously announced Kanze troupe members, the new footage greatly expands the emotional and historical world of the series.
The PV also debuts the anime’s opening theme song:
“Shūshō” by Macaroni Enpitsu
The opening theme, “Shūshō,” is performed by Macaroni Enpitsu and plays prominently throughout the trailer.
The song’s emotional tone and dramatic energy appear to perfectly match Oniyasha’s struggles, dreams, and artistic journey.
Fans online have already praised the combination of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern musical emotion.
What Is World Is Dancing About?
World Is Dancing is based on the manga serialized in Kodansha’s Morning magazine.
The story takes place during the turbulent Nanboku-chō period in 1374, when Japan was divided between the Northern Court and Southern Court.
At the center of the story is Oniyasha, the gifted and emotionally curious son of Kan’ami, leader of the Kanze troupe of Sarugaku performers — the art form that would eventually evolve into Noh theater.
As political conflict spreads across the country, Oniyasha struggles to answer one important question:
“Why do people dance?”
Through encounters with nobles, performers, mentors, and rivals, Oniyasha slowly develops his understanding of art, emotion, and human existence.
The story combines:
- Historical drama
- Coming-of-age storytelling
- Japanese culture
- Philosophy
- Dance and theater
- Emotional self-discovery
Unlike many modern anime focused on action or fantasy powers, World Is Dancing explores artistic passion and emotional expression through performance.
A Rare Anime Focused on Noh Theater
One of the anime’s biggest strengths is its focus on traditional Japanese performing arts.
Many viewers outside Japan may not be familiar with Noh theater, one of the oldest surviving theatrical traditions in the world.
The anime aims to introduce audiences to:
- The origins of Noh
- Medieval Japanese culture
- Traditional dance
- Historical artistic philosophy
- The emotional meaning behind performance
For beginners, the series may serve as both an entertaining anime and a fascinating cultural introduction.
Directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
The anime is directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi, known for acclaimed works such as:
- The Great Passage
- Bakuten!!
- Love Me, Love Me Not
His involvement has already increased anticipation among anime fans because of his reputation for emotionally nuanced storytelling and elegant visual direction.
The anime’s production is handled by CygamesPictures, the studio behind:
- Uma Musume Cinderella Gray
- The Summer Hikaru Died
The studio has already received praise for the visual quality shown in the PV.
Additional Cast Members Bring Historical Characters to Life
Takahiro Sakurai as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
Takahiro Sakurai will voice Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, one of the most powerful historical figures of the Muromachi period.
Historically, Yoshimitsu became an important supporter of Noh theater and played a major role in the rise of Zeami.
Sakurai commented that although he was not very familiar with Noh before joining the project, the anime allowed him to appreciate its beauty and historical significance.
He praised the series for combining:
- Fantastic storytelling
- Beautiful animation
- Cultural depth
Nobuo Tobita as Nijō Yoshimoto
Veteran voice actor Nobuo Tobita will portray Nijō Yoshimoto, a nobleman fascinated by Oniyasha.
Tobita humorously revealed that the production staff told him:
“This guy is a pervert!”
He explained that Yoshimoto becomes intensely obsessed with Fujiwaka (Oniyasha) and dedicates himself passionately to supporting him.
Fans online have already become curious about the eccentric relationship between the characters.
Mamiko Noto as Gyōko
Mamiko Noto voices Gyōko, Yoshimitsu’s wife.
Noto explained that although Gyōko appears gentle and elegant on the surface, the character also possesses hidden emotional strength and deep personal convictions.
She described the anime as emotionally overwhelming and said every recording session left a strong impression on her.
Inori Minase Voices Anime-Original Character Chiharu
One of the most interesting additions is Chiharu, an anime-original character voiced by Inori Minase.
Chiharu dreams of participating in dance and performance, but struggles with the social limitations placed on women during the historical era.
Minase commented that the anime explores:
- The difficulty of preserving traditions
- The meaning of inheritance
- Accepting change
- Personal resilience
Her character may become one of the emotional centers of the series.
Hazuki Seto as Satsuki
Hazuki Seto also joins the cast as Satsuki.
Seto expressed surprise and excitement at joining such a prestigious production and praised the powerful cast lineup.
She described Satsuki as emotionally rich and strong-hearted despite the harsh realities she faces.
Advance Screening Event Announced
A special advance screening of Episodes 1 and 2 will take place on June 21, 2026, at Shinjuku Piccadilly in Tokyo.
Event Details
- Date: June 21, 2026
- Venue: Shinjuku Piccadilly, Tokyo
- Screening: Special edited versions of Episodes 1 and 2
- Ticket Price: 2,000 yen
Scheduled Guests
- Yumiri Hanamori
- Shinba Tsuchiya
- Maaya Uchida
- Takahiro Sakurai
- Director Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
Tickets are currently available through Lawson Ticket lottery applications.
Original Manga to Launch on Magapoke
Another major announcement confirmed that the original manga will begin digital distribution on the Magapoke platform starting May 10.
This gives new viewers a perfect opportunity to experience the original story before the anime premieres.
Why Anime Fans Are Excited About World Is Dancing
The anime is already standing out because it offers something very different from standard seasonal anime.
Rather than focusing on:
- Overpowered protagonists
- Fantasy battles
- School romance
- Comedy
The series emphasizes:
- Art
- Culture
- Dance
- Philosophy
- Human emotion
- Historical storytelling
Its combination of elegant visuals, emotional performances, and traditional Japanese themes has led many viewers to compare it to critically acclaimed artistic anime series.
Full Main Cast and Staff
Main Cast
- Yumiri Hanamori
- Shinba Tsuchiya
- Maaya Uchida
- Romi Park
- Katsuyuki Konishi
- Haruki Ishitani
Main Staff
- Original Work: Kazuto Mihara
- Director: Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
- Character Design: Keigo Sasaki
- Series Composition: Sawako Kawamitsu
- Music: Daisuke Shinoda
- Sound Director: Yukio Nagasaki
- Animation Production: CygamesPictures
Final Thoughts
With its stunning visuals, emotionally powerful storytelling, and deep exploration of Japanese performing arts, World Is Dancing is shaping up to be one of the most unique anime releases of 2026.
The newly released PV showcases a beautifully crafted world where dance becomes a way to express pain, identity, beauty, and survival.
As Oniyasha begins the journey that will eventually transform him into the legendary Zeami, viewers can expect a thoughtful, emotional, and visually breathtaking anime experience when World Is Dancing premieres this July.
