The television anime adaptation of Kazuto Mihara’s manga, The World Is Dancing, is set to begin airing and streaming on 2 July 2026. This co-production between Shochiku and CyberAgent brings to life the historical fiction narrative which enjoyed a six volume manga run between 2021 and 2022.
Directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi and produced by animation studio Cypic, the series reimagines the early life of Oniyasha, the boy who would eventually become Zeami, the legendary creator of Noh theatre. The story follows his journey through an era of constant conflict as he interacts with historical figures and develops a new form of performance born from his experiences in a changing world.
The project has released its main trailer, providing the first opportunity to see the visual style and hear the opening theme song, Shusho, performed by the four piece rock band Macaroni Empitsu. The trailer also introduces several new cast members.
Joining the production are Takahiro Sakurai as the ambitious shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and Nobuo Tobita as Nijo Yoshimoto, a court noble and historical patron. Mamiko Noto has been cast as Nariko, the wife of Yoshimitsu. Additionally, the anime will feature original characters not found in the manga, including Chiharu, voiced by Inori Minase, and Satsuki, voiced by Hazuki Seto.
Series composition and scripting are handled by Sawako Kawamitsu, who worked alongside director Kuroyanagi to adapt the manga series into an animated format.
©Kazuto Mihara, KODANSHA/”The World Is Dancing” Production Committee. 
©Kazuto Mihara, KODANSHA/”The World Is Dancing” Production Committee. 
©Kazuto Mihara, KODANSHA/”The World Is Dancing” Production Committee. 
©Kazuto Mihara, KODANSHA/”The World Is Dancing” Production Committee. 
©Kazuto Mihara, KODANSHA/”The World Is Dancing” Production Committee.
Hattori, the vocalist and guitarist for Macaroni Empitsu, expressed that it was an honour to contribute to the project and noted that the band felt a deep connection to the struggle of stage performance:
It is an honor to be part of such a wonderful work. I felt a deep connection to the resolve and struggle of dedicating one’s life to the stage, and the courage required to create and stand by what one believes is ‘good.’ I believe we were able to ‘dance’ in unison with this story through our music.
Takahiro Sakurai, who voices Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, noted that even those unfamiliar with Noh theatre would be drawn in by the origins of the art form and the quality of the animation:
I imagine many people have seen Kabuki before, but feel that Noh theater is a completely unfamiliar world. Honestly, I exactly the same—to me, it was just another type of traditional performing art. World Is Dancing is a work that lets you witness the very origins of Noh. Even if you go in with zero knowledge, like I did, you’ll be completely drawn in by the fantastical story and gorgeous animation. I really hope as many people as possible get to see it!
