TOKYO, Japan – May 7, 2026 – CyberAgent, Inc. is excited to share that the TV anime The World Is Dancing (co-produced by Shochiku and CyberAgent) will officially start broadcasting and streaming on July 2, 2026.
Along with the announcement, the key visual and main trailer have been revealed. The newly revealed main trailer features the opening theme song “Shusyo” performed by Macaroni Empitsu which is also unveiled for the first time. Additionally, comments from the new cast members, Takahiro Sakurai as the powerful shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and Nobuo Tobita, Mamiko Noto, Inori Minase, and Hazuki Seto.
Character illustrations and heartfelt comments from each cast member have also arrived.
The World Is Dancing is a manga by Kazuto Mihara that ran in Kodansha’s Seinen magazine Morning. Despite being only six volumes long, it drew strong attention for its carefully constructed story and themes that still resonate today.
The English version of the original manga is available online on Chapter 1 – Free Preview.
In an era of constant conflict, a beautiful, intensely curious boy named Oniyasha meets people, laughs, cries, and faces his own weaknesses as he shapes a new form of dance born from life in an ever-changing world.
This is a “dancing story” that might have unfolded when the boy who would one day create Noh—Zeami—was still known as Oniyasha, carried across 600 years to the present.
The anime is produced by animation studio, Cypic (Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, The Summer Hikaru Died). Toshimasa Kuroyanagi, known for his work on the TV anime The Great Passage, the animated film Love Me, Love Me Not, and both the TV and theatrical versions of the Backflip!! series.
TV Anime The World Is Dancing Premieres This July!
Main Trailer & Additional Cast Unveiled!
Main Trailer YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/Zu45LJG7Chs
The main trailer opens with a breathtaking dance sequence that sets a striking tone for the series. It depicts the fateful encounter between Oniyasha (the boy who will later be known as Zeami), voiced by Yumiri Hanamori, and the powerful shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, voiced by Takahiro Sakurai.
With this trailer, a lineup of new characters and their prestigious cast members has been revealed. Joining the previously announced cast—Maaya Uchida (Kogane), Romi Park (Zojiro), Simba Tsuchiya (Ishiya), and Katsuyuki Konishi (Kan’ami)—are figures who shaped the history of Noh: Nobuo Tobita as Nijo Yoshimoto, the historical patron of Zeami, and Mamiko Noto as Nariko, Yoshimitsu’s lawful wife.
The trailer also introduces anime-original characters who add new layers to the story: Chiharu (voiced by Inori Minase), Satsuki (voiced by Hazuki Seto), and the mysterious Inuo.
Furthermore, the trailer offers the first reveal of the opening theme song “shusho” by Macaroni Empitsu. The track, which deeply resonates with Oniyasha’s spirit, heightens the anticipation for the upcoming broadcast, promising a visceral and emotional experience.
Opening Theme Artist: Macaroni Empitsu
PROFILE
A four-piece rock band formed in 2012. Led by vocalist/guitarist Hattori, the band is known for their expressive sound and emotional lyrics. They have successfully completed multiple arena tours and remain at the forefront of the Japanese rock scene.
・Comment by Hattori (Vo. & Gt.)
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.
Cast Comments and Character Illustrations Released!
The third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, a man of great ambition and strong pride. Despite holding the absolute authority of a shogun, his youth leaves him frustrated when things don’t go as he expects, and he spends his days searching for answers. To unify a world overflowing with conflicting laws, he seeks a “flower” capable of drawing people together.
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (CV: Takahiro Sakurai)
Takahiro Sakurai– PROFILE
Notable voice acting roles include Giyu Tomioka (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba), Suguru Geto (Jujutsu Kaisen), Osomatsu Matsuno (Mr. Osomatsu), Suzaku Kururugi (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion), Sae Itoshi (Blue Lock), Burton (Ninjala), and Kaito U (Butt Detective), among others.
・Comment by Takahiro Sakurai
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!
Nijo Yoshimoto (CV: Nobuo Tobita)
A court noble, former regent, and poet. Captivated by Oniyasha, he calls him “Fujiwaka” and refers to himself as his devoted follower.
Nobuo Tobita – PROFILE
Affiliated with Arts Vision. Notable voice acting roles include Sueo Maruo (Chibi Maruko-chan), Dayon (Mr. Osomatsu), Kamille Bidan (Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam), and Yuya Kazami (Detective Conan), among others.
・Comment by Nobuo Tobita
Right off the bat, I was told, “”Go completely over the top with the energy. This guy’s a total weirdo!””
Based off that, I leaned hard into his intense love and obsession with his bias.
The cover of the script for the first episode he appears in featured a massive close-up of Lord Nijo, which naturally got me incredibly hyped up.
He might be a powerful and high-ranking court noble, but his sole reason for living is simply Fujiwaka! He is completely honest about his feelings, and he would go through hell and high water to make his dreams come true! He really tries his absolute best…
But… just as I am me, Oniyasha is Oniyasha.
Oh, the cruel and heartbreaking irony of fate!
I had so much fun playing the role of Lord Nijo Yoshimoto.
There’s an incredible amount of things to see and hear in this anime, so please look forward to it!
Nariko (CV: Mamiko Noto)
Yoshimitsu’s lawful wife. Gentle in nature, she watches over Oniyasha and the others. She loves the performing arts and enjoys composing waka poetry.
Mamiko Noto – PROFILE
Affiliated with OFFICE OSAWA. Notable voice acting roles include Sawako Kuronuma (Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You), Prospera Mercury (Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury), Ine Saito (Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again), and Usako Kurashiki (Insomniacs After School), among others.
・Comment by Mamiko Noto
I’m Mamiko Noto, and it is a privilege to voice Nariko. I hadn’t had much exposure to the world of Noh theater before, but working on this project has really sparked my interest.
Every single character is living their life to the absolute fullest. It’s a powerful work that literally gives you goosebumps. I took away so much from every single recording session.
Nariko is a gentle, soft-spoken woman, but whenever you catch glimpses of her deep sensitivity, the things she holds dear, and the convictions she stands by, you can’t help but imagine the quiet strength and inner battles she carries within her. Her wonderful qualities are scattered throughout the show, even in the briefest moments of realization or a single short line, so I hope you will keep an eye out for them.
Please look forward to World Is Dancing! As you watch, I hope you’ll let the wings of your own heart dance freely, too.
Chiharu (CV: Inori Minase)
Inomaru’s younger sister. Though she has given up performing on stage because of her gender, she loves the world of dance and joins flute practice. Quick to get into fights, she deeply admires Nariko, who is her complete opposite.
Inori Minase – PROFILE
Affiliated with AXLONE. Notable roles include Rem (Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-), Chino (Is the Order a Rabbit?), Itsuki Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets), and Shoko Makinohara (Rascal Does Not Dream series), among others.
・Comment by Inori Minase
In this anime, I play the role of Chiharu, an original character.
She wrestles with her gender and her place in the world, yet she navigates life with incredible strength and resilience.
Noh is a traditional Japanese performing art, but I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that until I joined this project, I hadn’t really engaged with its deep history or essence.
The profound beauty of something enduring through time. The challenges of preserving and passing down a tradition. The courage it takes to embrace change.
I feel this is a work that offers meaningful discoveries and lessons, even for those of us living in the modern world. I truly hope it reaches as many people as possible.
Satsuki (CV: Hazuki Seto)
A one-armed girl who works at the town’s dumpling shop. Straightforward and no nonsense, she devotes herself to the business each day.
Hazuki Seto – PROFILE
Affiliated with SHOCHIKU ENTERTAINMENT. Notable voice acting roles include An Shishido (Anpan), Wakai (Bansan Blues), Mami Kato (VR Ojisan’s First Love), and Mariko Noda (Mieruko-chan), among others.
・Comment by Hazuki Seto
I’m Hazuki Seto.
First off, I want to say that no one is more surprised by this casting than I am. I was already thrilled at the audition stage just knowing Director Kuroyanagi was part of the project, but when I saw how star-studded the rest of the cast was, my eyes practically popped out of my head.
I am so incredibly grateful for the chance to work alongside such amazing people, and to have met Satsuki. She has such a rich heart, and I absolutely love her strength—the way she so gracefully accepts whatever reality throws her way. I went into the recording sessions truly savoring the joy of being able to connect with her through my voice.
I hope World Is Dancing reaches everyone living in the present day, and travels even further. I hope it spreads its wings and soars boundlessly.
New Staff Comments
Series Composition/Script: Sawako Kawamitsu
PROFILE
Completed the Screenwriting course at the Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts. Her notable screenwriting credits include the film Stella of the Neighborhood (Tonari no Stella), the dramas I, KILL and Mr. Bride (Watashi no Oyome-kun), and web dramas such as ANIMALS and Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger: The Secret of King Racules.
・Comment by Sawako Kawamitsu
The original author Mr. Mihara, Director Kuroyanagi, and Producer Mizoguchi all encouraged me to ‘write freely and have fun.’ That support was my emotional pillar throughout the project. I believe those words weren’t just about being relaxed, but were a call for me to ‘show my own dance.’ I spent my days desperately dancing with everything my own history had to offer. I am truly happy to have gathered with so many respected creators under this project. I pray that the story of Oniyasha and his companions, who lived hundreds of years ago, reaches and blooms within you today.
■ About The World Is Dancing
Follow “The World Is Dancing” on Social Media:
Official Website: https://sh-anime.shochiku.co.jp/worldisdancing-anime
Official X: https://x.com/wid_anime (@wid_anime)
INTRODUCTION:
One does not need dance to live.
In 1374, during the turbulent age when the Northern and Southern Courts were locked in conflict, the Northern Court’s shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, was becoming an increasingly dominant force.
Born the son of Kan’ami, head of the Kanze troupe of sarugaku performers, Oniyasha drifts through his days with a hazy question lodged in his heart: Why do people dance? His spirit remains clouded, until the day he encounters a dance that is truly “good.”
Curious, sensitive, and strikingly beautiful, the boy meets people, laughs, cries, confronts his own weaknesses, and slowly begins to shape a new form of dance for a world steeped in impermanence.
Kazuto Mihara’s groundbreaking Noh themed manga from Morning finally comes to life as an anime, filled with scenes that stir the heart and dynamic movement and chanting that can only be expressed through animation.
Directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi (The Great Passage, Backflip!!) and animated by Cypic (Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, The Summer Hikaru Died), this series showcases top tier animation supported by a standout cast.
This is a story shaped by dance that may have unfolded when the boy who would one day create Noh—Zeami—was still known as Oniyasha, carried across 600 years to the present.
STORY:
In 1374, amid the turmoil of the Northern and Southern Courts’ long running conflict, a boy named Oniyasha is born into a family of sarugaku theater performers. He spends his days in a kind of quiet gloom, haunted by a simple but persistent question: Why do people dance? Then, one day, he witnesses a dance that he feels to be “good”—and everything begins to change. This is the story of the beautiful young boy who would one day shape the art of Noh and be remembered as Zeami.
Cast & Staff:
Cast
Yumiri Hanamori, Simba Tsuchiya, Maaya Uchida, Romi Park, Takahiro Sakurai, Katsuyuki Konishi, Nobuo Tobita, Inori Minase, Haruki Ishiya, Hazuki Seto
Staff
Based on the manga “The World Is Dancing” by Kazuto Mihara originally serialized in the weekly MORNING magazine published by KODANSHA Ltd.
Director: Toshimasa Kuroyanagi
Character Design: Keigo Sasaki
Series Composition/Script: Sawako Kawamitsu
Sub Director: Shuhei Fuchimoto
Sub Character Design: Iori Hisatake
Prop Design: Odashi
Art Setting: Mamio Ogawa
Art Director: Hiromasa Ogura, Kazuhiro Inoue
Color Design: Naoko Sato, Kumiko Naruke
3D Supervisor: Yoshinori Nakano
Director of Photography: Yutaro Kikuchi
Editing: Daisuke Hiraki
Sound Director: Yukio Nagasaki
Music: Daisuke Shinoda
Opening theme song:Macaroni Empitsu ”shusho” (TOY’S FACTORY)
Calligraphy/Title Lettering: Satoshi Nemoto
Noh Choreography: Tsumura Reijiro
Choreography: Kaiji Moriyama, Mikiko Kawamura
Noh Supervision: Kohei Kawaguchi
History Supervision: Katsuyuki Shimizu
Animation Producer: Mizoguchi KAN
Animation Production: Cypic
Company: CyberAgent, Inc.
Company location: 40-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Abema Towers
Company website: https://caanime.cyberagent.co.jp/en/
Contact person: CyberAgent, Inc. Press Contact
Mail: animeip_pr@cyberagent.co.jp
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