Image: Kazuto Mihara, Kodansha / 'World Is Dancing' Production Committee
Mb | Jan 22, 2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
A new anime that illuminates the early life of Zeami Motokiyo, the founder of the Japanese Noh tradition, has been announced for the year 2026. The series titled "The World Is Dancing" (Japanese: ワールド イズ ダンシング, Wārudo Izu Danshingu) is based on the manga of the same name by Kazuto Mihara.
The series is being directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi, known for works such as "The Great Passage" and "Backflip!!". The character design is by Keigo Sasaki, and the elaborate title calligraphy was created by the renowned calligrapher Satoshi Nemoto. Nemoto stated that in designing the title, he artistically implemented the concept of the "flower" – a central motif in Zeami's Noh theory.
The main role of the young Oniyasha (the later Zeami) is voiced by the experienced voice actress Yumiri Hanamori. Hanamori expressed enthusiasm about the project and voiced the hope that the story of the protagonist, who finds something "good," will also resonate with the audience.
The animation is produced by Studio CygamesPictures.
The plot is set in the turbulent Muromachi period (14th century), a time of conflict between the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts. It tells the fictionalized story of the boy Oniyasha, who is born into a family of Sarugaku performers. Tormented by the question of why people dance at all, he one day encounters a performance that he perceives as truly "good." This encounter sets his artistic journey in motion, which will ultimately lead him to the creation of Noh art.
Director Kuroyanagi described the series as the story of a boy who creatively challenges himself in a time when Noh was still considered avant-garde entertainment. He sees in it a spirit of beginnings that also inspires the production team.
An official teaser image and an announcement video capturing the atmosphere of the era have already been released. The video also shows Oniyasha's encounter with the revolutionary dance.
Those interested can learn more about the project on the official website. The original English-language manga is available digitally.
The series is being directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi, known for works such as "The Great Passage" and "Backflip!!". The character design is by Keigo Sasaki, and the elaborate title calligraphy was created by the renowned calligrapher Satoshi Nemoto. Nemoto stated that in designing the title, he artistically implemented the concept of the "flower" – a central motif in Zeami's Noh theory.
The main role of the young Oniyasha (the later Zeami) is voiced by the experienced voice actress Yumiri Hanamori. Hanamori expressed enthusiasm about the project and voiced the hope that the story of the protagonist, who finds something "good," will also resonate with the audience.
The animation is produced by Studio CygamesPictures.
The plot is set in the turbulent Muromachi period (14th century), a time of conflict between the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts. It tells the fictionalized story of the boy Oniyasha, who is born into a family of Sarugaku performers. Tormented by the question of why people dance at all, he one day encounters a performance that he perceives as truly "good." This encounter sets his artistic journey in motion, which will ultimately lead him to the creation of Noh art.
Director Kuroyanagi described the series as the story of a boy who creatively challenges himself in a time when Noh was still considered avant-garde entertainment. He sees in it a spirit of beginnings that also inspires the production team.
An official teaser image and an announcement video capturing the atmosphere of the era have already been released. The video also shows Oniyasha's encounter with the revolutionary dance.
Those interested can learn more about the project on the official website. The original English-language manga is available digitally.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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