Anime enthusiasts will journey to 14th century Japan this summer, with news today that AMC Global Media’s HIDIVE has added the eagerly awaited new period drama The World Is Dancing to its lineup of exclusive simulcast series. The new series is set to premiere on June 29 and will be accessible to all HIDIVE subscribers in the U.S. and Canada as well as in significant overseas markets like Australia and New Zealand.
Adapted from the critically acclaimed seinen manga by Kazuto Mihara, The World Is Dancing depicts the history and emergence of Noh, the 600-year-old classical Japanese dance-drama originating in the Muromachi period, through the experiences of its actual co-founder Zeami Motokiyo in a compelling, fictionalized portrayal of him as the 12-year-old actor Oniyasha (the childhood stage name of Zeami). The series has already garnered acclaim prior to its debut with a Special Award received on May 1 at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, which is an Academy Awards accredited event and the largest international short film festival in Asia.
In conjunction with today’s announcement, HIDIVE not only disclosed its plans to showcase the world premiere of The World Is Dancing Episode 2 at Anime Expo 2026, but also released the official English subtitled main trailer on YouTube. The AX premiere is set for Thursday, July 2 at 6:45 p.m. in Room 403AB at the Los Angeles Convention Center (Concourse Level 2).
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- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
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- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
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- Sumiko Uo (Author)
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“We’re thrilled to deliver the highly anticipated historical drama The World Is Dancing as part of HIDIVE’s Summer 2026 lineup of exclusive simulcast series,” stated John Ledford, President of HIDIVE. “Told from the perspective of the 12-year-old real-life Noh co-founder Zeami, The World Is Dancing offers a dramatized account of the genesis of Noh that merges breathtaking animation with entrancing aspects of this classical theatrical art. Viewers will be captivated from the outset as they are taken back 600 years and fully immerse themselves in the medieval landscape of 14th century Japan. The World Is Dancing is not to be overlooked!”
Synopsis: One does not require dance to exist. In 1374, amid the turbulent era when the Northern and Southern Courts were in conflict, the Northern Court’s shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, was gaining significant power. Born the child of Kan’ami, leader of the Kanze troupe of sarugaku performers, Oniyasha meanders through his life with a lingering question in his heart: Why do individuals dance? His spirit remains clouded until he experiences a dance that is genuinely “good.” Inquisitive, perceptive, and strikingly handsome, the boy encounters people, experiences joy and sorrow, confronts his own vulnerabilities, and gradually forges a new style of dance for a world steeped in transience.
The World Is Dancing is based on Mihara’s six-volume manga, published by Kodansha, which was originally serialized in Morning magazine from March 2021 to October 2022. The anime series is helmed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi, with series composition and script written by Sawako Kawamitsu, character design by Keigo Sasaki, and animation production by Cypic (co-produced by Shochiku and CyberAgent).
The Japanese voice cast of The World Is Dancing features Yumiri Hanamori as Oniyasha, Simba Tsuchiya as Ishiya, Maaya Uchida as Kogane, Romi Park as Zojiro, Takahiro Sakurai as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Katsuyuki Konishi as Kan’ami, Nobuo Tobita as Nijo Yoshimoto, Mamiko Noto as Nariko, Inori Minase as Chiharu, Haruki Ishiya as Junigoro, and Hazuki Seto as Satsuki.
CyberAgent has previously announced that the series will have its broadcast and streaming premiere in Japan on July 2. The studio recently launched the show’s official musical trailer, which can be viewed here.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
