The World Is Dancing cover art

The World Is Dancing

World Is Dancingワールド イズ ダンシング

2026 · ONA · 13 eps Finished

AniList average score
71%
On AniList users' lists
23,138

What is The World Is Dancing about?

The World Is Dancing is an ONA (an anime released online first) of 13 episodes animated by Cypic, adapted from a manga. It aired from June 29, 2026 to September 21, 2026. AniList classifies it as drama.

Born into a life of acting and dance with a traveling theater troupe in 14th-century Japan, 12-year old Oniyasha has one problem—he doesn't know what the point of any of it is. "Why must I step with the left foot here instead of the right? Why is one performance good and another, bad? Why do people dance at all?" It all seems perfectly arbitrary, until a chance encounter in a run-down shack sets him down a path to revolutionizing the art form and influencing much of Japanese culture to come. A fictionalized account of the early life of Zeami Motokiyo (Oniyasha), the founder of modern Noh theater—the world's oldest surviving theater art—this coming-of-age artist's journey vividly brings to life a man far ahead of his time during one of Japan's most culturally and socially vibrant eras.

(Source: Kodansha Comics)

Synopsis from AniList. The summary above it is written by FreeAnime.xyz from AniList's data.

Themes AniList users associate with it: Historical, Dancing, Coming of Age, Acting, Musical Theater, Crossdressing, Biographical.

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Streaming rights differ by country and change over time. A listed title page means AniList records it for this entry; it does not confirm the title is available in your region today.

Other official links listed on AniList

Official trailer on YouTube

Main characters

Characters AniList lists in a main role, with spoiler-free notes.

  • Oniyasha 鬼夜叉

    Main character

    A boy who tends to drift off into his own thoughts, he is the son of Kan’ami, head of the Kanze troupe. Even though he’s expected to one day lead the troupe, he questions the very purpose of dance itself: “Why do people dance?” Once his curiosity or desire to explore something kicks in, he charges straight ahead…

    Japanese voice: Yumiri Hanamori

Supporting characters

  • Ishiya 石也

    Supporting character

    A member of the Kanze troupe and someone who truly understands Oniyasha. Because of a leg condition he’s had since childhood, he gave up on ever performing on stage, but he’s skilled at chanting and often helps Oniyasha with his practice. He’s a kind-hearted boy who cares deeply for both the Kanze troupe and Oniyasha.

    Japanese voice: Shinba Tsuchiya

  • Kogane コガネ

    Supporting character

    A friend of Oniyasha’s. He’s always down by the riverbank, where he and Oniyasha—who sneaks away from practice—spend their time making up ridiculous stories together. Rough around the edges but surprisingly dependable, he actually seems to have an interest in dance. (Source: Official Site)

    Japanese voice: Maaya Uchida

  • Zojiro 増次郎

    Supporting character

    A young performer leading the Dengaku Shinza troupe. Strict with both himself and others, he serves as the driving force behind the troupe’s morale. He also directs a sharp, critical gaze toward Oniyasha. (Source: Official Site)

    Japanese voice: Romi Park

  • Junigoro 十二五郎

    Supporting character

    A member of the Kanze troupe and a young apprentice of the small hand drum. His serious and well mannered nature seems to make him feel a certain way about Oniyasha. (Source: Official Site)

    Japanese voice: Haruki Ishiya

  • Kan’ami 観阿弥

    Supporting character

    Head of the Kanze troupe and father of Oniyasha. A master performer who elevated the popularity of Sarugaku within a single generation. He doesn’t speak much, which often leads to misunderstandings between him and Oniyasha. (Source: Official Site)

    Japanese voice: Katsuyuki Konishi

  • Yoshimoto Nijou 二条良基

    Supporting character

    A court noble, former regent, and poet. Captivated by Oniyasha, he calls him “Fujiwaka” and refers to himself as his devoted follower.

    Japanese voice: Nobuo Tobita

  • Nariko 業子

    Supporting character

    Yoshimitsu’s lawful wife. Gentle in nature, she watches over Oniyasha and the others. She loves the performing arts and enjoys composing waka poetry.

    Japanese voice: Mamiko Noto

  • Chiharu 千晴

    Supporting character

    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.

    Japanese voice: Inori Minase

  • Satsuki サツキ

    Supporting character

    A one-armed girl who works at the town’s dumpling shop. Straightforward and no nonsense, she devotes herself to the business each day.

    Japanese voice: Hazuki Seto

  • Shirabyoshi 白拍子

    Supporting character

    A frail woman living in a run-down shed. She survives by selling her body in exchange for food, barely managing to stay alive.

    Japanese voice: Miyuki Sawashiro

  • Yoshimitsu Ashikaga 足利義満

    Supporting character

    AniList has no description for this character yet.

    Japanese voice: Takahiro Sakurai

  • Inuou 犬王

    Supporting character

    AniList has no description for this character yet.

    Japanese voice: Youji Matsuda

Full cast list

Related works

Prequels, sequels, side stories and source material, as linked on AniList.

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