is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kazuto Mihara. It was serialized in Kodansha's manga magazine Morning from March 2021 to October 2022. An anime television series adaptation produced by Cypic aired from July to September 2026.
Set during the Muromachi period, the story follows Zeami Motokiyo (known in his youth as Oniyasha), a pivotal figure in the development of Noh drama.
Plot The story follows Oniyasha (the childhood name of Zeami) during the 14th century. In an era defined by political instability and social upheaval, Oniyasha struggles to find his own voice within his father Kan'ami's performance troupe. Rather than just following tradition, Oniyasha seeks to capture the "rhythm of the world" through dance. The series explores his journey of artistic awakening, his relationship with the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and the philosophical evolution of Noh theater.
Characters /
The protagonist, a young prodigy obsessed with finding a new way to express human emotion through movement.
Oniyasha's father and the leader of the Sarugaku Kanze troupe. He is a master of his craft but represents the traditional standards Oniyasha seeks to expand.
The young, powerful Shogun who becomes a patron of the arts and takes a special interest in Oniyasha's talent.
A kind-hearted member of the Kanze troupe who does not perform onstage due to a leg condition though is skilled at chanting. He is one of Oniyasha's closest friends and often helps him with his practice.
A dependable boy who spends time with his friend Oniyasha outside of practice. Although rough around the edges, he holds an interest in dance, as it is later revealed that he was a former member of the Shinza troupe.
The strict, young leader of the Dengaku Shinza troupe serving as the driving force behind the troupe's morale. He is also critical towards Oniyasha.
A serious and well-mannered member of the Kanze troupe who is skilled with the kotsuzumi.
A mysterious white-haired man who indirectly influences Oniyasha through words from time to time.
A court noble and regent who has an interest in poetry. He is captivated by Oniyasha's talent and calls himself his devoted follower.
Yoshimitsu's gentle wife who loves the performing arts and enjoys composing waka.
A girl and member of the Shinza troupe who deeply admires Nariko and participates in flute practice as an alternative to dance.
A straightforward one-armed girl who devotes herself in her work at a dumpling shop.
A frail woman who begrudgingly works as a prostitute to survive.
A deputy of the shogunate and advisor to Yoshimitsu. He has extensive knowledge of the performing arts.
An elderly member of the Kanze troupe.
A member of the Kanze troupe and Junigoro's mentor.
A member of the Kanze troupe.
A member of the Kanze troupe.
A young apprentice of the Kanze troupe and a peer of Ishiya and Junigoro.
Another young apprentice of the Kanze troupe and a peer of Ishiya and Junigoro.
Media Manga Written and illustrated by Kazuto Mihara, The World Is Dancing was serialized in Kodansha's manga magazine Morning from March 25, 2021, to October 27, 2022. The series was collected in six volumes released from August 23, 2021, to November 22, 2022. The manga is licensed for English-language release in North America by Kodansha USA, which published the series digitally from August 1, 2023, to August 27, 2024.
Volumes
Anime An anime television series adaptation was announced on January 21, 2026. It is produced by Cypic and directed by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi, with Shūhei Fuchimoto as assistant director, Sawako Kawamitsu supervising the scripts, Keigo Sasaki and Iori Hisatake designing the characters, Daisuke Shinoda composing the music, Tsumura Reijiro handling Noh choreography, Kohei Kawaguchi handling Noh supervision, and Satoshi Nemoto handling the calligraphy and title lettering. The series aired from July 2 to September 24, 2026, on Tokyo MX and other networks. The opening theme song is , performed by Macaroni Empitsu, while the ending theme song is , performed by hockrockb. Sentai Filmworks licensed the series in North America for streaming on Hidive. Muse Communication licensed the series in South and Southeast Asia.
Episodes
Notes
References
External links