The World Is Dancing, currently available to HIDIVE subscribers throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as in key overseas markets including Australia and New Zealand since June 29, will be featured at Otakon 2026, taking place from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., USA.
Set in a turbulent era of constant conflict, this work follows the intensely curious and beautiful boy Oniyasha (CV: Yumiri Hanamori) as he meets people, laughs, cries, confronts his own weaknesses, and shapes a new form of dance in an impermanent world. It is a “dancing story” spanning 600 years, exploring what might have happened when the man who would later create Noh—Zeami—was still called Oniyasha.
The anime is produced by the animation studio Cypic (Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, The Summer Hikaru Died). The series is directed by 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.
The series recently won a Special Award at the Short Shorts Film Festival, drawing immense attention for its outstanding quality.
Otakon is an annual U.S. convention celebrating Asian pop culture and its fandom, including anime, manga, music, film, and games. Founded in 1994, the convention has been held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center since 2017.
At the event, a special panel will be held featuring Simba Tsuchiya, the voice of Ishiya, Director Toshimasa Kuroyanagi, and Animation Producer Mizoguchi KAN. The panel will share the world of the series with fans, including the creative challenges of depicting Noh and Sarugaku through animation, behind-the-scenes insights from production, and episodes related to the characters and recording sessions.
An autograph session with Simba Tsuchiya and Director Toshimasa Kuroyanagi is also planned. Details regarding participation and timing will be announced at a later date.
OTAKON 2026 OVERVIEW
The World Is Dancing Special Talk Event
- Date & Time: Friday, July 31, 2026, 10:15-11:15 AM *All times are local time.
- Details:
- Special appearance by anime cast and staff
- Panel Session Guests: Simba Tsuchiya (Voice of Ishiya), Toshimasa Kuroyanagi (Director), Mizoguchi KAN (Animation Producer) *Honorifics omitted
The World Is Dancing Episodes 6 World Premiere Screening + Q&A
- Date & Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 10:15-11:15 AM *All times are local time.
- Details:
- World premiere screening of Episode 6
- Special appearance by anime cast and staff
- Panel Session Guests: Simba Tsuchiya (Voice of Ishiya), Toshimasa Kuroyanagi (Director), Mizoguchi KAN (Animation Producer) *Honorifics omitted
Simba Tsuchiya and Toshimasa Kuroyanagi Autograph Session
- An autograph session with Simba Tsuchiya, the voice of Ishiya, and Director Toshimasa Kuroyanagi is also planned during Otakon 2026.
- Details regarding the date, participation method, and eligibility requirements will be announced at a later date.
- Details are subject to change without prior notice.
Source: Press Release
