Running from July 26 to July 30, 2026, the Noh & Animation Experience TOKYO 2026 at the Kanze Noh Theater in GINZA SIX merges traditional Muromachi period arts with modern television animation. Centered on the anime adaptation of The World Is Dancing, the five-day multilingual event features special screenings, hands-on workshops, and daily appearances by voice actors and Noh performers.
Here is the kicker: instead of staging a traditional live Noh play, the program centers on screenings, talks, and hands-on experiences rather than a traditional stage performance. Appearing alongside anime voice actors during the event’s talk sessions is Saburota Kanze, who acts as the special ambassador and is the eldest son of Kiyokazu Kanze (the 26th head of the Kanze school of Noh) as well as a direct descendant of Zeami.
The Bottom Line
- Dates & Venue: Held July 26–30, 2026, at the Kanze Noh Theater on the B3F level of GINZA SIX in Tokyo.
- Programming Focus: Features specially edited anime screenings, theatrical Noh films, master-led workshops, mask try-on booths, and daily talk sessions with voice talent and directors.
- Ticketing Structure: Premium reserved seats cost JPY 2,000 (capped at 80 daily), general admission is JPY 1,000, and admission is free for visitors aged 15 and under.
Merging Centuries of Craft With Contemporary Fandom
Kazuto Mihara created the manga that inspired The World Is Dancing, which was serialized from 2021 through 2022 in Kodansha’s weekly Morning magazine and compiled into six volumes; the story follows the youth of Zeami—the historical figure who perfected Noh during the Muromachi period—back when he went by the childhood name Oniyasha. By anchoring an interactive exhibition inside the very theater built on his legacy, the event brings that world into the very theater built on his legacy.
According to event schedules outlined by the Kanze Noh Theater, the daily itinerary is split sharply between stage screenings and lobby experiences. Visitors can handle authentic Noh masks in the lobby area, inspect original animation drawings, and take photos in front of giant visual displays tied to the series. But the real meat of the cultural exchange happens on stage, where anime production crews and hereditary performers share the spotlight.
Behind the Stage Screenings and Daily Guest Lineups
The stage area provides an intensive look at both art forms, kicking off daily blocks with archival and contemporary cinematic presentations. Programs include a specially edited presentation of Okina, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the Kanze Noh Theater, followed by The Spectacular Noh Trilogy: Gods, Demons, and Beauty, and a specially edited screening of The World Is Dancing, Episodes 1 and 2, with English subtitles.
Daily talk sessions feature rotating panels pairing voice actors directly with industry creators and classical practitioners. The roster includes director Toshimasa Kuroyanagi and animation producer Kan Mizoguchi alongside prominent voice talent and Noh masters across the five-day run:
| Date | Noh Performer | Voice Actor | Also Featured |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 26 (Sun) | Kohei Kawaguchi | Yumiri Hanamori | Toshimasa Kuroyanagi (Director), Kan Mizoguchi (Animation Producer) |
| July 27 (Mon) | Saburota Kanze | Shimba Tsuchiya | Toshimasa Kuroyanagi (Director), Kan Mizoguchi (Animation Producer) |
| July 28 (Tue) | Saburota Kanze | Yoji Matsuda | Toshimasa Kuroyanagi (Director), Kan Mizoguchi (Animation Producer) |
| July 29 (Wed) | Saburota Kanze | Shimba Tsuchiya | Toshimasa Kuroyanagi (Director), Daisuke Shinoda (Music) |
| July 30 (Thu) | Saburota Kanze | Romi Park | …and more |
As noted, the event is designed to welcome visitors from abroad, with multilingual support throughout. Attendees can participate in workshops focused on the artistry of Noh dance and masks, which provide practical experience in fundamental stage techniques and movements.
Ticketing and Logistics for International Audiences
Operating daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (re-entry allowed; last admission 30 minutes before closing), the exhibition is structured to handle high foot traffic in Tokyo’s luxury retail hub. Tickets became available through Kanze Kai starting July 3, 2026, with Ticket Pia rolling out availability on July 9, 2026 via P-code: 661-584, according to event notices.
