Nobunaga Shimazaki joins The World Is Dancing as adult Oniyasha

The World Is Dancing has revealed new Episode 11 materials and confirmed Nobunaga Shimazaki will voice Oniyasha as the character grows into adulthood. The anime, streaming on HIDIVE in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand, also picked up a Bucheon International Animation Festival nomination.

Why it matters: - The casting change signals a key time jump in The World Is Dancing as Oniyasha moves from youth to adulthood. - New episode materials keep attention on a series built around Zeami’s early life and the origins of Noh. - The latest reveal adds momentum ahead of Episode 11 and comes as the anime continues to expand its reach outside Japan.

What happened: - The World Is Dancing unveiled a young adult Oniyasha character visual, the synopsis, the next episode preview and advance cuts for Episode 11, titled “The Moon Before the It’s Full.” - Nobunaga Shimazaki will take over the role of Oniyasha as the character matures. - The series is currently available to HIDIVE subscribers in the U.S. and Canada, and in key overseas markets including Australia and New Zealand. - The anime also received a Special Award at the Short Shorts Film Festival and a nomination in the TV & Commissioned Film category at the Bucheon International Animation Festival.

The details: - Episode 11 takes place a few years after earlier events. - Inuo, leader of the Hiyoshi Troupe, receives a message telling him to come to Sanjobomon. - After refining his dance in solitude with help from Yoshimitsu, Inuo decides to dance publicly. - Oniyasha has grown taller, his voice has changed, and he now spends his days dancing for audiences while working day and night. - The next episode preview is available here. - The Bucheon International Animation Festival runs Oct. 23-27, 2026, in Bucheon, South Korea. - The series is nominated in the TV & Commissioned Film category, and Episodes 1 and 2 are scheduled to screen. - The official festival website is available here.

Between the lines: - The adult-voice casting underlines that The World Is Dancing is moving into a more mature phase of its story and character development. - The new materials also reinforce the series’ awards profile, which can help sustain interest among both anime fans and festival programmers. - The project remains positioned as a prestige adaptation, with animation by Cypic and direction by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi.

What's next: - Episode 11 will carry the story further into Oniyasha’s adulthood and public performance era. - The series’ festival screening in South Korea could broaden its visibility beyond streaming audiences. - More platform details are listed on the official website.

The bottom line: - The World Is Dancing is entering a major narrative transition, and Nobunaga Shimazaki’s casting as adult Oniyasha marks the change.