The official website for the upcoming Wandance hip-hop dance anime recently unveiled its first promotional video, detailing the “dance cast” responsible for motion capture, and announcing the extensive list of music artists contributing to the series. The anime is slated to premiere in October 2025.
First Look: The Promotional Video
The newly released promotional video offers a glimpse into the anime’s dynamic dance sequences, featuring the track “Get Something Out of Your Mind” by Yaffle feat. Yujin Aramaki. This song is one of over 30 original tracks created specifically for the series by various artists, promising a rich auditory experience alongside the visual spectacle. The anime is set to stream on Disney+, with expected U.S. availability on Hulu.
The “Dance Cast” Behind the Moves
To ensure authentic and fluid hip-hop choreography, Wandance employs a dedicated “dance cast” for motion capture. This innovative approach aims to bring realistic and emotionally resonant dance movements to the animated characters. Renowned dancer, choreographer, and singer RIEHATA, known for her work with prominent groups like BTS, EXO, Red Velvet, EXILE, and KAT-TUN, serves as the anime’s dance producer, overseeing the choreography.
Stellar Voice Cast and Production Team
The anime adaptation of Coffee’s popular Wandance manga boasts a talented voice cast. Kōki Uchiyama, known for his roles in My Hero Academia and Tokyo Revengers, stars as the protagonist Kaboku Kotani. Hina Yomiya, who voiced Anna Yamada in The Dangers of My Heart, takes on the role of Hikari Wanda, the inspiring dancer who draws Kaboku into the world of hip-hop.
Additional cast members previously announced include:
- Toshiki Masuda as Iori Itsukushima
- Yūma Uchida as Gaku Kabeya
- Yuu Hayashi as Usen Takumi
- Chikahiro Kobayashi as Assei
- Ayaka Suwa as On Miyao
The anime is directed by Michiya Katō, recognized for his work on Okko’s Inn, and is being produced by the esteemed studios Madhouse (known for Death Note and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End) and Cyclone Graphics.
A Symphony of Sounds: Music Artists Contributing to Wandance
A significant highlight of the Wandance anime is its commitment to original music, with over 25 music artists contributing more than 30 songs to the series. While a full list of artists has not yet been detailed beyond Yaffle and Yujin Aramaki, this extensive musical collaboration underscores the anime’s dedication to authentically portraying the vibrant hip-hop culture. The integration of numerous original tracks is expected to enhance the dynamic dance sequences and the overall immersive experience for viewers.
The Story of Wandance
Based on Coffee’s manga serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon since January 2019, Wandance follows the journey of Kaboku Kotani, a shy high school student with a stutter who prefers to blend into the background. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Hikari Wanda, a fellow first-year student who dances with uninhibited passion and freedom, inspiring Kaboku to join the school’s dance club. The story delves into themes of self-expression, personal growth, and finding one’s voice through the universal language of dance. Kodansha USA Publishing releases the manga in English.
