The synopsis and advance scene cuts for the highly anticipated first episode, “Wanda-san no Dance,” of the Fall anime WANDANCE, which is set to begin broadcasting on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, have just been unveiled!
About WANDANCE
WANDANCE is a captivating TV anime adaptation of Kouhii’s popular “street dance x romance” manga, serialized in Kodansha’s monthly comic magazine “Afternoon.” This beloved series has already sold over 1.1 million copies, drawing readers into its unique world.
The story follows Kotani Kaboku, affectionately known as KABO, a high school student who struggles with stuttering and finds it difficult to express his true feelings. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters his classmate, Wanda Hikari, or WANDA, who dances freely, unburdened by the stares and judgments of others. Through WANDA’s uninhibited self-expression, KABO finds himself irresistibly drawn to the world of dance. This vibrant coming-of-age narrative beautifully portrays KABO’s journey as he challenges himself with “freestyle” dance, a powerful form of expression that transcends words and allows him to truly communicate.
Katou Michiya takes the helm as director, scriptwriter, and VFX supervisor for this exciting project. The animation production is a collaborative effort between the renowned studios MADHOUSE and Cyclone Graphics, promising a visually stunning experience.
Episode 1: “Wanda-san no Dance” Synopsis
In the first episode, titled “Wanda-san no Dance,” we meet Kotani Kaboku (KABO), a young man plagued by stuttering, who enters high school feeling a sense of unease. His world changes when he encounters his classmate, Wanda Hikari (WANDA), who dances freely and passionately all by herself.
Feeling suffocated by a daily life where he constantly worries about the opinions of those around him, KABO becomes utterly captivated by WANDA’s uninhibited movements. Her free spirit ignites in him a newfound interest in dance as a powerful means of self-expression.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
The premiere of Fall anime WANDANCE Episode 1, “Wanda-san no Dance,” will air on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 23:45 JST on TV Asahi’s nationwide network “IMAnimation W” block and other channels. Don’t miss this exciting debut!
Television Broadcast
- TV Asahi (Nationwide Network “IMAnimation W” block): Every Wednesday from October 8, 2025, at 23:45 JST (excluding some regions)
- BS Asahi: Every Saturday from October 11, 2025, at 25:00 JST (effectively Sunday, 1:00 AM JST)
- AT-X: Every Friday from October 10, 2025, at 23:00 JST (repeat broadcasts available)
Streaming Services
Starting Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 0:15 JST, all episodes of WANDANCE will be available for exclusive unlimited viewing on Disney+ Star.
Pay-Per-View Services (sequential distribution from Friday, October 10, 0:00 JST)
- Prime Video
- d Anime Store
- DMM TV
- J:COM STREAM
- Milplus
- TELASA
- Lemino
- FOD
- Bandai Channel
- Nico Nico Channel
- Google TV
- YouTube
- HAPPY! Douga
- OnGen Movie
- MovieFull
- MovieFull Plus
- Video Market
- music.jp
- Kantele Douga
Manga Information
The original manga, WANDANCE, by Kouhii, is currently serialized in Kodansha’s “Afternoon” magazine. Volumes 1 to 13 are now available for purchase!
Production Staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director/Script/VFX | Katou Michiya |
| Chief Animation Director/Character Design | Tazaki Satoshi (the second kanji of ‘Tazaki’ is ‘たつさき’ as in 崎) / Imamura Hiroki |
| 3DCG Director | Akiyama Yuuki / Shitara Tomohisa |
| Motion Capture Supervisor | Sugimoto Rei |
| Art Director | Watanabe Youichi |
| Art Design | Satou Hideki |
| Color Design | Sasa Manami |
| Video Director | Iida Kanna |
| Cinematography Director | Iseki Daichi |
| Editor | Kimura Yoshiko |
| Sound Director | Hata Shouji |
| Sound Effects | Izumo Noriko |
| Music | Chiba “naotyu-” Naoki |
| Music Producer | Chida Kouhei / Kinno Sayaka |
| Dance Producer | RIEHATA |
| Animation Production | MADHOUSE × Cyclone Graphics |
Voice Cast
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Kotani Kaboku | Uchiyama Kouki |
| Wanda Hikari | Youmiya Hina |
| Miyao On | Suwa Ayaka |
| Itsukushima Iori | Masuda Toshiki |
| Kabe Ya Raku | Uchida Yuuma |
| Takumi Uusen | Hayashi Yuu |
| ASSEI | Kobayashi Chikahiro |
Dance Cast
The incredible dance performances in WANDANCE are brought to life by a talented cast of professional dancers:
| Character | Dancer |
|---|---|
| Kotani Kaboku | KAITA |
| Wanda Hikari | KANATA |
| Miyao On | ReiNa |
| Itsukushima Iori | YOUTEE |
| Kabe Ya Raku | YU-KI |
Theme Songs
- Opening Theme: “Stare In Wonder” by BE:FIRST (B-ME)
- Ending Theme: “Wondrous” by ELSEE (Epic Records Japan)
In-Story Music Artists
The series features an impressive lineup of artists providing in-story music (listed alphabetically):
- Aramaki Yuujin
- Alisa
- Black Boboi
- Daigo Sakuragi
- FUNI
- GZO
- Hidetake Takayama
- Jazztronik
- JiN, Seann Bowe
- Jua
- Kaztake Takeuchi
- Marcello Jonno
- Michael Yano a.k.a ARK
- MONJOE
- RIEHATA
- RIKKI
- Sahnya
- Scatman John
- Shinichi Osawa
- Shinichiro Murayama
- Toru Ishikawa
- URU
- Weauxmaque
- Wez Atlas
- Yaffle
© Kouhii・Kodansha／WANDANCE Production Committee
Written by Nakase Koutarou
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