Avant-Garde vs. Classic: Which Do You Prefer? The "Lion Dance" Showdown in Episode 5 of the Noh Anime "The World Is Dancing" Gives Viewers Food for Thought

Episode 5 of the anime "The World Is Dancing," which centers on Noh theater, has been broadcasting sequentially since July 30. Oniyasha (CV: Yumiri Hanamori) faced off in a dance duel against Zōjirō (CV: Romi Park), a young performer leading the Dengaku Niiza troupe, but many viewers were left with much to think about following the unexpected outcome.

In Episode 5, "Sprouting Pulse," Oniyasha ended up in a "dance battle" with Zōjirō. The program was the Lion Dance (Shishimai). Thinking, "I must perform a lion dance unlike anything anyone has ever seen," Oniyasha drew inspiration from the movements of actual cats and showcased his own innovative take on the "Lion Dance" on stage. Zōjirō, on the other hand, performed an orthodox Lion Dance.

Oniyasha was caught off guard, thinking, "Master Zōjirō could have done so much more," but after deliberation, the council declared Zōjirō the winner. As Oniyasha stood dumbfounded, Zōjirō hurled harsh words at him, saying, "Who did you intend to perform for? I danced my lion for the audience, but you danced yours for yourself without even considering who was watching."

Although some audience members were deeply moved by Oniyasha's dance, it was the "classic" performance that appealed to the majority. This resolution seemed to give many viewers food for thought, with comments on social media such as, "That raised a great question: 'Who is this expression for?'", "This is an issue that comes up regardless of past or present," "What pleases the crowd isn't everything; quality should be judged by a different standard," and "I'm looking forward to seeing how tradition and challenge will find a compromise."