#Japan #Shibuya #DANCEALIVE #Anomaly #Popping

Introduction of New Popping Category in Kansai

This year marks an exciting milestone as the 'Mynavi DanceAlive' series, Japan's premier solo street dance battle, introduces a new category: Popping. Hosted by Anomaly Co., Ltd., under the leadership of CEO Kantarou Kanda, the Kansai preliminary event for this category, titled 'Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 Popping Kansai,' is officially set to take place.

Event Details

The Kansai preliminaries will consist of two competitions:

• - Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 Popping Kansai I: Scheduled for December 20, 2025.
• - Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 Popping Kansai II: Slated for February 21, 2026.

These events will serve as qualifiers for the grand finale, which will occur in April 2026. Competitions will also happen regionally in Kanto to accommodate even more dancers.

What is Mynavi DanceAlive?

Founded in 2005 under the name 'Dance@Live,' this event has grown to become the largest solo street dance battle globally. The competition format pits dancers against each other in a one-on-one setting, where they perform improvised movements to music chosen by a DJ, whose track list remains a mystery until the competition starts. The winner is determined by the number of votes received from judges, making it a straightforward yet thrilling contest.

Participants compete in various styles across six categories including House, Breaking, Hip-Hop, All Styles, and the newly introduced Popping category. Additionally, there’s a KIDS division aimed at dancers aged 14 and below.

The preliminary rounds will be held across eight regions in Japan including Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, and Kyushu, culminating in a finale held every April.

Upcoming Schedule for Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 GENERAL

• - December 20, 2025: Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 Popping Kansai I
• - January 17, 2026: Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 Charisma X V
• - February 7, 2026: Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 Popping Kanto II
• - February 11, 2026: Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 Charisma X VI
• - February 21, 2026: Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 Popping Kansai II
• - April 18, 2026: Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 Preliminary Qualifiers
• - April 19, 2026: Mynavi DanceAlive 2026 FINAL at Ryogoku Kokugikan

Details on GENERAL Category

Participation Criteria

• - Participants must be 15 years or older at the time of competition (excluding 3rd-year middle school students).
• - If a dancer has qualified in the KIDS division and has graduated from middle school as of April 2026, they are not eligible for the preliminary qualifiers.
• - There are five styles for the one-on-one solo battles: House, Breaking, Hip-Hop, All Styles, and Popping.

Qualifying for the Finals

To advance to the finals, competitors must win in their category during the preliminary rounds throughout the season. Dancers may enter multiple genres on the same day and can qualify for the finals in different styles. Notably, the runners-up in Popping will also earn a spot in the finals.

Number of Preliminary Rounds

There will be seven preliminary rounds in total, with six rounds dedicated to four styles (House, Breaking, Hip-Hop, All Styles) referred to as 'Charisma X.' The remaining one round will take place immediately before the finals, totaling seven events for the competition season. The Popping category will host four standalone preliminary competitions.

Locations for Preliminary Rounds

Preliminary rounds will be held across five regions: one in Tohoku, three in Kanto, one in Chubu, one in Kansai, and one in Kyushu. There are no entry restrictions based on residential area, allowing dancers from all over Japan to participate.

Get your dance moves ready, as these events promise to showcase incredible talent and fierce competition leading up to an unforgettable grand finale!