#Japan #Setagaya #Anomaly #Dance Alive #Popping

New Popping Category Launches in Dance Alive 2026

The vibrant world of street dance is about to witness a significant event as the Kanto qualifiers for the newly established Popping category in 'Mynavi Dance Alive 2026' get underway. Hosted by Anomaly Co., Ltd., this thrilling competition promises to spotlight exceptional talent from across Japan.

Scheduled for February 7, 2026, the second round of the Kanto qualifiers, known as 'Mynavi Dance Alive 2026 Popping Kanto II,' follows the kickoff round that took place on November 7, 2025, showcasing the energetic and dynamic styles that characterize Popping dance. This category has quickly become a highlight of the national dance battle scene and is eagerly awaited by dancers and audiences alike.

What is 'Mynavi Dance Alive'?

Founded in 2005, 'Mynavi Dance Alive,' originally known as 'Dance@Live,' has evolved into the largest solo dance battle in the world. This unique competition features a 1-on-1 format, where dancers compete head-to-head, improvising their moves to music played by a DJ. The DJ selects songs that keep the dancers on their toes, while judges score the performances based on creativity, skill, and style. The goal is simple: impress the judges and earn their votes to secure victory.

'Mynavi Dance Alive' is divided into multiple categories, with Popping being one of the recent additions. Other styles include House, Breaking, Hip Hop, and All Styles, collectively known as the General division. There’s also a Kids division for participants aged 15 and under, providing an inclusive platform for younger dancers to showcase their talents.

Structure of the 2026 Competition

The upcoming rounds of 'Mynavi Dance Alive 2026' will unfold as follows:

• - February 7, 2026: Mynavi Dance Alive 2026 Popping Kanto II
• - February 11, 2026: Mynavi Dance Alive 2026 Charismax VI
• - February 21, 2026: Mynavi Dance Alive 2026 Popping Kansai II
• - April 18, 2026: Mynavi Dance Alive 2026 Pre-Finals Qualifiers
• - April 19, 2026: Mynavi Dance Alive 2026 FINAL at Ryogoku Kokugikan

General Category Details

Participants must be at least 15 years old at the time of the competition (excluding third-year middle school students). In addition, for those who qualify through the Kids division and graduate middle school by April 2026, they are ineligible to participate in the pre-finals qualifiers. Each category also allows participants to compete across multiple dance styles on the same day, enhancing their chances of making it to the finals.

With a total of seven qualifying rounds, the competition aims to highlight the best talent in the country. The qualifiers will take place in various regions, including Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, and Kyushu, ensuring broad representation from all over Japan.

We anticipate an exciting series of events leading up to the grand finals in April. The stage is set for talented dancers to shine and for audiences to experience the electrifying atmosphere of street dance battles. Join us and witness the birth of the next generation of dance legends!

Stay tuned for more updates on the competition and detailed information about participation rules on the official website.