#Japan #Tokyo #High School Dance #Japanese Dance #Mynavi Dance Competition

The 2026 Mynavi High School Dance Competition: An Unforgettable Journey to Fame

The Mynavi High School Dance Competition is back for its 2026 edition, promising an exhilarating showcase of talent from high school dance clubs across Japan. Organized by Anomaly Inc., led by CEO Kantarou Kanda, this year's contest will determine the country's top high school dance team. It kicks off with the Kanto Regional Qualifiers, featuring a series of twelve regional events leading to an electrifying finale.

Road to the Finals

The first qualifier, titled "EAST vol.1," took place on November 9 at Niji-iro Hall in Saitama, marking the beginning of a thrilling series of events. Over the months, both Eastern and Western regions will host a total of ten qualifiers, with the top-performing teams qualifying for the grand final scheduled for April 18, 2026. Each of these preliminary events is an opportunity for young dancers to display their skills, creativity, and passion.

Key Dates and Location

• - Day 1: February 11, 2026

Day 2: February 15, 2026

• - Locations:

- Ichihara City Civic Hall, Chiba
- Kasukabe City Cultural Hall, Saitama

• - Schedule:

- Doors Open: 14:00
- Start Time: 14:30
- Result Announcement & Award Ceremony: 18:00

The schedule for both days features performances across multiple blocks, allowing for a diverse array of talent to shine.

Introducing the Judges

The competition boasts a skilled panel of judges with rich backgrounds in dance choreography, creativity, and performance evaluation. Here’s a glimpse at some notable judges:

• - Skill Category: ARANAMI (9stepper'z!! / Be Bop Crew) - A prominent figure in the Kanto dance scene, known for leading workshops and performances both domestically and internationally.
• - Choreography: YURIYURI (yuca + YURIYURI) - Notable for blending street dance elements into an innovative style that has been recognized at prestigious competitions.
• - Visual: KAHO - An accomplished performer and choreographer with experience training prominent talents in Japan’s dance studios.

Judges also include accomplished dancers from various genres, such as SHO-HEI, known for his extensive achievements, and emerging talents like Yuuki from GANMI, showcasing the contest’s diversity in expertise.

More Events on the Horizon

After the Kanto qualifiers, the competition continues:

• - February 22, 2026: WEST vol.3 SMALL
• - February 23, 2026: WEST vol.3 LARGE
• - April 18, 2026: FINAL

Each year, the competition evolves, with this season introducing additional points for rankings, allowing more students to qualify for the finals based on their performance.

About the Competition

The Mynavi High School Dance Competition invites students from high schools and equivalent educational institutions to participate. Launched in 2015, it has grown significantly, fostering a vibrant community of young dancers. Each regional qualifier is a chance for students to express their dedication to dance and vie for the title of Japan's top high school dance crew.

For more details on registration, event schedules, and rules, visit the official competition website. Join us in celebrating the spirit of youth and the power of dance as we anticipate remarkable performances in this one-of-a-kind competition!