One does not need dance to live. In 1374, during the turbulent age when the Northern and Southern Courts were locked in conflict, the Northern Court's shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, was becoming an increasingly dominant force. Born the son of Kanami, head of the Kanze troupe of sarugaku performers, Oniyasha drifts through his days with a hazy question lodged in his heart: Why do people dance? His spirit remains clouded, until the day he encounters a dance that is truly good. Curious, sensitive, and strikingly beautiful, the boy meets people, laughs, cries, confronts his own weaknesses, and slowly begins to shape a new form of dance for a world steeped in impermanence. (Source: Shochiku)

From a young age, Akane Ousaki has always loved to watch her father, Tooru, practice and perform rakugo, a form of traditional Japanese comedic storytelling. Rakugo performers are split into three ranks, with the highest, shinuchi, only granted to the very best performers after they pass a difficult promotion test. When Tooru takes the exam, Akane experiences her father putting on a stellar performance in front of a big crowd and judges, but the strict main judge, Isshou Arakawa, still fails him, forcing him to quit rakugo. Ever since, Akane has been diligently practicing rakugo herself. Now a senior in high school, she coincidentally lands a spot to perform in front of a crowd with the help of Shiguma Arakawa, Tooru's former teacher. Her splendid performance surprises everyone and is just the beginning: Shiguma appoints her as his new apprentice, and with his help, Akane sets out to become a shinuchi in her father's place.

In Japan during the height of its economic boom in the mid-1950s, the circus was a form of entertainment that became a central part of many people's lives. The best troupes are permitted to participate in the world-renowned Circus Collection festival, and many come from all over Japan to compete daily. The story centers on the struggling Sunflower Circus troupe, led by ringmaster Maria, and a new prodigy that joins their ranks for unknown reasons: Mizuka Tsurumaki. Is her encounter with the highly individual members of the Sunflower Circus troupe a coincidence or destiny? This one-of-a-kind circus show depicting young girls chasing their dreams begins! (Source: Official site, translated)

This omnibus adolescent drama is about a group of young girls who all attend a girls-only musical school, recounting the formative years they shared, at times shifting between different characters' viewpoints and time. Awajima Musical School Training Camp, dubbed the boarding house, is where young girls gather from all over Japan to perform on stage. Tabata Wakana aspires to be a musical star; housemaster Takehara Kinue attends to carry on her best friend's wishes; beautiful Okabe Emi is a scholarship student who is always at the center of attention; and Ibuki Katsurako, who became a teacher at the school though originally from a family of actresses. The unique environment of the musical school is simultaneously a respite space for these aspiring girls and also a harsh battleground that pits young students against each other. It is a place where perseverance can lead to blossoming talents, but also to a cruel reality at times. The clear depiction and psychological portrayal allow the subtle inner workings of each character to come through. (Source: Japan Media Arts Festival, edited)