Canonical catalog

Discover

Search titles or describe what you’re looking for.
Clear

Popular

169 titles

manga· 2018· Discontinued

Act-age

mal
DramaPerforming ArtsShounen

Ever since she was a child, Kei Yonagi has been attracted to the idea of acting, as she has always attentively watched how actions and emotions differ depending on the type of character portrayed. Now a teenager, she is broke, and is the only one able to financially support her young siblings. She starts auditioning for any role possible, without much success. Her luck begins to change when Sumiji Kuroyama, a renowned director, sees Yonagi's performance and is amazed by her ability to immerse herself in the role—the so-called method acting. Although she is a diamond in the rough, if she keeps using the same technique over and over, it could lead to her being severely damaged. So, he makes the decision to help polish her, giving Yonagi the opportunity she needs. However, the road ahead of her is far from easy, and she will need to adapt to overcome the various challenges that come her way. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

8.2 (1)·1 tracking
manga· 2011· Currently Publishing

Ballroom e Youkoso

mal
ComedyDramaPerforming Arts

With no particular dreams or plans for the future, third-year middle schooler Tatara Fujita yearns to find something that he can pursue wholeheartedly. Initially often bullied and extorted for his lack of confidence, Tatara's life changes when he is saved from delinquents by a man named Kaname Sengoku. His savior, a motorcycle-riding dance instructor, proceeds to drag Tatara to Ogasawara Dance Studio, mistakenly believing that the boy was looking at the studio's flyer. Tatara is then partnered with his schoolmate and skilled dancer Shizuku Hanaoka when he agrees to a trial lesson. The next day after being bullied and only to be saved yet again, he asks the studio to teach him dancing in hopes of changing his image. Now entering a bright and fast-paced new world, Tatara dedicates his time to dancing as he sweeps over the dance hall. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

6.4 (1)·1 tracking
manga· 2022· Currently Publishing

Akane-banashi

mal
DramaEligible Titles for You Should Read ThisPerforming Arts

Rakugo, a traditional form of storytelling, takes years for any apprentice to master and ascend to the top rank of shinuchi. Ever since she could remember, Akane Ousaki has been mesmerized by her father Tooru's rakugo performances. Peeking in behind a sliding door, she would spend hours watching and mimicking his work. For Tooru, the only thing separating him from that coveted rank is a promotion test in front of an audience and a senior rakugo master, Isshou Arakawa. Despite his passionate performance, Tooru finds himself expelled from the rakugo school following the exam. This makes him give up on rakugo entirely and settle for a regular job, breaking his daughter's heart. Filled with grief and anger, Akane now seeks vengeance on the man who refuses to see the genius behind her father's rakugo style. She begs Tooru's former rakugo master, Shiguma Arakawa, to take her under his wing. But Shiguma feels unworthy of taking on another pupil after what happened to her father six years prior. In order to see if she has what it takes to enter the rakugo world, Shiguma urges Akane to test her resolve by performing in front of an audience. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.1·1 tracking
manga· 2013· Finished

Kasane

mal
DramaPerforming ArtsPsychological

Beauty is revered and idolized throughout the world. This is how it has always been, and it is no different for Kasane Fuchi's late mother, Sukeyo—a famous stage actress whose charming image and acting prowess have captivated the world. Kasane aspires to be an actress like Sukeyo once was. Yet, although she possesses incredible acting abilities, Kasane looks nothing like her mother. In fact, her visage leads many people to wonder if the two are even related. Due to her appearance, Kasane is bullied and ostracized by her peers at school. This makes her dream seemingly impossible to achieve, where good looks are assets in the acting industry. However, Kasane's life takes a turn for the better when she remembers her mother's words—to wear her lipstick and kiss whoever she desires. Much to Kasane's astonishment, the first person she kisses while wearing the lipstick causes her to temporarily switch faces with them. Now given a chance to pursue her ambitions, to what lengths will Kasane use this newfound power? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

7.7 (1)·1 tracking
manga· 2011· Finished

Tetsugaku Letra

mal
DramaPerforming ArtsSchool

In middle school, Ichinose Kimitaka taught his friends how to play basketball. Despite his experience with the sport, his friends quickly outmatched him in skill. After an incident brought on by his frustration and jealousy, he was crushed to overhear those same 'friends' discussing how they wished he'd just kill himself. On his way to toss out his special basketball shoes, he met a girl who was just as frustrated, throwing her own dancing shoes away. She was so tall, and her hands and feet are so large, that she had been rejected from her chosen hobby of Spanish dancing. He urged her to give basketball a try, and the two exchanged their shoes instead of throwing them away. As he enters high school, Kimitaka learns that meeting him changed that girl's life for the better, and she is now a happy, social basketball player. Will Kimitaka be able to find the courage to make new friends and pursue his own talents? (Source: MangaHelpers)

Provider ★ 7.9·1 tracking
manga· 2019· Currently Publishing

Wondance

mal
Eligible Titles for You Should Read ThisPerforming ArtsSchool

Kaboku Kotani is starting high school, and he plans to do what he's always done: go along with his friends, keep quiet, and not draw too much attention to himself. After all, it's hard enough to get by with a stutter like his—why make things worse by standing out from the crowd? But then he sees another first-year, Hikari Wanda, dancing like no one is watching—or like she doesn't care who sees her. It makes Kaboku wonder: Could he reach that same freedom? To find his way to Wanda, he does something he never thought he could: He joins the dance club. After all, every routine begins with a single step, right? Join Kaboku and Wanda as they freestyle their way to life and love! (Source: Kodansha USA)

Provider ★ 7.9·1 tracking
manga· 1976· On Hiatus

Glass no Kamen

mangaupdatesmal
DramaPerforming ArtsRomance

Maya Kitajima is a good-for-nothing girl with a passion and talent for acting. After watching a play only once, Maya can immediately perfectly imitate the performance word-by-word. This talent leads her to one day be discovered by Chigusa Tsukikage, a once-famous actress who performed and owned the rights to the play called "The Crimson Goddess." Considered to be a legendary play, The Crimson Goddess attracts the attention of many, including Masumi Hayami, a wealthy businessman who is also a secret admirer of Maya. Another one interested in the play is Maya's rival, Ayumi Himekawa, a gifted individual whose veteran parents trained her in acting since childhood. Glass no Kamen follows Maya and Ayumi as they climb their way through the relentless world of entertainment, overcoming intense training and challenges to become actresses worthy of playing the role of The Crimson Goddess. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.5·1 tracking
manga· 2010· Finished

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

mal
Adult CastAward WinningDrama

Young Yotarou has just left prison after serving a short term for a crime he does not know anything about, but without family, he has nowhere to go. Instead, he is going straight to the unrivaled master of rakugo—a form of comedic Japanese storytelling—Yakumo Yuurakutei himself. Due to a series of events, Yotarou becomes enamored with rakugo, bent on becoming a shunichi. Yakumo, who never takes apprentices, almost immediately agrees to pass his trade on to Yotarou. Together with Konatsu, a young lady living in the household, they start struggling toward becoming the new hope for rakugo, which seems to be slowly withering away alongside the Shouwa era. However, as Yotarou gets to know his new mentor and "big sis," he notices hints of a dark past in both of them. The environment of the household becomes strained and, at times, scary. Naturally, no hardships matter to the young Yotarou, as his gaze is set upon their mutual future—the future where he becomes the master of rakugo. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.4·1 tracking
manga· 2004· Finished

Gakuyaura Ouji

mal
DramaPerforming ArtsRomance

News of the handsome and famous Kabuki actor, Ryuusei Horiuchi reaches the ears of Akari but she has no interest in checking him out when all she wants is to meet the one who truly loves her. Just when she declares this statement she accidentally injures Horiuchi, who silently glares at her before leaving. Later on in the day, she finds a black cat, which she follows right into Horiuchi's Kabuki theater. Guilty for causing a bruise on the actor himself, Akari volunteers to become his assistant until it heals. While Akari initially dislikes Horiuchi's silent and cold personality, her feelings begin to change as she remains by his side.

Provider ★ 7.4·0 tracking
manga· 2011· Currently Publishing

10 Dance

mal
Boys LoveDramaPerforming Arts

The only two things that differentiate Shinya Sugiki and Shinya Suzuki from each other are the one-syllable difference in their names and dancing styles. Sugiki is the decorated "Lord of Standard Ballroom," while Suzuki is the fiery "King of Latin Dance." Neither of these talented dancers can see eye to eye, but they both have the ambition of winning the legendary 10 Dance Competition. The lengthy contest requires each dancing pair to perform ten unique styles of standard ballroom and Latin dancing. Having no prior experience with Latin dance, Sugiki asks Suzuki to teach him. In return, he will show Suzuki the art of standard ballroom. Although Sugiki is initially against it, his dancing partner goads him into accepting the offer. As the two begrudgingly work together to refine each other's styles, an unlikely romance begins to blossom. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.0·0 tracking
manga· 2016· Finished

Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san

mal
Award WinningEligible Titles for You Should Read ThisGourmet

Kyoto is home to many districts where young women work as geisha: entertainers who perform traditional songs and dance. Kiyo Nozuki is a teenager living in a small manor where a group of maiko—apprentice geisha—reside. She has always admired the geisha and originally moved to Kyoto in hopes of becoming a maiko. However, Kiyo discovers that she is not cut out for the job. Not letting it upset her too much, she decides to help her troupe using her strongest suit instead—become a caterer and cook them delicious meals to support them in their everyday lives! [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.0·0 tracking
manga· 1999· Finished

Subaru

mal
DramaPerforming ArtsPsychological

A small five-year-old girl named Subaru no longer has time for friends and play. Why is this? Her twin brother Kazuma is dying...and gradually forgetting everything. Even Subaru. And so the girl visits him every day, talking with him and dancing for him, trying to make him remember her. And he always does by the end of the day. Encouraged by a friend to join ballet classes, the girl does so and falls in love with the dance. (Source: Aerie Scans)

Provider ★ 7.9·1 tracking
manga· 2008· Finished

Koi, Hirari

mal
DramaPerforming ArtsRomance

The food loving and pure-hearted Sumire Misaki's family is moving to the same town where her mother and father met and fell in love. Sumire's mother tells her that it's a town where she'll fall in love, and it she meets her first love in a very unexpected way: the good-looking Kaduki Miyamoto, as he tries to escape from his home. Through an unfortunate set of events, the wheels of fate have begun to turn for Sumire, as Kaduki is more than he appears to be. In fact, he's a traditional dancer! Will Sumire's first love be a happy one? Or does a bumpy road await her? (Source: From Awakened Memories and StarryHeaven)

Provider ★ 7.5·0 tracking
manhwa· 2016· Finished

Navillera: Like a Butterfly

mal
DramaPerforming Arts

After the funeral of an old friend, Dukchul Shim resolves to pursue something he had always wanted to try: ballet. Much to the surprise (and maybe~ horror) of his wife, children, and other acquaintances, this 70-year-old throws himself into following his heart and his passion. With the help of his young instructor Chaerok and others hoping for their own ambitions to take flight, Dukchul shows the importance and joy of pursuing one's dream... even in the face of hardships and our own mortality. (Source: Tapas)

Provider ★ 8.2·0 tracking
manga· 2015· Currently Publishing

Dance Dance Danseur

mal
DramaEligible Titles for You Should Read ThisPerforming Arts

While watching his older sister's ballet performance, Junpei Murao discovers his interest in dancing art, staring in awe when a male performer starts to dance in the spotlight. Soon after, he devotes himself to learning as much as possible from his sister and later in ballet class. His love for ballet even trumps the constant teasing from his friends and his father's insistence that he should pick a more manly sport. However, when his father passes from a heart attack, he throws ballet to the side and pursues Jeet Kune Do, a martial art influenced by Bruce Lee. Leaping forward into middle school, Junpei is fully living up to the wishes of his beloved father. One day, while showing off Jeet Kune Do to his friends, he combines ballet and the martial art, pulling off an impressive kick that catches the eye of classmate Miyako Godai. She confronts Junpei, wanting him to compete for her mother's ballet studio, and she drags him there. As he is pulled further back into the world of ballet, his life becomes a game of balance between his outward appearance and what his heart really wants. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

8.3 (1)·1 tracking
manga· 1996· Finished

Ashita no Ousama

mal
JoseiPerforming Arts

First-year Japanese major Yuu Sasaya is a naive country girl who has yet to adjust to the sophisticated city lifestyle. After watching a stage play for the first time, a particular minor role's performance leaves such a profound impact on her that she decides to pursue a career in acting. Yuu confesses her newfound dream to a classmate and though ridiculed, attains an opportunity to tour a theatre company. While there, she meets the well-reputed rookie actor, Touya Ichii, and immediately recognizes his voice as the character who had impacted her. Seeing Yuu's passion, Touya recommends her to his friend's troupe, Garandou Company, run by Shougo Shimamura. Shougo tests Yuu's acting skills with high expectations, only to discover that she is a complete amateur. Unwilling to accept defeat so soon, she pleads him to let her observe and learn from them over time. Ashita no Ousama tells Yuu's story as she searches for her hidden flair among the different positions offered in a theatre troupe, with immense determination to make it big in the world of the dramatic arts. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 8.1·1 tracking
manga· 2015· Finished

Hanakoi Tsurane

mal
Boys LovePerforming Arts

At only the age of 15, Shuugo "Sougorou Matsukawa" Azuma, heir of the Tamano family—a renowned lineage in the world of kabuki—is considered talented among his peers regarding his skills in the art. Because of his boosted ego, Sougorou is uninterested in any other actor his age. However, his attitude changes when he watches a performance from the Ootani family's successor, Junpei "Gensuke Arai'' Noda. After being blown away by Gensuke's acting, Sougorou decides to further polish his skills, swearing to surpass Gensuke one day. Two years later, Sougorou encounters his rival at his school and finds out that not only are they classmates, but Gensuke has also been keeping tabs on him. In order to outperform Gensuke, Sougorou puts everything into his biggest role yet, only to receive a lukewarm response from the audience. While at a loss for what to do to prove he is better than Gensuke, Sougorou finds his prayers answered. However, to his dismay, he must partner up with Gensuke to play a married couple for his next performance. Despite his reluctance, Sougorou accepts this opportunity, hoping that it might propel him into the spotlight. Although Sougorou has to force himself to work with Gensuke, their time together might unwittingly improve both his acting and his relationship with his rival. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Provider ★ 7.8·0 tracking
manga· 2012· Finished

Kageki Shoujo!

mal
DramaPerforming ArtsSchool

Ever since she was a little girl, Sarasa has wanted to play the role of Oscar as part of the Kouka Acting Troupe, an all-female acting troupe similar to Takarazuka Revue. But before she can do that, she has to attend two years at the Kouka School of Musical and Theatrical Arts. As Sarasa practices singing, dancing, and acting, she grows closer to the other girls in her year, including her roommate, the stoic former J-idol, Ai. Though Sarasa is great at making friends, her outspoken nature and grand ambitions earn her lots of enemies as well. Can Sarasa keep her upbeat attitude and achieve her dream of stardom? (Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)

5.6 (1)·1 tracking