Performing Arts Manga

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Performing Arts Manga (124)

The main cast of these stories practice and perform live while using their body movements and/or voice as a form of artistic expression. Performing Arts are meant to capture attention with artistic beauty and deliver an unspoken message which evokes emotion in the audience. Often, characters will discuss the meanings behind classical sequences by renowned creators, or will strive to create their own.

Primary examples of Performing Arts are dance, theater, and opera, but the theme also includes other forms of artistic expression such as choreographed circus sequences, folk music, or rakugo. Popular contemporary music (e.g. idols, rock bands) is not included in Performing Arts.

Manga, 2018Discontinued12 vol, 123 chp

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]

8.23
50K
Manga, 2011Publishing? vol, ? chp

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]

8.36
40K
Manga, 2013Finished14 vol, 126 chp

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]

SerializationEvening
DemographicSeinen
7.83
32K
Manga, 2022Publishing? vol, ? chp

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, Issho 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]

7.99
24K
Manga, 2011Finished6 vol, 27 chp

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)

SerializationGessan
DemographicShounen
7.93
17K
Manga, 2016Finished8 vol, 132 chp

"I encountered her ... a cute, but 'weird' senpai!" Magic-loving but stage-fright-addled, this senpai comes with a failure rate of 100%—but you can't take your eyes off her! The off-color, magical gag manga that's caused an uproar all over Japan is finally here! Here's to non-athletic hobbies! (Source: Kodansha Comics USA)

6.60
15K
Manga, 1976On Hiatus49 vol, ? chp

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]

8.52
12K
Manga, 1997Finished14 vol, 79 chp

Makoto Amano wants to become an actor, but his stern father has decreed that the only way Makoto can pursue his dream is to spend the last two years of high school as a girl! He quickly makes friends with popular tomboy Ito Miura, another drama enthusiast at this new high school and the only student to find out his secret—but are they more than pals? (Source: VIZ Media)

AuthorEmura
SerializationHana to Yume
DemographicShoujo
7.90
9.9K
Manga, 2004Finished2 vol, 6 chp

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.

SerializationBetsucomi
DemographicShoujo
7.42
9.3K
Manga, 2010Finished10 vol, 31 chp

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]

SerializationITAN
DemographicJosei
8.37
9.0K
Manga, 2019Publishing? vol, ? chp

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)

AuthorCoffee
SerializationAfternoon
DemographicSeinen
7.85
8.6K
Manga, 2011Publishing? vol, ? chp

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]

DemographicSeinen
7.97
7.3K
Manga, 2008Finished2 vol, 12 chp

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)

SerializationSho-Comi
DemographicShoujo
7.55
6.1K
Manga, 1999Finished11 vol, 123 chp

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)

7.95
6.1K

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]

SerializationShounen Sunday
DemographicShounen
7.92
5.8K
Manga, 2021Publishing? vol, ? chp

Higashikata ropes Shijima into performing in a comedy duo with him at a school show. Inspired by their guaranteed success, Higashikata asks Shijima to join him in an audacious dream—to rise to the top of Japan's comedy scene by winning major events in both stand-up and sketch comedy! (Source: VIZ Media)

7.33
4.8K
Manga, 2012Finished1 vol, 6 chp

Teti joins the Cirque Arachne, a troupe of acrobats, and finds herself captivated by one member in particular...

7.19
4.6K
Manga, 2015Publishing? vol, ? chp

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]

SerializationBig Comic Spirits
DemographicSeinen
7.62
4.5K
Manhwa, 2016Finished5 vol, 31 chp

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)

AuthorsHunJimin
SerializationDaum Webtoon
7.96
4.2K
Manga, 1996Finished10 vol, 53 chp

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]

SerializationYoung You
DemographicJosei
8.06
4.2K
Manga, 2009Finished6 vol, 53 chp

"This manga is about cute girls and what they do to entertain themselves. A manga that doesn't focus on frustrating topics or similar things." 5 girls asking each other about something completely random, but when they have reached a conclusion, it is always far from the original question. (Source: Mangafox)

7.30
4.1K
Manga, 2015Finished10 vol, ? chp

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]

SerializationDear+
7.83
4.1K
Manga, 2002Finished2 vol, 10 chp

13-year-old ballet student Ahiru is clumsy, good-hearted and sweet... and has a big secret. The mysterious Drosselmayer morphed a young duck into a girl to give her a mission: help a Prince to get the parts of his heart back. With that in mind, she morphs into Princess Tutu, whose magical dances ease the pain and purifies the bad feelings. (Source: ANN)

6.05
3.4K
Manga, 2012Finished2 vol, 14 chp

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)

SerializationJump X
DemographicSeinen
7.62
3.3K
Manga, 2013Publishing? vol, ? chp

When Kanade was very young, she went to a ballet performance of her neighbour, Lisa, and was overwhelmed by her amazing dancing. She decided then and there that she wanted to dance like Lisa, and her parents agreed to let her take ballet lessons. Ballet is much harder than Lisa's beautiful dancing may have led her to believe, but Kanade is determined to endure and become a wonderful ballerina! (Source: MangaHelpers)

AuthorCuvie
SerializationChampion RED
DemographicSeinen
7.81
3.2K
One-shot, 2008Finished? vol, 1 chp

Akagi Erika is a classical literature teacher at a high school. One day, she scolds a male student, Usami Rento, for wearing perfume to school. However, she later finds out that the sweet scent isn’t from perfume but from incense that’s soaked into the kimono he wears, for Usami Rento is actually a famous kabuki actor playing female roles. Erika watches a performance of Usami’s out of curiosity, and finds herself gradually drawn to this strange student... (Source: Aerandria)

SerializationBessatsu Hana to Yume
DemographicShoujo
6.97
3.1K
Manga, 2011Finished10 vol, 77 chp

Normal appearance, normal intelligence, normal in arts and sports... just normal. This is the entirely normal 14-year-old, Naru Sekiya. While she admires "heroines" she continues to live a normal life until one moonlit night she meets a "fairy." This foreign girl then guides her into the extraordinary world of the yosakoi dance. (Source: Manga Time Kirara)

7.25
3.0K
Manga, 2010Finished19 vol, 190 chp

Izumo Kunisaki, a descendant of Izumo no Okuni, is often mistaken as a girl. It is the bane of his existence. His father and best-friend (i.e. the girl he likes) often laugh about it. To top it off, he plays the girl roles in his family's Kabuki troupe. In this short, he discovers that that curse is also his greatest source strength and will prove just how much of a man he is. (Source: MU)

7.38
2.7K
Manga, 2015Publishing? vol, ? chp

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 the 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)

SerializationMelody
DemographicShoujo
7.83
2.5K
Manga, 2020Finished3 vol, 25 chp

With firm determination, Asahi Oniwa steps out of his comfort zone on his first day of high school. He decides to abandon his hesitant personality and construct an outgoing and friendly image for himself. Following a spectacular narrative performance by the Theater Club's president at freshman orientation, Asahi promptly joins the club and becomes their newest and fourth member. The modest club's vice president, Botan Yurigasaki, introduces the other members: prop and costume designer Kaoru Kinugawa and president Imari Kikuji—who, despite his apprehensive and asocial nature, has outstanding acting skills and confidence playing a role. Inspired by Imari's exhibition, Asahi eagerly studies the delicate art of theater. Starting with simple vocalization exercises, Asahi has one month to overcome his fears and prepare to take the stage for the first time ever. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

SerializationComic ZERO-SUM
DemographicJosei
7.79
2.3K
Manga, 2019Publishing? vol, ? chp

Mameda is a tanuki who was born in the wrong era - all she wants is to trick humans, but that age of tanuki shenanigans is over. But one woman, a rakugo master named Bunko, shows Mameda it's still possible to cast magic on humans...only with words, not illusions. Mameda is determined to become Bunko's apprentice, but can she convince the stoic master to take her on...? (Source: Kodansha USA)

AuthorTNSK
Serializationgood! Afternoon
DemographicSeinen
7.29
2.2K
Manga, 2002Finished9 vol, 29 chp

The year is 1921, and this is a Tokyo where monstrous steam-powered robots crash a flower-viewing party only to be cut down samurai-style by a young girl in a kimono and traditional hakama pants. It's eight years after the horrific Demon War, and Japan is a peaceful prosperous place. Meet Ensign Ogami Ichiro, who has just graduated from the Naval Academy. He's assigned to a base in Tokyo, but soon discovers that his headquarters is the Imperial Theater and his first mission is collecting tickets at the gate. He gamely goes about his menial jobs at the theater, surrounded by beautiful girls who seem to know a lot more about what's going on than he does, but he's about to be swept into a roiling world of robots, demons, and hot girls in uniform. (Source: Tokyopop)

6.98
2.2K
Manga, 1976Finished21 vol, 208 chp

Masumi Hijiri is a 16-year-old ballet student attending a small school in Japan. When she unexpectedly recieves an invitation to attend a special ballet competition, and later gains admission to a renowned ballet academy, she embarks on a grand adventure of friendship and hardship. She is the weakest of the students, and as such encounters several challenges, but her determination and faith in herself help guide her through the fierce world of ballet. (Source: ANN)

SerializationMargaret
DemographicShoujo
7.74
2.1K
Manga, 2007Finished9 vol, 99 chp

After the events of Subaru, the ballet dancer Miyamoto Subaru works in a German ballet company. However, after using pneumonia as an excuse to cancel at the last minute on her company's tour of Japan, she is forced to accept the damage she has done to her professional career. As she struggles with her sense of self-worth, she meets Nico, an amazing, handicapped ballet dancer. Nico lost his vision, in addition to his ballet partner and lover, in a tragic accident. Will Subaru be able to reach out to him, and help him to once again dance with a partner? In doing so, will she be able to find her own place in this world?

SerializationBig Comic Spirits
DemographicSeinen
7.89
2.0K
Manga, 2023Finished? vol, ? chp

When he was in third grade, Hayuma Minekoshi became entranced by the world of figure skating. After meeting a mysterious girl and witnessing her perform a mesmerizing triple axel at a competition, Hayuma resolved to learn the sport—even if he had to teach himself the basics. Despite the hardships, Hayuma persisted in hopes of encountering the enigmatic prodigy again. However, one year later, Hayuma discovered that the girl he admired disappeared from the limelight. Having never learned her name, he gave up hope of being able to find her again. Now in his third year of middle school, Hayuma moves from his small northern hometown to Tokyo, where he has a chance to learn figure skating properly. In a twist of fate, that same mysterious girl reappears at the rink. As the two reunite, former prodigy Kisara Saotome reveals that she had quit competing in singles to try her luck in pair skating. Seeing potential in Hayuma despite his lack of experience, Kisara invites him to be her temporary partner. However, Hayuma must face difficult training to catch up to Kisara's skill level—let alone be ready to compete. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

SerializationShounen Jump (Weekly)
DemographicShounen
6.42
1.9K
Manga, 2014Finished7 vol, 68 chp

Hinako lives in the countryside and is poor at speaking. She wants to improve her speech to be able to talk to people fluently, so she moves to Tokyo and plans to join the drama club in high school. When she arrives, however, it turns out her boarding house is a secondhand bookstore, and a beautiful girl who eats books lives there. Included one-shot: Volume 4: Shujinkou Hajimemashita

AuthorMitsuki
SerializationComic Cune
6.96
1.9K
Manga, 2019Publishing? vol, ? chp

Scatterbrained Takara Takarada is an undiscovered genius actor who fully embodies every character he's cast as, delivering unforgettable performance after performance onstage. But this genius can only be brought forth by his best friend and fellow actor, Yuujin Kamoshima, who cares for Takara even as he envies him for his innate talent. When it takes the two of them together to bring a character to life, what will happen when Takara is scouted away from their small-time theater troupe and thrust into the new world of television instead? Can Takara survive without Yuujin's guidance... and how does Yuujin respond to being left behind? (Source: Tokyopop)

SerializationFlat Hero's
DemographicJosei
7.51
1.8K
Manga, 2009Finished16 vol, 68 chp

In the world of Kabuki, where family social standings are highly valued, Kyounosuke is inept even though he is born as the son of a duke of a famous household. Ichiya while being born in a family that has no connection to Kabuki, is trying to move from the absolute lowest rank to the top using just his ability. Through some kind of karma, these two completely opposite boys have fallen in love with the same girl, Ayame. That's where the story begins. Kyounosuke, who wants to be liked by the Kabuki loving Ayame, cries tears of regret because he would throw away all his powerful connections if he could only have real ability. But what if Ichiya, who wants to be the center of Ayame's attention, was adopted into a famous household...? (Source: Manga Abyss) Included one-shots: Volume 1: Tanaka-san Chi no Takaya-kun Volume 4: Utakata no Mirai

SerializationCheese!
DemographicShoujo
7.36
1.7K
Manga, 2019Finished9 vol, 44 chp

An encounter with the genius female junior high student pianist Akari Yuzuki, who is attracting attention all over Japan, changes the life of a delinquent, Shuusuke Matoba, 180 degrees!! A story of two people pursuing their dreams, who will not give up no matter how difficult the situation may be. (Source: Kodansha, translated)

7.22
1.5K
Novel, 2013Finished10 vol, 66 chp

After a terrible experience in her past at the National Music Band Competition, Kumiko abandoned music once and for all. She starts her first year at Kitauji High School, she finds herself being roped back in. But their school's band is hopeless. There was a time where they had placed well in nationals, but now they can't even make it past their regional qualifiers. In the midst of all of this, Kumiko meets the last person she'd ever want to see again, Reina. Will Kitauji High manage to pull itself together with the day of the concert drawing ever closer?! (Source: Yen Press)

7.75
1.4K
Manga, 2018Finished3 vol, 31 chp

Subaru Yoshii is an anxious and socially awkward boy. Upon transferring to a new school, he meets a fellow freshman, a boy known as "Prince"! Subaru doesn't know it yet, but a new world is waiting for him behind the stage curtain in this thrilling high school theater story! (Source: MANGA Plus)

SerializationShounen Jump+
DemographicShounen
6.93
1.3K
One-shot, 2009Finished? vol, 1 chp

Izumo Kunisaki, a descendant of Izumo no Okuni, is often mistaken as a girl. It is the bane of his existence. His father and best-friend (i.e. the girl he likes) often laugh about it. To top it off, he plays the girl roles in his family's Kabuki troupe. In this short, he discovers that that curse is also his greatest source strength and will prove just how much of a man he is. (Source: MU)

6.98
1.2K
Manga, 2011Finished4 vol, 24 chp

A spin-off manga of Sakura Taisen series. As a rookie member of The Imperial Kanade Division, Miyabi Neko beats off enemies with other handsome male members.

SerializationHana to Yume
DemographicShoujo
6.95
1.0K
Manga, 2011Finished1 vol, 5 chp

1-3. Kaname étoile Will Kaname's destiny as ballerina change? Because she wished to become a great ballerina, Kaname followed Miki-sama and entered in the prestigious ballet of her school. Kaname will secretly develop her talent as ballerina there. (Source: Chibi Manga) 4. Futari, Kataomoi 5. Kimi ni Zettai Koufuku

AuthorKayoru
SerializationSho-Comi
DemographicShoujo
6.78
1.0K
Manga, 2018Finished2 vol, 10 chp

The story of the nine stage girls from Seisho Music Academy and their daily lives before the TV anime.

7.56
998
Manga, 2005Finished20 vol, 198 chp

A story about a stand-up comedian to-be. The manga's story centers around Agatsuma Keisuke, a high school student with a great sense of comedy. A student named Tsujimoto Jun transfers to his school. Both share ideas and form a plan to make a stand-up comedian duo. They aim to become pro together, despite the many hardships they will face. (Source: ANN)

SerializationYoung Jump
DemographicSeinen
7.07
992
Manhua, 2019Finished? vol, 161 chp

Known as "the little swan" of his ballet studio, Shen has big dreams of leaving the humble farming town he grew up in and shooting to stardom. Though soft-spoken and timid, he meets his match in the stoic, wealthy, and equally as intense Jinyi, who pursues boxing next door. An unlikely pair, they cheer each other on and raise each other up through thick and thin. Determined to achieve their separate ambitions in the midst of their personal troubles, will their deep connection be strong enough to endure the journey and take flight? (Source: Tapas Media)

7.69
856
Manhwa, 2019Finished? vol, 51 chp

The shock of a tragic accident leaves talented actress Rahee Ku unable to make facial expressions. Her acting career seems hopeless... until she discovers the mysterious Ghost Theater. (Source: Webtoon Entertainment)

AuthorLICO
SerializationNaver Webtoon
7.23
812
Manga, 2004Finished7 vol, 51 chp

Mugi Asai is an extremely shy girl, so shy that she becomes tongue-tied and even passes out when she has to speak in front of even a few people. Upon entering a new high school she is unwittingly pressured into joining the Drama Research Society, and due to the low number of members must act in a number of roles over the year.

SerializationComic High!
DemographicSeinen
7.14
803

Hikari and Karen watched "Starlight" when they were young, and promised to stand on the same stage in the future... Karen, although a sleepyhead, continues to study the path of the Stage Girl everyday! However, due to her tardiness, the selected students were subjected to the "Legendary Training"' that would make them into "Top Stars"...? And soon... they will all be singing, dancing and taking from one another by following the mysterious audition started by Souda-sensei and... a giraffe!? (Source: StarlightScans)

7.09
658
Manga, 2020Publishing? vol, ? chp

When Minobe Chihiro is admitted to a private arts academy to study ballet, the last person he expects to train with is surly second-year student Ichinomiya Shun. Yet by some stroke of luck, the two are paired up for their school's mandatory pas de deux practice. While Minobe has fallen at first sight for Ichinomiya's superior dance sense, the second-year's attitude leaves a lot to be desired. For Ichinomiya, being paired with Minobe as a dance partner is just one of the ways he'd like to be together with his new partner. It's not just grades that have Ichinomiya dancing with Minobe—he's head over heels, and he's after Minobe's heart! (Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)

7.24
632
Manhwa, 2020Finished? vol, 51 chp

Park Soyeong is an ardent admirer of musical theater who enjoys finding beauty in each new rendition of a play, relishing in the dazzling voices and show-stopping acting. Although she is not a fan of dramas, she gives one a try, only to be completely starstruck once the lead actress takes the stage. With short hair and enchanting eyes, Jang Jaeyi completely captures Soyeong's heart and leaves her unable to look away. Soyeong easily becomes Jaeyi's number one fan, requesting an autograph after every one of her performances. The two women soon become friends through their mutual love for theater. But when Jaeyi lands a role in a new play alongside a celebrity actress with whom she shares a past, Soyeong starts to wonder if her jealousy is merely that of a fan. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

AuthorsJinaAssam
SerializationKakaoPage
7.37
619
Manga, 2018Finished1 vol, 6 chp

(No synopsis yet.)

Serializationgateau
6.92
565
Manga, 2015Finished1 vol, 7 chp

The series tells the story of the five students; Yuuta Hoshitani, Tooru Nayuki, Kaito Tsukigami, Kakeru Tengenji, and Shuu Kuga as they struggle to enter the musical department of Ayanagi Academy, a school focusing on music. (Source: Wikipedia)

N/A
499
Manga, 2016Finished2 vol, 18 chp

The story revolves around the "slightly odd and cute" members of a cheerleading squad at a men's university. (Source: ANN)

N/A
444
Manga, 2020Finished1 vol, 6 chp

"I'm going to become the best comedian out there!" After making this promise with his grandma, Asahi sets out to attend a comedy vocational school. And on his first day, he gets unexpectedly partnered with another guy for his acts. And that guy is Minase, a very good-looking but sarcastic guy. They were very reluctantly paired together for their bit, but ended up hitting it off. They hit it off SO well, that they got carried away and kissed each other during the bit! "Pair up with me." "I want to work with you too." And this is how the rag-tag duo began. Put together the level-headed tsukkomi with the rambunctious boke to get a bickering couple in a comedic BL! (Source: Kadokawa, translated)

SerializationComic fleur
6.87
381

Karen Aijou and Hikari Kagura, along with their seven classmates of Seishou Music Academy, have successfully completed their performance of their most treasured play, "Starlight." With their sights set on obtaining the lead roles for next year's rendition, the nine girls improve by the day as they train and evolve their skills on the stage. This vigorous routine is interrupted when the academy's cultural exchange program invites students from Seiran General Arts Institute, who aim to take "Starlight" for themselves. Faced with new foes, the girls of Seishou Academy take to the battleground once more, contending over the exclusive right to perform the theatrical piece. In clashing, the girls are forced to confront their personal problems and relive memories of their past. Will the stage girls be able to triumph on the stage, or will they lose sight of what they hold dear? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

7.07
374
Manga, 2017Finished2 vol, 13 chp

(No synopsis yet.)

6.48
351
Manga, 2017Publishing? vol, ? chp

Murasaki Ichijou is a girl with dreams of entering the world of interpretative dance—but she knows she hasn't got the charisma, the fitness, or the commitment to do it. Watching on the sidelines, she eyes her classmate, the naturally brilliant Sora Sumire with envy... until a chance encounter with dancing prodigy (and absolute complete weirdo) Shounosuke makes her finally get the resolve needed to dance out her dreams! Fueled by grudges, anger, and pure energy, Murasaki will dance! (Source: Sexy Akiba Detectives)

AuthorKibidango
SerializationLINE Manga
N/A
325
Manga, 2000Finished10 vol, 72 chp

The story focuses on classical dance and its meaning for the three teenage protagonists: Yuki, who is ending the first primary; Chika, her older sister by one year; and the strange Kumi, whose family has fallen into disgrace by the debts of her father (because of which Kumi is also forced by her mother to pose for pictures). The aunt of Kumi, Michiko, was once a prima ballerina, and perhaps, the girl has inherited her talent… (Source: shoujo-manga.net)

SerializationDa Vinci
N/A
319
Manga, 2000Finished9 vol, 43 chp

Sakuraba Taiko has been into ballet since she was a kid. Her mother also used to dance, although she gave it up to take a more traditional life path. Therefore, she was eagerly supportive of Taiko's interest in ballet. Taiko's life was staggered by the death of her mother in a car accident, but she has continued to dance, although her heart is no longer in it. Her remaining family and childhood friends support her as she chases her dream to become a famous dancer. Her latest role is in the ballet "Giselle" as Myrta, the queen of the Wilis, spirits of young, virginal women who died before their wedding day. One day when she comes to the studio, she meets a beautiful, famous male ballet dancer, Mikami Akira, and she instantly crushes on him. Will she be able to dance well enough in her role to impress him and live up to the expectations of the whole ballet group? Will she be able to sort out her own feelings towards ballet and her mother's death? (Source: MU) Included one-shots: Volume 9: Gekka Bijin, Imagine Bangai-hen: Do wa Doughnut no ♪

SerializationYoung You
DemographicJosei
N/A
317
Manga, 1971Finished4 vol, ? chp

The classic ballet-manga about Russian prima ballerina. (Source: MangaGuide)

SerializationRibon Magazine
DemographicShoujo
N/A
281
Manga, 2021Finished6 vol, 56 chp

Tsuki Arito and Yo Kamikoma move to Tokyo to become comedians. With a 9 m² apartment and just 300 yen for food expenses, the two best friends begin to chase their big dream. (Source: Shogakukan, translated)

AuthorFukui, Sei
SerializationShounen Sunday
DemographicShounen
N/A
262
Manga, 2018Finished3 vol, 42 chp

A four-panel spin-off story following the adventures of the 99th Graduating Class from the main series of Shoujo☆Kageki Revue Starlight.

N/A
243
Manga, 2018Finished4 vol, 22 chp

In a world on the verge of destruction from invading demons, the kingdom of Saitopia uses summoning magic to summon a savior from another world. However, they accidentally summon Rakurakutei Ippuku, a rakugo performer. [Written by Denji]

N/A
220
Manga, 2021Finished1 vol, 6 chp

(No synopsis yet.)

N/A
203
Manhwa, 2017Finished? vol, 46 chp

Juyeon has a crush on the new recruit to the theater club, Sol. Things seem to be going well until Juyeon's ex girlfriend, Minkyeong, joins the club and approaches Juyeon with questionable intentions. As if running into Minkyeong wasn't enough, the trio are asked to perform in a play, The Maids by Jean Genet, for the annual theater club performance. Will Juyeon be able to unravel their tangled relationships and find love? (Source: Webtoon Entertainment)

N/A
186
One-shot, 2011Finished? vol, 1 chp

One-shot about a ballerina training with her male partner.

AuthorKure, Yuki
SerializationLaLa
DemographicShoujo
N/A
185
Manga, 2019Finished3 vol, 31 chp

In 1930, two years after the events of So Long, My Love, the Great Demon War results in the annihilation of the Imperial, Paris and New York Combat Revues' Flower Divisions. With Earth at peace and the revues' actions becoming public, the World Combat Revue Organization is formed with several international divisions; a biennial international Combat Revue tournament has been organized. Ten years later in 1940, Imperial Japanese Navy captain Seijuurou Kamiyama is assigned as the captain of the new Imperial Combat Revue's Flower Division in Tokyo, which consists of: Sakura Amamiya, a swordswoman and new recruit; Hatsuho Shinonome, a shrine maiden and the most popular actress; Anastasia Palma, a newly-transferred Greek actress; Azami Mochizuki, a ninja prodigy from the Mochizuki clan; and Clarissa "Clarise" Snowflake, a Luxembourgian noblewoman. The division once again faces a new demon invasion and participates in the upcoming tournament—while trying to keep their home at the Imperial Theater open. (Source: Wikipedia, edited)

N/A
177
Manga, 2018Finished8 vol, 48 chp

(No synopsis yet.)

SerializationAfternoon
DemographicSeinen
N/A
175
Manga, 2017Finished2 vol, 12 chp

The series revolves around kabuki, a classic style of Japanese dance-drama that combines music, drama, and dance. Kurogo Kurusu, a 15-year-old high school student has a passion for kabuki and hopes to establish a kabuki club at school. Things are not easy as they seem when he realizes that he needs to find students to join him. (Source: MAL News)

SerializationYoung Ace
DemographicSeinen
N/A
175
Manhwa, 2021Finished1 vol, 5 chp

(No synopsis yet.)

AuthorsHunJimin
SerializationKakaoPage
N/A
174
Manga, 2021Publishing? vol, ? chp

Born into a life of acting and dance with a traveling theater troupe in 14th-century Japan, 12-year old Oniyasha has one problem—he doesn't know what the point of any of it is. Why must I step with the left foot here instead of the right? Why is one performance good and another, bad? Why do people dance at all? It all seems perfectly arbitrary, until a chance encounter in a run-down shack sets him down a path to revolutionizing the art form and influencing much of Japanese culture to come. A fictionalized account of the early life of Zeami Motokiyo (Oniyasha), the founder of modern Noh theater—the world's oldest surviving theater art—this coming-of-age artist's journey vividly brings to life a man far ahead of his time during one of Japan's most culturally and socially vibrant eras. (Source: Kodansha USA)

SerializationMorning
DemographicSeinen
N/A
174
Manga, 2022Finished7 vol, 40 chp

The manga centers on aspiring stage scriptwriter Youichi Hashinoda, and aspiring actor Shingo Hayashi. Both aim to become part of the Tsubaki theatrical troupe, an all-male theatrical troupe that has become nationally renowned. Hashinoda has dreamed of writing since childhood, but once gave up on his dream. Shingo has the looks suited for his dream role of playing women on the stage, but something weighs heavily on his mind. (Source: ANN)

SerializationShounen Jump+
DemographicShounen
N/A
172
Light Novel, 2015Finished1 vol, 7 chp

(No synopsis yet.)

N/A
161
Manga, 1985Finished5 vol, ? chp

The story of Rin, a young dancer.

SerializationAsuka
DemographicShoujo
N/A
148
Manga, 2020Finished2 vol, 12 chp

Four 19-year old women—Fubuki, Rin, Mafuyu, and Nayuta—are trying to become comedians, diligently honing their routines while working part-time jobs. With the philosophy that "laughter makes people happy, and if everyone is happy, I'm happy," they aim to take the stage at the renowned Nanba Grand Kagetsu Hall. For now, they settle for working their way up from the bottom doing shows in Shibuya. (Source: Kadokawa, translated)

SerializationComic Alive
DemographicSeinen
N/A
143
Manga, 1981Finished8 vol, 32 chp

Michelle is passionate about ballet but belongs to a poor family that can not afford the Academy of Dance. However, a prima ballerina who takes a liking to Michelle decides to help: Oriella Siorella. Michelle sees her benefactress as an idol and aspires to be like her but is shocked when Siorella falls from grace when a new dancer arrives, named Olivia Ann. The series narrate Michelle's pursuit in her passion, dance, and the entertainment world in Italy. (Source: shoujoinitalia.net)

SerializationBessatsu Friend
DemographicShoujo
N/A
135
One-shot, 2021Finished? vol, 1 chp

(No synopsis yet.)

N/A
129
Manhwa, 2019Finished? vol, 137 chp

Jeong-Nyeon has no money or education, but she is a Mokpo girl with a talent for singing! Her dream is to join a women's traditional theater company, and make it big. But she has a lot to learn and a long way to go before becoming a lead actor. Will Jeong-Nyeon achieve her dream of becoming a big star and getting rich? (Source: Naver Corporation, translated)

N/A
124
Manga, 2006Finished3 vol, ? chp

Determined to create the funniest two-man comedy team (MANZAI) around, Takashi Akimoto pursues his fellow male middle school student. the misfit Ayumu Seta. After cornering Ayumu, Takashi suddenly blurts out, "Please go out with me!" After desperately trying to reject him, Ayumu eventually finds out that Takashashi meant "Go out with him" as his partner in a Manzai Comedy duo. However, the more Ayumu tries to get away from the excessively confident and forceful Takashi, the more he finds himself sucked into a world of comedic mayhem! (Source: Aurora Publishing)

N/A
124
Manga, -Finished7 vol, ? chp

(No synopsis yet.)

DemographicShoujo
N/A
122
Manga, 2021Finished1 vol, 5 chp

Aiming to be top comedians, the comedy duo Märchentic Bazooka live together and go to training school while streaming videos. Aki is a handsome yet unfortunate man who has had an intense crush on his partner Haru, also known as "My Sweet Angel," since their high school days when they first formed the duo. Though Aki tries terribly hard to show his feelings, Haru won't have anything to do with him...? (Source: Julian Publishing, translated)

N/A
122
Light Novel, 2016Publishing? vol, ? chp

(No synopsis yet.)

N/A
106
Manga, 2022Publishing? vol, ? chp

(No synopsis yet.)

N/A
101
Manga, 2007Finished13 vol, 73 chp

Sakuraba Taiko is now 25 years old, and is aiming to win the International Ballet Contest in Venice! A new challenge starts for Taiko and her love for ballet. The long-awaited next chapter in this passionate dancing story! (Source: Amazon)

SerializationOffice YOU
DemographicJosei
N/A
101
Manga, 2010Finished2 vol, 11 chp

A man (Kurosawa) who has been part of a manzai (stand up comedy) duo for ten years, finds himself in trouble after his partner quits due to their declining popularity. He attempts to drink his problems away but finds himself locked up in a detention center. At the detention center the man meets a deliquent (Onizuka) who has an uncanny knack for comedy. Thus a new manzai duo is created!

Manga, 2007Finished5 vol, 32 chp

(No synopsis yet.)

SerializationDa Vinci
Manga, 1991Finished1 vol, 3 chp

"I want to dance with you, Chiyo!" In her 15th summer, Chiyo Naitou discovers ballet and sets her eye on Atsushi Haita. Excited to learn more about the ballet world, she moves to London and promises to meet up with Atsushi again. 12 years later, they finally meet, but Chiyo doesn't dance anymore because...? (Source: Amazon) Included one-shot: Hareta Hi ni Eien ga Mieru

SerializationBessatsu Margaret
DemographicShoujo
Light Novel, 2016Finished1 vol, ? chp

(No synopsis yet.)

Manga, 1977Finished7 vol, ? chp

(No synopsis yet.)

SerializationCiao
DemographicShoujo
Manga, 2018Finished? vol, 2 chp

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu Bangai-hen is set after Yakumo's death, when his successor Shinnosuke takes on the "Shinigami" story.

SerializationBe-Love
DemographicJosei
Manga, 2023Publishing? vol, ? chp

(No synopsis yet.)

Manga, 2024Publishing? vol, ? chp

(No synopsis yet.)

AuthorNON
SerializationMorning
DemographicSeinen
Manga, 1987Finished7 vol, ? chp

(No synopsis yet.)

DemographicShoujo
Manga, 1990Finished2 vol, ? chp

(No synopsis yet.)

DemographicShoujo
Manga, 2021Finished2 vol, 10 chp

Natsunagi Hiwa, a novice, jumps into the world of Hula Girl after her sister. (Source: MAL News)

SerializationComic Alive
DemographicSeinen
Manga, 2023Publishing? vol, ? chp

Despite being the adopted son of a Kabuki actor, Teruchika has no interest in Kabuki and is a terrible actor. On the other hand, although Kuni is a talented Kabuki performer, she is unable to go on stage because she is a woman. Teruchika tries to use his ability to "copy" her performance to indirectly bring Kuni to the stage, but...? (Source: Kadokawa, translated)

SerializationAsuka
DemographicShoujo