After the conference at MIP London on Monday, February 24 at the IET, TV Asahi launches its new talent competition show, SONG vs DANCE on Friday 28th March 2025, at 11:15pm on Channel 5. The one-hour variety show special offers a mix of song and dance in an action-packed, high-energy competition.
A co-production between TV Asahi and Smart Dog Media, SONG vs DANCE brings together two of the biggest forms of artistic performance – singing and dancing – creating a new benchmark in competition television. The show features outstanding performers competing in thrilling head-to-head battles set in a video game-inspired format and promises to deliver exciting and dynamic performances, all while answering the ultimate question: Which is better, song or dance?
SONG vs DANCE is hosted by renowned Japanese comedian Takashi Yoshimura who will guide viewers through the high-stakes competition. Offering their expertise and insights throughout the event special as judges, are TAKAHIRO the lead vocalist of the popular J-pop group EXILE, breakdancing Olympian Shigekix and Naomi Watanabe the comedian and Instagram sensation with over ten million followers. Supporting the host and stellar panel of judges are coaches – Shinya Kiyozuka, a world-class pianist who will coach TEAM SONG and TAKAHIRO a renowned choreographer and dancer who will guide TEAM DANCE.
Attracting top-tier talent from across Japan, SONG vs DANCE showcases a diverse group of outstanding performers from both the song and dance camps. The group of eight contestants include renowned Japanese tenor John Ken Nuzzo, beatbox band SARUKANI, world champions in the Crew Division of the Grand Beatbox Battle 2023, singer-songwriter Emoh Les, winner of X-Factor Okinawa Japan 2013 and TiA, the winner of the largest gospel competition, the McDonald’s Gospelfest. On the dance side performers include Chibi Unity winner of the world “VIBE Dance Competition” for four consecutive years and the recipient of the Golden Buzzer for America’s Got Talent, breakdancer ISSEI the first Japanese and the world’s youngest winner of the Red Bull BC One, Utamaru winner of the UDO Street Dance World Championship 2023 and tap dance sisters Rino and Noa Shirakawa who represented Japan in the IDO 2024 (International Dance Organization 2024).
The show is executive produced Craig Plestis and Clara Plestis of Smart Dog Media, alongside TV Asahi’s Takaaki Kitano. SONG vs DANCE marks TV Asahi’s first co-production with U.S.-based production company, Smart Dog Media.
Song vs Dance to Debut on TV Asahi Next March 28
