The one-hour variety program, which explores the creative rivalry between singing and dancing, debuted with a 3.5% rating and a 15.9% share in the Tokyo area, according to Video Research. It ranked second in its time slot across Japan’s six terrestrial networks and delivered the highest share among artist performance music shows aired in 2025. The program showed particular strength in key demographics, including teens, young men, and viewers aged 50 and older.
On social media, SONG vs DANCE saw significant traction during and after its broadcast. One clip alone drew over 7.2 million views, with TikTok videos accumulating more than 136 million impressions and over 10,000 new followers. The show also appeared in Yahoo’s top 5 SNS trends and ranked 3rd in Android search apps, reflecting broad audience engagement.
TV Asahi has confirmed the development of additional episodes, building on the strong initial reception. The show invites viewers to pick a side in the playful question: Are you team song or team dance?
This project represents a notable milestone for TV Asahi. It is the broadcaster’s first co-production with Smart Dog Media, led by executive producers Craig and Clara Plestis, and marks a collaborative effort between Japanese and U.S. production teams to explore new directions in variety entertainment.
Set within a video game-inspired universe, SONG vs DANCE stages a series of head-to-head performance battles, with contestants showcasing vocal and dance skills in a highly stylized, energetic format.
