Idolmaster IWSF2026 Opens with Dance-Focused First Day
The Idolmaster series kicked off its 20th anniversary xR live event IWSF2026 (THE IDOLM@STER 20th Anniversary MORE RE@LITY LIVE IDOL WORLD SUPER FESTIVAL 2026) at Keio Arena Tokyo on July 24. Running from July 24 to 26, the cross-brand event’s first day was themed YAKUDOU, bringing together idol units selected for their dance performance abilities from across the franchise. Professional dancers also participated as IWSF Dancers, joining the idol cast for collaborative stage numbers. The event represents the culmination of the Idolmaster 20th anniversary celebrations, featuring performers from multiple brands including 765PRO ALLSTARS, Cinderella Girls, Million Live!, Shiny Colors, and SideM.
The show opened with Ayumu Maihara’s solo performance of Dance in the Light, with Makoto Kikuchi, Mika Jougasaki, and Ren Kibayashi joining mid-performance to create an impressive formation. Other early highlights included Seina Juou’s Choo Choo Choo with Ayumu and Nao Kamiya, followed by Cinderella Girls’ Mirror Ball Love performed by Miki Hoshii, Tsubasa Ibuki, Seika Shigure, and Sora Kamitsure. The first MC segment featured Tsubasa, Miki, and Sora welcoming the audience and emphasizing the collaboration with IWSF Dancers, with Miki expressing her desire to showcase her best alongside the fellow performers.
The setlist spanned multiple brands with notable cross-over collaborations. Ren debuted a new song titled Extreme Overdrive created specifically for this event, receiving thunderous applause the moment its intro played. Acrobatic elements such as cartwheels and backflips during RAY OF LIGHT by Ren, Shiki, and Ayumu drew loud cheers. During one MC segment, a letter from Enjoji Michiru was read to Ren, revealing that despite his gruff demeanor, he was genuinely looking forward to the collaboration, prompting playful teasing from Ayumu and laughter from the audience. Miki Hoshii also performed the sole solo number Day of the future.
The event concluded with Dance Dance Dance featuring the BRILLIANT STARS+ ensemble, during which the IWSF Dancers were formally introduced to warm applause. In the final MC segment, Asahi Serizawa excitedly expressed wanting to participate in every song, while Seina and Nao reflected on learning from performing alongside professional dancers. Makoto shared hopes for a future reunion performance. The dance-centric song selection, high-level choreography, and integration of professional dancers made for an impressive opening day, setting high expectations for the remaining two days. This is definitely one to watch for Idolmaster fans who appreciate top-tier stage performances.
