On February 10, 2025, TBS aired the special program "KING OF DANCE" as part of its series "The True No.1 Professional Ranking", showcasing exceptional dancers competing for top honors.
The program's format allowed prominent dancers to vie for the title of the best, with judges assessing their performance during live competitions. Kuwahara Takamikumi from THE JET BOY BANGERZ emerged victorious. He scored the highest overall during the preliminary rounds, securing his place for the decisive face-off against Urakawa Shohei.
During the final dance battle, which captured the excitement of fans, Kuwahara wowed the panel of five judges with his skills, earning him unanimous praise and the coveted title. "I’m incredibly happy! Everyone here is so talented, and I think it’s important to note this doesn’t diminish anyone’s abilities. I still have so much to work on!" he expressed exuberantly after his win.
The first episode of the series aired live and drew considerable viewer attention, thanks to its engaging format and the caliber of participating dancers. Kuwahara's triumph on screen reflected his extensive dedication to honing his craft, mesmerizing audiences with his performance. Viewers can catch up on the show through the replays available on TVer.
Notably, this episode featured several other prominent artists. The special program, hosted by the charismatic Sagami Shinobu, included other well-known figures acting as presenters, including Ann Mika, Chocolate Planet, and Rin Matsuda from Sakurazaka46.
Alongside Kuwahara, the dance event saw the participation of several talented challengers, including Yuki from the dance group Superfly. Each contestant brought their flair to the stage, enhancing the competitive atmosphere of the show.
“The first round is based on producer battles, allowing participants to enlist support from their dance peers. This year, each dancer could bring up to four support members, which adds more depth to their performances,” explained the show’s producers.
During the competition, each dancer had dedicated support members, enhancing their presence on stage. For Kuwahara, his roster included Tanaka Akira, Sato Haruki, Kobayashi Taki, and Sato Aoto, all members from THE JET BOY BANGERZ, who helped create choreography or offered feedback to perfect their routines.
Urakawa’s assistance network featured Yamamoto Shogo and members from THE RAMPAGE, including Kelo and Satsuki. This collaborative effort demonstrated the competitive spirit and camaraderie within the dance community.
Reflecting on the event, Kuwahara’s accomplishments highlight the growing popularity of dance competitions on television and how they celebrate not only individual artistry but also teamwork and synergy among dancers.
For viewers eagerly anticipating more dance-related content, TBS has declared plans for upcoming episodes, including the "KING OF SING" scheduled for February 20, where professional vocalists will rank the best singers. This will mark another exciting addition to the reality competition series.
With anticipation building for future installments, one thing is certain: TBS is committed to showcasing the spectacular talents within Japan’s entertainment industry, setting the stage for even more outstanding performances.