It was revealed on February 27th that "Danderaion," the debut work of manga artist Sorachi Hideaki, known for the popular manga "Gintama," will be adapted into an anime. The seven-episode anime series will be exclusively distributed worldwide on Netflix from April. It was also announced that the main cast will include Kobayashi Chikahiro as Tetsuo Tanba and Megumi Han as Misaki Kurogane. The anime will be directed by Mataga Daisuke and produced by NAZ. Original elements will be added to the anime, revealing details of Tanba and Kurogane's past that were not depicted in the original work.
The work was Sorachi's debut work as a manga artist, winning an honorable mention in the 71st Tenkaichi Manga Awards of Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha) in 2002 and published in the magazine. It is also included in the first volume of the Gintama manga. The story is full of humanity and humor, and will make you laugh and cry as the "angels" Tetsuo Tanba and Misaki Kurogane search for souls who cannot rest in peace and work to send them to the afterlife.
Sorachi commented, "My debut work, which I try not to reread because it's embarrassing, has been dug up and turned into an anime, expanding on it in many ways. It seems Netflix has no such word as delicacy. But since I have the chance, I might as well take this opportunity to go and see those guys for the first time in 20 years."
Director Mataga said, "Danderaion is truly entertaining both as a comedy and as a drama, and I am very happy to have had the opportunity to take on the challenge of adapting it into an anime. At the same time, I was anxious and scared about whether the fans would be pleased, so I felt a great deal of pressure while making it. The editorial department at Jump was involved from the development stage of the scenario, and we were able to take our time and carefully create it with a great team. I hope that both fans of Gintama and this work, Danderaion, will enjoy it."
Kobayashi, who plays Tamba Tetsuo, said, "I appeared in the anime Gintama shortly after I started doing voice work. At that time, I read the original work and I remember laughing so hard, but also crying, and thinking, what is this?! I am truly honored to have been able to appear in such a work by Sorachi-sensei. I simply looked forward to each recording session. This work will make you laugh so much and move you so much. All the characters seem to be somewhat relaxed, but to me it seems like they have strong convictions and have chosen to live that way on purpose. Relax, enjoy the story, and take it to the next level when it's time to take it! I tried to find that kind of production together with the cast and staff. I hope it will be a work that will stay in everyone's hearts...!"
Ms. Pan, who plays Kurogane Misaki, commented, "I discovered Gintama in real time at a sensitive age, and I still can't let go of it. I was told 'this is the last,' but I've been fooled so many times by the 'it's over, it's over' scam. I am still a living ghost. I have been taught important things as a person, but at the same time I have lost even more, but I feel like I am getting it back again. I am very grateful that the one-shot story 'Danderion', which was included in the first volume of the original work, has now been made into a Netflix original anime series. I have been taught important things as a person, but at the same time I have lost even more, but I am trying to get it back again. I am ready for this. It feels like I am intruding on Gintama, but I hope you will enjoy this series, which is full of Sorachisme and Silver Soul."
Animation producer Suda Yasuo said, "I was first approached about this project in 2020. Starting with the script, and then working on the animation, sound and acting, we were able to carefully produce it over a long period of time with the help of very passionate people. I really love the atmosphere that Sorachi-sensei's Dandelion exudes. In this film adaptation, wonderful staff members showed off their skills in each section and I believe they have created a world with that same atmosphere. I hope you will check out the Dandelion anime."
Nagatomi Daichi, executive producer of Netflix Anime Creative, commented, "The anime 'Danderaion' is a bold and risky move by the editors at Shueisha's 'Weekly Shonen Jump Editorial Department,' the production company NAZ, and the producers of the Netflix anime team, who have taken Sorachi-sensei's debut one-shot manga and turned it into a seven-episode series. Netflix was mocked in the promotional video for the 'Gin●' movie, but all of our staff put their all into producing the anime 'Danderaion,' in the hopes of providing new sustenance for Sorachi-sensei. We hope that those who are tired of the various things in this world will be able to enjoy it at their own pace."
*Staff (titles omitted)
Director: Mataga Daisuke ▽ Series Composition: Suzuki Yosuke ▽ Character Design: Asari Ayui ▽ Assistant Director: Ikariya Atsushi ▽ Prop Design: Sono Yudai ▽ Main Animators: Igawa Norie, Kawai Momoko, Matsubara Yutaka, Takechi Hitomi ▽ Art Director: Shiino Ryusuke ▽ Color Design: Okada Emiko ▽ 3DCG Director: Mita Kunihiko ▽ Director of Photography: Takagi Tsubasa ▽ Editor: Kimura Yoshiaki ▽ Sound Director: Koizumi Kisuke ▽ Music: Hayashi Yuki ▽ Music Production: Kaita ▽ Sound Effects: Yaso Shota ▽ Animation Producer: Suda Yasuo ▽ Animation Production: NAZ
