The Big Picture

Collider’s Laura Adams spoke with
Dandadan
producer Hiroshi Kamei about the anime series.
During this interview, Kamei discusses how animation brought new charm to this manga story, highlighting movement, sound, and pacing.
Kamei also talks about crucial scenes in Episodes 4 and 5, changes made from the manga, and working with manga creator Yukinobu Tatsu.

Dandadan, adapted from the manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, has quickly risen to become one of the most beloved anime series of the year. It initially captured fans with its hilarious storylines and dynamic characters, delivering moments of awe and amusement. As the series progressed, it revealed deeper layers with nuanced subplots and emotional messages, leaving audiences in tears. Beyond its supernatural thrills and striking visuals, Dandadan has proven to be a show with heart and depth.

Recently, I had the privilege of asking the series’ producer, Hiroshi Kamei, a few questions to learn more about the creative journey behind this standout anime. We discussed the meticulous planning that went into the adaptation, the show’s creative influences, and the talented team that brought this first season to life.

The Anime Series Aimed to Bring New Layers to the Story
Image via Science SARU

LAURA ADAMS: When planning for this season, was there anything specific you wanted to highlight for the audience?

HIROSHI KAMEI: When adapting a high-quality original manga, I want viewers to notice how the unique aspects of animation—such as movement, direction, sound, color, and pacing—not only recreate the sense of satisfaction from reading the original but also bring new layers of charm to the story.

Which would you say was the most challenging scene to animate and why?

HIROSHI KAMEI: While Episode 7 has garnered attention as a standout episode, I personally believe Episodes 4 and 5 are both crucial and challenging in their own right. In Episode 4, an additional action scene was included in the latter half to highlight the ‘buddy dynamic’ between the two main characters. The combination of engaging music and dynamic visuals made for a compelling sequence, but what stands out even more is how this scene clearly shows the growing closeness between Momo and Okarun. Episode 5, on the other hand, shifts gears completely from the first four episodes and focuses on a slice-of-life setting. At first glance, it might seem like a detour, but it’s packed with romantic comedy elements and sharp pacing, capturing the essence of Dandadan. I think the ability to present such everyday episodes in a way that remains engaging and entertaining is crucial for the series as a whole.

‘DanDaDan’ Was the Perfect Manga to Adapt into an Anime Series
Image via Science SARU

What was it about the Dandadan manga that made you realize this needed to be your next project?

KAMEI: I had never encountered a manga packed with so many diverse and exciting elements before. Its chaotic charm, filled with a variety of elements, made me strongly want to adapt it into animation.

Were there moments from the manga that you felt needed to be changed for the anime? Anything added or removed that you’d like to address?

KAMEI: The manga’s exceptional artistry, layout, and paneling are truly remarkable, so I felt it was essential to convey a different kind of charm through the animation. While there are some subtle changes from the original in certain aspects, which are important in their own right, I believe the key lies in adding elements unique to animation, such as music and color design, to enhance its essence.

‘Dandadan’ Is the Result of a Collaborative Work
Everything was reviewed by manga creator Yukinobu Tatsu.

Did Yukinobu Tatsu provide any feedback when it comes to the adaptation?

KAMEI: The script, storyboards, and settings were all reviewed by Tatsu Sensei. He also frequently participated in the recording sessions, allowing us to exchange ideas and move forward with the production collaboratively.

What was it like hearing Otonoke for the first time? Did Creepy Nuts have free reign or did you all pitch in on the intro?

KAMEI: It was a catchy and memorable song. After sharing the details of the story and the overarching themes, we entrusted them with the freedom to create the composition.

New episodes of Dandadan come out every week on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

When Momo and Okarun’s beliefs clash, they’re thrown into a world of ghosts, aliens and awakened powers.Creator Yukinobu Tatsu Cast Natsuki Hanae , Shion Wakayama , Nana Mizuki , Ayane Sakura , Kaito Ishikawa , Mayumi Tanaka , Kazuya Nakai , Kaori Maeda , Miyu Tomita , Ryûnosuke Watanuki , Hikaru Tanaka , Seitaro Taniguchi , Satomi Kobashi , Mayuko Kazama , Ryuuzaburou Ootomo Seasons 1 Studio Science Saru Creator(s) Yukinobu Tatsu Number of Episodes 9 Based On Manga MyAnimeList Score 8.71 Expand

Watch on Netflix