The TV anime " Dandadan " is based on the popular manga by Yukinobu Tatsu , which is currently being serialized in Shueisha's manga magazine app "Shonen Jump+". The second season started in July on MBS/TBS's late-night anime slot "Super Animeism TURBO". The first season was full of elements of "occult battles and coming-of-age stories", and was a hot topic for its fast-paced development, powerful battle scenes, and the drama behind the mysterious happenings, but the second season is also attracting the attention of fans with its new developments set in a hot spring town. We spoke to Shion Wakayama, who plays Momo (Ayase Momo), about what went on behind the scenes in the recording and what to look forward to in the second season.
◇ The first season of the well-trained gal Momo has become more familiar
"Dandadan" began serialization in "Shonen Jump +" in April 2021. It depicts Momo, a high school girl from a family of spiritualists, and her classmate Okarun(played by Ken Takakura), an occult enthusiast, as they confront the mysterious happenings that appear one after another. The comics have sold over 10 million copies in total. The first season of the TV anime aired on Super Animeism TURBO from October to December 2024.
The anime was produced by Science SARU, known for "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!" and "Inu-Oh!", and the first season drew a great response for its unique visual beauty and the pasts of the monsters, monsters, and aliens. Wakayama said, "I really felt the response from everyone."
"At work, people often say to me, 'I'm watching Dandadan,' and I also receive letters of feedback about my radio show, which makes me realise that a wide range of age groups are watching it. It's rare to feel something so real, so I think it must have reached so many people. What makes me especially happy is when people say, 'I watch it with my kids.' I think it's really inspiring when people tell me they watch it with their families. I feel so grateful to be in a position where I can say such things."
During the first season, Wakayama himself said that he felt a lot of pressure as the lead actor in a popular series.
"During the first season, I was pretty overwhelmed, and even though I thought I was preparing for each recording, there were times when I honestly felt like I wasn't prepared enough, but there are also many areas where I was able to grow. First of all, it was my first challenge to constantly do such intense battles. Until then, I hadn't done many battle scenes, so I couldn't imagine the variety of my acting, but through ' Dandadan', I really improved my ability to shout and make a loud voice resonate. I can now think of variations in battles, and I was really trained. I'm really grateful for that."
One of the attractions of "Dandadan " is the well-paced dialogue between the gorgeous voice actors, including Wakayama, Natsuki Hanae as Okarun , Nana Mizuki as Hoshiko, Ayane Sakura Ayane as Aira ( Aira Shiratori ), and Mayumi Tanaka as Turbo Granny. The sense of speed was also trained during the recording.
"I think everyone will understand if they watch it, but there are a lot of parts in "Dandadan" that are very fast-paced. During recording, it's not uncommon for the script to jump ahead by two pages in the blink of an eye, and if you miss it, you can't get back to it. It made me realize that battles go by so quickly. I think I was able to train myself to be able to keep up with the speed of dubbing."
Wakayama-san's Momo's good manners and gal-like manners are also pleasant to watch. In a previous interview, she said that she thoroughly studied how gals talk before taking on the role of Momo, but after the first season, she said with a smile, "I feel like the gal feel is becoming more and more familiar to me, and I'm starting to naturally use the endnotes and intonation of words."
Wakayama says she admires gals, so perhaps playing the role of Momo helps her to adopt a gal mindset...?
"I can't do it... I really want to have a gal mind, I really admire it and I love it, but it seems like it's quite different. I really hope that I can become one someday, so I'm aiming to have a gal mind (laughs)."
◇The second season is on the brink!? Okarun gets angry for Momo and the coolness of Jasshi in just his briefs
Wakayama-san said that he approached the second season with the mindset of "I'll remember the parts I've adapted to to some extent, do a lot of preparation, and be fully prepared." The second season begins with the Kito family appearing, and there are intense battle scenes, including a fight with Jiji (Jin Enjoji) possessed by the evil eye, and a giant snake-like Mongolian Death Worm.
"When I read the original work, I thought 'This is impossible,' 'I can't escape,' 'I can't win,' and I really did think that.' I felt a sense of being cornered, always on the edge, and the sense of tension was incredible. I felt a sense of responsibility to provide the voice for that, and I felt a lot of pressure while dubbing."
One of the highlights of the second season is the battle between Okarun and Evil Eye.
"The battle between the two was really cool! Okarun gets angry for Momo, saying, 'Momo-chan, you hit me,' and it was really cool how he rushes to her aid when she's in trouble, and even though Jasshi is only wearing briefs, his face is really cool (laughs)."
Other interesting characters who appear include Naki Kito and the Kito family.
"I really like the call that Kito Naki makes when she uses her special move: 'Jenihua! Lopez Anaconda!' It's really cool how she goes from a kung fu-like move to the ultimate old hag action. The Kito family is really frightening, but I think they're also somehow cute, which is what makes them so appealing. I think the Kito family has a really good balance between horror and comedy."
Strong enemies appear and the story continues to be full of thrilling situations, but Wakayama says, "In Dandadan, the way to break through is always very refreshing." We look forward to seeing the voice actors' performances and the powerful visuals in the second season.
