Movies & TV

Dandadan Studio Apologizes for Controversial Exorcism Rock Opera

Posted on by Celmoon
Dandadan Studio Apologizes for Controversial Exorcism Rock Opera

As the second season of Dan Da Dan progresses, the studio Science Saru has embraced its playful references to pop culture, echoing the spirit of Yukunobi Tatsu’s manga. This lighthearted approach recently sparked some controversy—a moment that underscored the fine line between homage and originality.

In a notable episode, a homage to the iconic Japanese rock band X Japan resulted in an apology from the studio. This episode featured a fictional band called Hayasii, a clever nod to traditional Japanese Hayashi musicians. Hayasii, described as glam-metal exorcists, was enlisted by Momo’s grandmother to exorcise Jiji from an Evil Eye Yokai. This storyline culminated in the original song “Hunting Soul.”

The official X/Twitter page of Dan Da Dan shared the studio’s statement regarding the episode. It clarified intentions to honor X Japan and acknowledged miscommunication. Although the homage was made out of respect, without informing the band first, the studio expressed regret for the oversight:

We sincerely apologize for the concern caused by the song “Hunting Soul.” Our aim was to celebrate the passion of Mr. Yoshiki and X Japan, which our team greatly respects. This was meant to enhance the narrative and quality of Dandadan.

Unfortunately, we failed to communicate our tribute beforehand. We are currently discussing rights-related matters with the appropriate parties.

We’ve directly spoken with Mr. Yoshiki, and we are now exploring potential future collaborations.

We apologize once again and appreciate the understanding of fans and the community as we move forward.

The rock anthem “Hunting Soul” was composed by Seiichi Nagai, produced by Kensuke Ushio, and features vocals from Kishō Taniyama alongside guitarist Marty Friedman. In the English version, the band leader is voiced by Marc Hudson, known for his role in DragonForce.

Interestingly, Taniyama spoke about the balance between homage and parody, highlighting that sincerity creates a more enjoyable experience for the audience. He noted, “We approached this tribute with seriousness, which leads to genuine laughter and enjoyment.”

What ignited the controversy was a now-deleted tweet from Yoshiki, where he raised questions about whether the band name Hayasii had any relation to him or his late father. Thankfully, after a positive discussion with the producers, he confirmed that they are on good terms. Yoshiki described the situation as a learning experience, emphasizing the honor he felt at having his work acknowledged.

The Hayasii rock group fits right into the plethora of pop culture references sprinkled throughout Dan Da Dan. The original manga already featured the spaceship of Mr. Mantis Shrip, which closely resembled the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. Additionally, several character designs pay tribute to the kaiju genre, including elements from Ultraman and Godzilla.

The upcoming arcs promise even deeper dives into the kaiju universe, featuring characters like Vamola and Kinta Sakata. The design of Vamola’s kaiju suit is reminiscent of classic Ultraman creatures, enhancing the homage experience for fans.

This blend of tribute and original storytelling is essential for contemporary anime. Balancing respect while maintaining creative integrity can sometimes lead to miscommunications, but it also opens the door for collaborations that could yield fantastic new content. As Science Saru continues adapting Tatsu’s manga, it’s crucial they navigate these waters carefully to avoid confusion while enriching viewers’ experiences.

Are you curious about what other surprises Dan Da Dan has in store? If you want to stay updated on the latest in anime, dive into more engaging content on Moyens I/O!