Gintama Creator Hideaki Sorachi’s Debut One Shot Dandelion Gets Netflix Anime Adaptation This April With 7 Episodes

Hideaki Sorachi’s debut one shot Dandelion (JP: だんでらいおん), created before Gintama, is set to receive a Netflix anime adaptation this April. The series will stream worldwide exclusively on Netflix as a seven episode production.

Originally included in Volume 1 of the Gintama manga, Dandelion follows Tetsuo Tanba and Misaki Kurogane, angels belonging to the Escort Division of the Japan Angel Federation. Their mission is to help earthbound spirits lingering in the mortal world move on to the afterlife. While constantly busy with their duties, the two sincerely confront each individual soul, listening to their lingering regrets and helping them find peace.

As they resolve the unfinished business of each spirit, the series balances heartfelt drama with uproarious exchanges between the protagonists. Viewers will unmistakably sense the DNA that would later define Gintama in its emotional depth and sharp comedic rhythm.

The anime is directed by Daisuke Mataga, with series composition by Yosuke Suzuki and character design by Ai Asari. Animation production is handled by NAZ. The main cast includes Chikahiro Kobayashi and Megumi Han. The anime will also feature numerous original episodes, and will reveal the previously untold pasts of Tetsuo Tanba and Misaki Kurogane that were not depicted in the original manga.

Comments From the Staff and Cast

■Hideaki Sorachi, Original Creator
“I usually avoid rereading my debut work because it is embarrassing. Yet somehow Netflix decided to dig it up, adapt it into an anime, and expand on it in various ways. It seems the word delicacy does not exist at Netflix. But since this opportunity has come along, maybe I will take the chance to visit those characters again for the first time in twenty years.”

■Daisuke Mataga, Director
“Dandelion is truly compelling both as a comedy and as a drama. 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 felt anxiety and fear about whether fans would be pleased, and I worked under considerable pressure. From the script development stage, the Weekly Shonen Jump editorial department participated, and with such a reliable team we were able to take our time and craft the series carefully. I hope that both Gintama fans and those who love Dandelion will enjoy it.”

■Chikahiro Kobayashi, Voice of Tetsuo Tanba

■Chikahiro Kobayashi, Voice of Tetsuo Tanba
“Not long after I began working as a voice actor, I appeared in the Gintama anime. At that time I read the original manga and remember thinking, this makes me laugh so hard yet somehow it makes me cry. What is this? It is a great honor to appear in a work by Sorachi sensei. I truly looked forward to every recording session. This series will make you laugh a great deal and move your heart just as much. The characters may seem laid back, but they have firm convictions and choose to live that way deliberately. While keeping a relaxed tone and enjoying the story, we also aimed to deliver impact when it counts. Together with the cast and staff, we searched for that balance. I sincerely hope this work will remain in your hearts.”

■Megumi Han, Voice of Misaki Kurogane

“I encountered Gintama in real time during my formative years, and I have never been able to let go of it. Even after being told this is the last time, how many times have we been swept up in the joke that it is ending? I am still a ghost living on. It taught me what is important in life, while also taking even more from me, only for me to regain it again. Now the one shot Dandelion included in Volume 1 of the original manga is being adapted into a Netflix original series. Thank you. Once again, I will learn what is important in life, lose even more, and then try to regain it. I have long since prepared myself. While feeling as though I am stepping into the world of Gintama, I hope you will warmly support this work that carries Sorachi’s spirit and the Silver Soul throughout.”

■Yasuo Suda, Animation Producer
“I first received this project proposal in 2020. Starting from the script, through animation, sound, and performances, many passionate people participated over a long period, allowing us to create the series with great care. I love the atmosphere that Sorachi sensei’s Dandelion evokes. For this adaptation as well, an outstanding staff demonstrated their skills in every section to bring that world to life. Please be sure to watch the anime Dandelion.”

■Daichi Nagatomi, Netflix Anime Creative Executive Producer
“The anime Dandelion is a bold and risky endeavor to turn Sorachi sensei’s debut one shot manga into a seven episode series, together with Shueisha, the Weekly Shonen Jump editorial team, the production studio NAZ, and the Netflix anime production team. Netflix was once teased in a promotional video for the Gintama film, but this time our entire staff devoted themselves to becoming new nourishment for Sorachi sensei by giving their all to the production. We hope that those who are tired from the many challenges of the mortal world will be able to enjoy this series at their own pace, even if only a little.”

Source : ORICON NEWS