Dandelion, the debut one-shot by Gintama creator Hideaki Sorachi, is officially getting an anime adaptation by studio NAZ. The one-shot was first published in Weekly Shonen Jump after receiving an Honorable Mention at the 71st Tenkaichi Manga Awards in 2002, while it also appeared in Volume 1 of Gintama.
The series will have a total of 7 episodes, releasing in April 2026 on Netflix. The anime will be directed by Daisuke Mataga, with series composition by Yosuke Suzuki and character design by Aoi Asari. The main cast includes:
- Chikahiro Kobayashi as Tetsuo Tanba
- Megumi Han as Misaki Kurogane
The anime will feature many original episodes and will reveal previously untold backstories for Tetsuo and Misaki.
You can see comments from the staff and cast below.
Hideaki Sorachi (Original Creator)
“I usually avoid rereading my debut work because it’s embarrassing, but somehow Netflix has dug it up and expanded it into an anime. Apparently Netflix doesn’t know the meaning of delicacy. Still, since this is happening, maybe I’ll go see those guys again for the first time in 20 years.”
Daisuke Mataga (Director)
“Dandelion is truly interesting both as a comedy and as a drama, and I’m very happy to take on the challenge of adapting it into anime. At the same time, I felt a lot of pressure and anxiety about whether fans would enjoy it. From the scenario development stage, the Weekly Shonen Jump editorial team was involved, and with such a strong team we were able to take the time to carefully create this work. I hope fans of Gintama and fans of Dandelion alike will enjoy it.”
Chikahiro Kobayashi (Voice of Tetsuo Tanba)
“When I first started voice acting, I appeared in the Gintama anime and encountered the original manga. I remember thinking, ‘Why am I laughing so hard and yet feeling like crying at the same time?’ I’m honored to appear in a work by Sorachi-sensei. Recording was something I looked forward to every time. This series will make you laugh a lot and feel deeply moved. The characters may seem laid-back, but they have convictions and choose to live that way. We approached the work by balancing that relaxed tone with moments where things really hit hard. I hope this becomes a story that stays in your hearts.”
Megumi Han (Voice of Misaki Kurogane)
“I encountered Gintama in my formative years and still can’t leave it behind. Even now I feel like a lingering ghost, constantly pulled back in despite all the ‘final endings.’ The story teaches you important things about being human, while also taking things away and then helping you regain them. I’m grateful that Dandelion, the one-shot included in Volume 1, is becoming a Netflix original series. I feel like I’m stepping into the world of Gintama, but this work carries Sorachi’s unique spirit and ‘Silver Soul.’ Please look forward to it.”
Yasuo Suda (Animation Producer)
“We first received this project proposal in 2020. Starting with the scripts and continuing through animation, sound, and performances, many passionate people participated over a long period, allowing us to carefully produce this series. I love the atmosphere Sorachi-sensei created in Dandelion, and I believe our talented staff brought that world to life on screen. Please be sure to watch the anime Dandelion.”
Daichi Nagatomi (Netflix Anime Creative Executive Producer)
“This anime adaptation of Dandelion is a bold and dangerous undertaking by Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump editorial team, studio NAZ, and the Netflix anime production team, turning Sorachi-sensei’s debut one-shot into a seven-episode series. Netflix was teased in promotional videos for the Gintama films, but we devoted ourselves fully to becoming Sorachi-sensei’s new ‘source of nourishment.’ We hope people tired from everyday life can enjoy this series at their own pace.”
Source: Oricon, Netflix Official X
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