Let me hear you scream! Episode 6 of DanDaDan rocks the stage and delivers plenty of slice-of-life charm. It cannot be understated how much passion and effort has gone into this anime. Dedication to the small and large details elevate it to new levels of amazement.
SPOILER WARNING for Episode 6
Rated 16+ for Sexual Violence, Smoking, Suggestive Dialogue, Suicide, Violence
The Power of Rock Compels You, Begone Spirit
Let’s take a moment to fully appreciate the layers of references that went into the first scene of this episode. Grandma Seiko hires a group of hayashi, musicians who usually perform for No and kabuki theatre, to help with Jiji’s exorcism. This particular group strongly resembles the real life band X Japan. They were a Japanese rock band and considered pioneers of the “visual kei” style, hence the glam rock aesthetic. In the anime, the hayashi perform “Hunting Soul,” an original song. For the English dub, the hayashi vocalist is played by Marc Hudson, lead vocalist of the power metal band Dragon Force. His English performance of “Hunting Soul” is beyond description. Everything in this scene came together so beautifully. It will go down as one of the most iconic moments of the 2025 season.
After that hell-raising performance, Jiji convinces Grandma Seiko to let the Evil Eye live and everyone vows to get stronger. From there, the anime transitions back to daily life. Ironically, the background details end up getting the most laughs. Aira and Momo constantly squabble in the background trading insults like “pig” and “fugly.” Jiji sends off the other three to school with exuberant goodbyes and gets completely ignored. When Momo’s friends force Okarun to go out with them, the background people stare and take photos. These bits and gags only work because the main characters are so well defined. The comedy writes itself and keeps what otherwise might have been boring scenes engaging and fun. We end on the biggest punchline of the episode, Momo working at a maid café.
Final Thoughts
DanDaDan once again demonstrates why it is the master of highs and lows. The musical number, stunning. The character acting, on point. The comedy, still kicking. This is a case of artistic expression truly transforming the original work into something all its own. Casting Marc Hudson and producing an English version of “Hunting Soul” is going the extra mile and the final product is stronger for it. The cinematography is clearly rooted in traditional filmmaking with a trained eye for composition and storytelling (anyone catch the Back to the Future reference?). Even as the show veers into slice-of-life territory, you can bet it will still be a great time.
Scorecard
Art and Animation: 5/5
- That concert was incredible
- Head bang for the win
- Detailed backgrounds establish a convincing sense of place
Story and Characters: 4/5
- Everyone really stepped up their development
- Fun and cute facial expressions
- A much needed break from the bizarre
Sound and Presentation: 5/5
- ROCK! ON!
- ROCK! ON!
- ROCK! ON!
Occult Corner: Exorcism
In Shinto, the formative religion of Japan, “harae” refers to the general practice of ritual purification. There are several methods such as standing under a waterfall while chanting a prayer and placing salt mounds in front of businesses to deter evil spirits. In terms of exorcism, the ritual is meant to purify a person’s internal pollution and uncleanliness referred to as kegare. It’s common for the presiding priest to use an onusa, a wooden wand with ceremonial shide paper braids. Music is also an important component of “harae.” Its purpose varies depending on the specific ritual, but was generally used as a way to attract the kami’s attention.
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