Reviving Hono no Tokyuji as a sequel anime is a great nostalgia play because the original ran in the early 90s and is iconic for older fans, so picking it back up with a new generation introduces classic dodgeball action to new viewers. Sumire Uesaka leading the new cast is also a strong pull since she brings real personality to whatever role she lands in, and seeing her anchor the dodgeball squad should give the series solid energy. i☆Ris and Momoiro Clover Z on the theme songs is a stacked music lineup too because pairing two well-known idol groups for the opening and ending gives the anime serious sonic firepower right out of the gate. And CUE handling sports action is a refreshing studio fit because the dodgeball genre needs dynamic action choreography, and a smaller studio leaning into a passion project often delivers more energy than expected.

A brand-new trailer was released for the Hono no Tokyujo: Dodge Danko anime today, revealing a July 6 at 23:00 JST start date for Japanese television and six additional cast members amongst intense displays of dodgeball action. The series' ending and opening theme songs — "Welcome to Azatosa World" by i☆Ris and "Kaishin no Ichigeki" by Momoiro Clover Z, respectively — are also featured.

Hono no Tokyujo: Dodge Danko Anime Main Trailer

New Cast Additions

• Hako Mikasa voiced by Sumire Uesaka

• Hayami Hiura voiced by Kanna Nakamura

• Juri Igarashi voiced by Yuka Iguchi

• Ruka Sakamoto voiced by Satomi Akesaka

• Zoe voiced by Fairouz Ai

• Ran Mido voiced by Mariya Ise

Production Staff

• Director: Hiroshi Ikehata (WITCH WATCH)

• Series Composition: Kazuho Hyodo (TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You)

• Character Designs: Narihito Sekikawa (TsumaSho)

• Music: Yasunori Iwasaki and Ren Tsukagoshi

• Studio: CUE

About the Series

The original Hono no Tokyuji: Dodge Danpei manga ran in Shogakukan's CoroCoro Comic magazine from 1989 to 1995 and was adapted into a 47-episode anime that broadcast from October 1991, along with several video games. The sequel manga, subtitled Dodge Danko, has been serialized on the Weekly CoroCoro Comic website since November 2022.

The Story

A new generation of dodgeball warriors picks up the torch in this sequel to the classic Hono no Tokyuji: Dodge Danpei, blending high-energy sports action with the spirit and intensity that made the original a beloved 90s favorite. The series follows a fresh squad of players battling it out in fierce dodgeball showdowns, carrying forward the legacy of one of CoroCoro Comic's most iconic series.

Premiere Information

Hono no Tokyujo: Dodge Danko is set to begin broadcasting in Japan on July 6 at 23:00 JST.

How are you feeling about Hono no Tokyujo: Dodge Danko bringing back the dodgeball action for a new generation? Is Sumire Uesaka as Hako Mikasa the casting choice that's selling you on the anime, or is the i☆Ris and Momoiro Clover Z music lineup the part that's pulling you in for the July 6 premiere? Let us know in the comments.