One of 2024’s best new anime,Dandadan,has reached the final episode of its wildly popular first season. A series defined by its incredible blend of genres, strong character writing, and absurd plot elements, fans have fallen in love with the weird and wonderful paranormal adventures of Momo and Okarun. And amidst all the strange plot developments throughout the anime,Dandadanhasn’t missed an opportunity to cite its inspirations, or occasionally throw in a random pop culture reference.
Whether it be withcallbacks to influential series likeUltramanand Science SARU’s ownDevilman Crybaby, or references to popular music by ABBA,Dandadanseems to enjoy checking if its viewers are paying close enough attention to catch its smaller details. The season finale, titled, “Let’s Go to the Cursed House”, also contains an unexpected reference, and this timethe series' calls back to one of the greatest sports anime of all-time.
Jiji and Okarun Sing the Slam Dunk Themes
Okarun Begins Singing the Slam Dunk Ending Song, Jiji Counters With the Opening
The arrival of Jiji marks the beginning of a character shiftfor one-half ofDandadan’s dual protagonists, Okarun. Childhood friend of Momo and quintessential ‘cool’ guy,Jiji immediately strikes Okarun as a threatin his quest for Momo’s heart. The dynamic between the two characters doesn’t exactly play out that way, however, as Jiji quickly reveals that he’s just a big goofball. Watching his new rival and first love hitting it off, Okarun steps in and surrounds Jiji, boxing him out from getting close to Momo.
Complete with the sounds of squeaking shoes, Okarun begins scream-singing “Anata Dake Mitsumeteru”,the first ending theme of 1993’s anime adaptation ofSlam Dunk, while showing off foot speed that would surely impress some basketball scouts. The intimidation tactic doesn’t quite work out in his favor, though, as Jiji just as quickly jumps into the act while singingSlam Dunk’s first opening theme, “Kimi Ga Suki da to Sakebitai”.
The one-sided rivalry betweenDandadan’s two primary male cast members ends in a one-sided defeat. Not only does Jiji play into the reference perfectly, but is able to match Okarun’s impressive speed. With his size, the basketball scouts would surely notice Jiji’s raw athleticism first. The complete lack of awareness on his part of what Okarun was actually trying to do is not only humorous butspeaks to the relationship building between them.
Jiji and Okarun Are Dandadan’s Version of Slam Dunk’s Rukawa and Sakuragi
Dandadan’s Rivals Call-Back to Slam Dunk’s Frenemies
TheSlam Dunkreference may seem entirely random on the surface, but there is a connection to be made. Okarun’s feelings toward Jijiare very reminiscent of Sakuragi’s intense jealousy of Rukawain one of the most iconic sports anime ever. Sakuragi, a less than qualified basketball player, couldn’t stand the immensely talented and fawned over Rukawa, who just so happened to be the primary love interest of Sakuragi’s crush, Haruko. The parallels are very much there, though Jiji is far kinder than Rukawa ever was.
Dandadan’s first season has officially come to a close, but just before it reached its endpoint, the series simply had to include one more reference to another incredibly popular anime. Fans shouldn’t be too disappointed at the conclusion, however, asDandadan’s second seasonwas officially announced to begin airing in July 2025. Viewers haven’t been able to get enough of 2024’s most exciting new anime,and won’t have to wait very long for more.
Dandadan
Cast
Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
