Anime
The spokon Hono no Tokyujo Dodge Danko reveals trailer and confirms its premiere for July
Studio CUE brings back this classic 90s dodgeball anime with a new generation.
Lately, the sports genre seems obsessed with selfish forwards or unbreakable volleyball teams, forgetting that in the 90s the real terror was dodging balls to the face. Dodgeball claims its place on the court, and this time the new generation is ready to leave no one standing. The animated adaptation of Hono no Tokyujo Dodge Danko Dodgeball(Hono no Tokyujo Dodge Danko) marked on the calendar this Monday that its first episode will officially premiere next June 6. Those in Japanese territory can see an exclusive preview of the first two episodes on June 21 at the Shinjuku Wald 9 cinemas in Tokyo. This announcement came with a new promotional video on its website that lets us hear the energy of the opening performed by the group Momoiro Clover Z, contrasting with the ending by the idol unit iRis.
The voice cast
New additions
- Sumire Uesaka as Hako Mikasa. (Known for voicing Hayase Nagatoro in Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san and Shalltear in Overlord).
- Kanna Nakamura as Hayami Hiura. (Known for her role as Urushi Yaotome in Soredemo Ayumu wa Yosetekuru).
- Yuka Iguchi as Jyuri Igarashi. (The unmistakable voice of Myne in Honzuki no Gekokujou and Index in Toaru Majutsu no Index).
- Satomi Akesaka as Ruka Sakamoto. (Remembered for playing the relentless Esdeath in Akame ga Kill!).
- Fairouz Ai as Zoe. (Who brought us the chaotic Power in Chainsaw Man and Jolyne Cujoh in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure).
- Mariya Ise as Ran Midou. (The legendary voice of Killua Zoldyck in Hunter x Hunter and Ray in The Promised Neverland).
Previously confirmed cast
- Manaka Nakayama as Danko Ichigeki. (An emerging seiyuu taking the lead role in this sequel).
- Kaori Maeda as Chinko Kobotoke. (The charming Shizuku Osaka in Love Live! Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Doukoukai).
- Akira Sekine as Mochiko Etai. (Who voices Princess in Princess Principal).
- Yo Taichi as Susan Canon. (Known for his work as Kenya Kobayashi in Erased).
- Yuki Sasahara as Honey Otohana. (The sweet Emilico in Shadows House).
- Katsuyuki Konishi as Danpei Ichigeki in his adult version. (The explosive Tengen Uzui in Kimetsu no Yaiba and Kamina in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann).
- Tetsu Inada as Chinnen Kobotoke. (The imposing Endeavor in Boku no Hero Academia).
- Yuki Wakai as Peiko Nikaido. (Known for her role as Leona West in PriPara).
- Noriko Hidaka returning to her classic role as the original Danpei (in flashbacks) and acting as narrator. (The eternal Akane Tendo in Ranma 1/2).
The production team
Behind the deadly matches is Studio CUE, with Hiroshi Ikehata in the director’s chair. The overall script is handled by Kazuho Hyodo, ensuring the comedic pace doesn’t falter during competition, and the character designs that maintain that classic essence are courtesy of Narihito Sekikawa, who also serves as chief animation director. Today’s update added several heavyweights to the technical team: Masahiro Sato takes on art direction, Ryo Kimura handles color design, and Yasunori Iwasaki and Ren Tsukagoshi compose the frantic soundtrack under the careful supervision of the sound director Yuichi Imaizumi.
About Hono no Tokyujo Dodge Danko
If the protagonist’s surname sounds familiar and you’re already greying, it’s because you’re looking at the direct sequel to the very own Hono no Tokyuji Dodge Danpei, that iconic manga by Tetsuhiro Koshita that dominated the industry between 1989 and 1995. This new chapter of the franchise began serialization in November 2022 through the website Weekly CoroCoro Comic, recently releasing its sixth compiled volume under Shogakukan’s label in August 2025.
The premise remains a purebred spokon, but this time it passes the torch to Danko Ichigeki, the daughter of legendary Danpei. Her only goal in life is to form the strongest dodgeball team of the current era, facing tough rivals while forging unbreakable bonds with her teammates. Basically, it’s a pure retro adrenaline injection mixed with modern anime sports sensibilities, proving that some formulas never really age.
With this wave of sequels to classic sports franchises hitting hard, are you excited to see how new generations take up the legacy of their parents, or are you one of those who believe these stories should remain untouched in the treasure chest of 90s memories?
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