Summary
- Dandadan’s success is attributed to the chemistry between voice actors Shion Wakayama and Natsuki Hanae, who elevate the anime experience.
- Wakayama and Hanae’s portrayal of Momo and Okarun creates a strong connection, supported by mutual respect and friendship off-screen.
- The voice actors’ camaraderie, showcased in a podcast and shared meals, contributes to the seamless and entertaining on-screen relationship.
As a longtime fan of anime and manga, I have had the pleasure of witnessing many exceptional collaborations between voice actors that bring characters to life in breathtaking ways. Among these collaborations, none have left me as captivated and enchanted as the dynamic duo of Shion Wakayama (voice of Momo Ayase) and Hiroshi Kamiya (voice of Okarun).
The animated version of Yukinobu Tatsu’s “Dandadan,” produced by Science SARU (known for “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off”), is undeniably one of the most eagerly awaited and acclaimed anime titles of 2024. Ever since its premiere during the Fall 2024 anime season, it has swept the globe, leaving a lasting impact with its initial release and maintaining that impact through innovative visuals, music, and narrative twists.
In addition to other factors contributing to its success, Dandadan’s popularity as both a manga and an anime can be attributed to Shion Wakayama and Natsuki Hanae, who lend their vocal talents to the main characters Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura. Their exceptional chemistry not only enriches but also elevates the viewing experience of Dandadan’s anime adaptation.
Behind the Scenes
About the Voice Actors
Previously, it was noted that Momo Ayase and Okarun are voiced by Shion Wakayama and Natsuki Hanae respectively. Seasoned anime enthusiasts will likely recognize Hanae, whose extensive voice acting career includes the Tokyo Ghoul main character Ken Kaneki, a character reminiscent of Ken Takakura; and Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist from Demon Slayer. In 2015, Hanae received the Best Rookie award at the 9th Seiyū Awards.
In a short span of time, Hanae (born on June 26, 1991) has become known for voicing the archetypal “good guy” protagonist in anime. However, he has also ventured into portraying villains or non-heroic characters. Lately, he voiced Sternritter V – The Visionary in BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War, Gremmy Thoumeaux from the same series, and Beam, the Shark Fiend, in Chainsaw Man. Given Okarun’s quirky yet determined character, it seems like a logical choice to cast Hanae.
| Most Notable Roles of the Dandadan Main Pair | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shion Wakayama | Natsuki Hanae | ||||||
| Role | Title | Year | Role | Title | Year | ||
| Aoi Aioi | Her Blue Sky | 2019 | Kosei Arima | Your Lie in April | 2014 | ||
| Nanahoshi | Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation | 2021– | Ken Kaneki | Tokyo Ghoul | 2014-2018 | ||
| Sawa Echizen | Farewell, My Dear Cramer: First Touch | 2021 | Takumi Aldini | Shokugeki no Soma (Food Wars) | 2015–2019 | ||
| Takina | Lycoris Recoil | 2022 | Tanjiro Kamado | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba | 2019–2025 | ||
| Yukari | Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead | 2023– | Falco Grice | Attack on Titan: The Final Season | 2020–2023 | ||
| Ohara | Pokemon: Paldean Wind | 2023 | Vanitas | The Case Study of Vanitas | 2021– | ||
| Lemon Yakishio | Too Many Losing Heroines | 2024– | Shinpei Ajiro | Summer Time Rendering | 2022 | ||
| Hinageshi Usuzumi | Momentary Lily | 2025 | Yoichi Nagumo | Sakamoto Days | 2025– | ||
Shion Wakayama, born on February 10, 1998, is a fresh face in the anime industry. Her debut voice acting role was in the 2019 series “Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise” where she portrayed Hinata Mukai. After that, Wakayama has taken on several key roles in various anime productions. Notably, her first major role was as Aoi Aioi in the 2019 film “Her Blue Sky”, produced by CloverWorks. She also played Shizuka Nanahoshi in the popular isekai series “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” of 2021, Takina Inoue in “Lycoris Recoil” from 2022, Yukari in “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead”, and Lemon Yakishio in the upcoming Spring 2024 comedy series “Too Many Losing Heroines”.
As a passionate admirer, I’ve been captivated by the limited yet breathtaking roles that Wakayama has graced us with. Her performances have showcased an extraordinary level of self-assurance and versatility in the array of characters she’s brought to life. This versatility earned her the prestigious Best New Actor Award at the 17th Seiyū Awards in 2023. Her “it-factor” truly shines, particularly in her portrayal of Momo Ayase in the captivating series, Dandadan.
Why Do They Work So Well Together?
A Match For the Ages
In the series, Wakayama and Hanae have formed a strong foundation for their on-screen bond, and they complement each other in a way that enhances the outstanding chemistry between them. Their friendship began on set, making it even more remarkable, as if their characters were destined to forge this connection. It’s intriguing to note that these voice actors have both been awarded “Best Newcomer/Rookie” at the Seiyū Awards eight years apart from each other.
Outside the booth, it’s evident they hold deep respect for one another’s work and a friendship that could extend beyond their professional bond. MBS broadcasts a podcast named “Dandadan Washitsu” on its YouTube channel (for English speakers, translations are available from “k o n p e i” on YouTube). Here, voice actors engage, joke, and discuss their individual roles in a casual setting, revealing the camaraderie between the series’ voice actors.
Initially, when I started reading Dandadan, my initial impression was ‘Wow, isn’t this artwork absolutely stunning?’ The quality of the illustrations was exceptional, and the storyline flowed smoothly, keeping me engaged. The emotions portrayed were so vivid that I found it hard to put the book down.
– Shion Wakayama, voice of Momo Ayase
In a podcast discussion, Nana Mizuki, the voice actor for Seiko, referred to Shion Wakayama as “Momo in the flesh”, implying that Wakayama is an ideal match for the character. Mizuki suggests that this compatibility could be one factor contributing to the outstanding chemistry between Wakayama and Hanae, who alongside Ayane Sakura (Aira’s voice actor) make an effort to create a welcoming environment for Wakayama during their collaborative work. According to Mizuki, Hanae and Wakayama share a strong bond off-set, frequently dining together, which mirrors the in-story relationship between Momo and Okarun in the universe.
In the role of Momo, one might find it overwhelming, yet Hanae and other seasoned voice artists have demonstrated remarkable professionalism by not just excelling in their supporting roles within the studio but also off-screen. Their camaraderie in Dandadan‘s Washitsu is evident, with their friendly banter suggesting a bond that extends beyond the series. It’s possible that this chemistry thrives due to their close relationship both during and after working hours.
Dandadan is available to watch on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
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2024-12-15 21:05