Tatsu Yukinobu's manga "Dandadan" has been a runaway hit on "Shonen Jump+" since 2021. With its wild worldview blending UMAs, aliens, and various occult elements with unpredictable battle action, it took the world by storm with its 2024 TV anime adaptation. With Season 3 already slated for 2027, the hype is only growing.
But amidst the high-octane chaos, a massive mystery remains—one tied to the very title of the work: What exactly is "Dandadan"?
In this article, we’ll look back at the story so far to theorize the true identity of the "Dandadan," arguably the series' biggest enigma. We’ll also dive into the motives of the mysterious Count Saint-Germain, the man pulling strings from the shadows.
※Warning: This article contains spoilers up to the latest chapters of the "Dandadan" manga. Read at your own risk!
What is "Dandadan"?
The word "Dandadan"—the title we've all been chanting—first appeared within the actual story after the grueling battle against the "Fairytale Playing Cards," a supernatural entity that was sealed inside a Cursed Trunk.
The one who stole the power from the released "Fairytale Playing Cards" was none other than Count Saint-Germain, a self-proclaimed "Occult Collector." He cryptically asked the entity, "Are you familiar with 'Dandadan'?"
Up until that point, "Dandadan" was nothing more than the title on the cover. This moment sent shockwaves through the fandom. Fans everywhere were buzzing: "Wait, 'Dandadan' isn't just a catchy title?!"
However, for a long while after that, the meaning of the word remained shrouded in mystery.
As the story progressed, Saint-Germain's goals and his connection to the Delacroix family’s grand plan slowly came to light. From these revelations, a compelling hypothesis regarding the nature of "Dandadan" has emerged.
Let’s break down Saint-Germain’s movements and see if we can unmask the "Dandadan."
Count Saint-Germain and the Delacroix Family's Ambition
Known as the "Hyper Geezer" to Turbo Granny and posing as "Mr. Sanjome" at Momo's high school, Count Saint-Germain remains an enigma. What we do know is that he’s currently a consultant hired by Vlado, the prince of the Delacroix family—one of the world's elite "Great Houses."
The Delacroix family, once on the brink of ruin, is now scheming to claw its way back to the top of the 13 aristocratic families. To achieve this, Vlado enlisted the occult expertise of Saint-Germain.
Vlado’s weapon of choice? The power of Yokai. The Delacroix family has expanded into Japan to harvest Yokai powers as military strength. Vlado is currently absorbing the power of the "Fairytale Playing Cards" acquired by Saint-Germain and is seeking six more Curses to unlock his true potential.
The real question is: Why is Saint-Germain collecting these powers?
[Theory] Is the "Ultimate Yokai" actually "Dandadan"?
Let’s return to the core question: What is "Dandadan"?
In Chapter 163, where the word first appeared, the background of Saint-Germain’s speech featured a diagram resembling a Mandala. (Note: A Mandala is a Buddhist or esoteric art piece representing the universe or the state of enlightenment.)
The Mandala imagery returned in Chapter 211. In this scene, Saint-Germain declared his intent to "create the Ultimate Yokai." In the background, Vlado is shown sitting on a mechanical, throne-like chair connected to a massive device made of concentric circles. This device looks strikingly similar to the Mandala design from Chapter 163.
Connecting these dots, it seems Saint-Germain’s true goal isn't just buffing the Delacroix family's military might, but rather the birth of an "Ultimate Yokai."
Our theory? This "Ultimate Yokai" is the "Dandadan."
Furthermore, consider Saint-Germain’s title as an "Occult Collector." For a man who has spent a lifetime gathering every ghost and cryptid imaginable, the "Ultimate Yokai" would be the crown jewel of his collection.
If we look at it through this lens, Saint-Germain’s actions take on a darker tone. While he appears to be Vlado's ally, he might be setting the stage to transform Vlado himself into the "Ultimate Yokai"—the "Dandadan"—only to claim that power for his own collection in the end.
While this is still speculation, given that the term "Dandadan" came from Saint-Germain's mouth and he is obsessed with creating the "Ultimate Yokai," the connection feels almost certain.
Interestingly, Chapter 225 is titled "The Ultimate Yokai." In this episode, "Hanako-san of the Toilet" single-handedly decimated three assassins sent by the Delacroix family. (Could Hanako-san be the wild card capable of rivaling the "Dandadan"...?)
Delacroix Family vs. Okarun’s Crew—The Current Conflict
Where do we stand now? Vlado’s Delacroix family has already stolen powers from Momo and her friends, securing five Curses. The final piece they need is the "Turbo Granny's power."
However, Okarun has already returned the power he borrowed to the Turbo Granny herself, meaning he no longer possesses what they're looking for. Despite this, the Delacroix family is still hunting him. They likely don't realize he's "empty."
That said, the Delacroix family's forces are terrifying. Between Saint-Germain, the aristocrat "Red Baron" (who wielded the "Heavy Smoker Geezer" power before Vlado absorbed it), and the "Dragon Knights" (Doranai) loyal to Vlado, Okarun and the gang are backed into a corner.
But a new player has entered the game: the "Yatagarasu." For fans of Japanese urban legends, this name is legendary—a secret society rumored to have protected Japan since ancient times.
While the specifics of the Yatagarasu in the world of "Dandadan" are still vague, they’ve acted as allies so far, performing rituals to break Momo’s curse and rescuing Okarun from certain death.
If the Delacroix family manages to crush the Yatagarasu and seize the Turbo Granny's power, Vlado will likely ascend as the "Ultimate Yokai" with overwhelming strength.
When that happens, what will Saint-Germain do? And how will Momo and her friends, having lost their powers, stand against the Delacroix family?
As the mystery of "Dandadan" deepens, we can't take our eyes off this series!
"Dandadan Season 3" Project Info
Synopsis
Momo (Ayase Momo), a high school girl from a family of spirit mediums, and her classmate Okarun (Ken Takakura), an occult fanatic.
The two start talking after Momo rescues Okarun from class bullies. However, a heated argument breaks out: Momo believes in ghosts but denies aliens, while Okarun believes in aliens but denies ghosts.
To prove each other wrong, Momo heads to a ruined hospital known for UFO sightings, and Okarun goes to a haunted tunnel.
There, they encounter overwhelming paranormal phenomena that defy all logic. In the heat of the moment, Momo awakens her hidden power while Okarun gains the power of a curse. Together, they take on the approaching supernatural threats! Could this also be the start of a fated romance?!
The high-octane occult battle and coming-of-age story begins!
Cast
Momo (Ayase Momo): Shion Wakayama
Okarun (Ken Takakura): Natsuki Hanae
Seiko: Nana Mizuki
Ayla (Aira Shiratori): Ayane Sakura
Jiji (Jin Enjoji): Kaito Ishikawa
Manjiro: Hiroyuki Yoshino
Kinta Sakata: Daichi Fujiwara
Turbo Granny: Mayumi Tanaka
Dover Demon: Tomokazu Seki
Taro: Tomokazu Sugita
Hana: Fumi Hirano
Naki Kito: Masako Isobe
Evil Eye: Bin Shimada
Chiquitita: Naomi Ohzora
© Yukinobu Tatsu/SHUEISHA, Dandadan Production Committee
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
