Dandadan: A Shift in Tone and a Reflection on Society

Dandadan

The anime Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu was recently released in October, and after hearing about the buzz surrounding Episode 7, my wife and I decided to give it a try. Neither of us knew anything about the series beforehand, and to be honest, the first four episodes were difficult to sit through. While she decided to quit watching, I persisted until Episode 7.

After watching it, I could understand why people were talking about this episode—it felt like a completely different series. The tone shifted dramatically, introducing a level of depth and emotion that the earlier episodes lacked.

A Unique Premise with Humor and Supernatural Elements

The story revolves around two main characters: an otaku who fervently believes in aliens and a high school girl whose grandmother is a spirit medium, making her a firm believer in ghosts. They clash over their beliefs, only to discover that both aliens and ghosts exist. This realization grants them supernatural powers, and the series delivers plenty of gags and lighthearted moments.

However, Episode 7 changes everything. The tone grows darker and delves deeper into character development. The ghost introduced in this episode has a backstory that is revealed in striking detail, showing her life before death and even depicting certain moments from her perspective. This level of realism and emotional depth was a stark contrast to the lighter tone of previous episodes. Without spoiling too much, I can say that the story becomes unexpectedly touching and thought-provoking.

Episode 7: Lessons Beneath the Supernatural

If the following episodes maintain this level of storytelling, Dandadan might turn into something extraordinary. It challenges the viewer to think outside the box—to question what we assume is unchangeable in life.

The ghost’s backstory in Episode 7 highlights two sobering themes:

  1. The dominance of money: The ghost’s life illustrates how the pursuit of money for survival can lead to tragedy. She made sacrifices to care for her young daughter, and this eventually led to her demise.
  2. The randomness of birth: From the moment we are born, we are thrust into a society shaped by factors beyond our control—our caretakers, our environment, and societal systems. These elements have a profound impact on our development, and they can often feel like an overwhelming jungle.

A Call for Change: A World Beyond Money

The series made me reflect on how money shouldn’t dictate access to basic needs. I believe we should create a system where fundamental necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare are guaranteed to all, independent of financial status.

This shift wouldn’t necessarily overhaul the existing system entirely. Most people would still strive for more than just the bare minimum, but ensuring these basic rights would bring about a dramatic and positive shift in society. For instance, companies that provide essential goods and services could operate with minimal or no taxation, incentivizing them to support this vision.

The Role of Education in a Better Society

A reimagined education system could lay the groundwork for a more unified world. By fostering an understanding that we are all citizens of the world, we can minimize cultural and racial discrimination. Teaching common values—respect, humility, and wellness—would provide a shared foundation for how we live and interact with others.

This kind of systemic change would help create individuals who care not just for their families but for the well-being of all humanity. It would instill the idea that we should care for others, regardless of their culture, language, or proximity to us.

A Shared Responsibility for Change

Change must start at the roots to produce meaningful and lasting effects. If we focus on creating a world where people genuinely care for one another and the environment, we can reshape society into one that prioritizes the collective well-being of all human beings.

What do you think? Could a world where basic needs are guaranteed, and education fosters global unity, truly change the way we live? Let’s discuss!

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