DAN DA DAN 'Hunting Soul' Controversy Resolved: MBS and Yoshiki Forge Mutual Understanding

A month after sparking a significant debate within the anime and music industries, the controversy surrounding DAN DA DAN's viral insert song, "Hunting Soul," has reached a collaborative resolution. The track, widely recognized for its strong resemblance to X JAPAN's iconic sound and the distinctive style of its legendary leader, Yoshiki, initially raised concerns from the artist himself. Yoshiki publicly voiced his confusion and initiated legal inquiries over the striking similarities to X JAPAN's renowned anthem, "Kurenai." This led to the swift removal of "Hunting Soul" from prominent Japanese music streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Mora. The sudden disappearance of a song that had garnered over 10 million YouTube views and become a highlight of the anime's second season sent ripples of alarm through its dedicated fanbase and industry observers alike.

A Path to Resolution and Future Collaboration

However, a path forward has been forged. During a press conference held on September 27 to discuss upcoming autumn programming, Kohei Yagi, MBS Television's general programming director, announced a pivotal development. He confirmed that extensive and constructive dialogue had taken place between the DAN DA DAN anime production committee and Yoshiki's representatives. This crucial exchange culminated in a mutual understanding, with both parties expressing a commitment to collaborative future endeavors. MBS, acknowledging the oversight, issued an apology for the lack of advance notification regarding the homage paid to Yoshiki and X JAPAN, further indicating that discussions are actively underway to explore potential creative partnerships moving forward.

Despite the initial legal friction, Yoshiki himself has maintained a largely positive outlook on the series. He remarked that he found the musical tribute engaging and expressed genuine interest in delving into the anime. Industry speculation points towards an internal communication breakdown within the broader Sony corporate family as a possible root cause of the dispute. This theory suggests a disconnect between Sony Music Publishing, which holds the rights to "Kurenai," and Milan Records, a Sony subsidiary responsible for distributing "Hunting Soul." The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate legal and creative challenges that arise when anime productions draw inspiration from real-world musical influences.

This resolution marks a significant triumph for DAN DA DAN, an acclaimed series that had already secured its third season amidst burgeoning popularity. As the anime continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of supernatural action, sharp comedy, and dynamic musical elements, this newly established mutual understanding between the production team and Yoshiki's camp establishes a vital precedent. It underscores the importance of respecting iconic inspirations while simultaneously championing creative freedom. Fans are now eagerly anticipating how "Hunting Soul" will be reintegrated or addressed in future contexts and harbor hopes for exciting new collaborations that might emerge from this unexpected chapter.