Image Credit: Netflix
Netflix has officially confirmed that Gintama creator Hideki Sorachi’s first one-shot manga Dandelion is being adapted into an anime series. Produced by Studio NAZ, the limited series is scheduled to arrive on Netflix globally in April 2026.
Fans of the famous sci-fi comedy Gintama have a new reason to celebrate. Netflix announced on Friday that they have greenlit a serial adaptation of Hideki Sorachi’s debut work, Dandelion.
Originally published in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2002 and later included in the first volume of the Gintama manga, Dandelion was the work that launched Sorachi’s career. While the source material was a “one-shot” (a standalone story), Netflix has confirmed that the anime adaptation will be expanded into a seven-episode series.
The announcement follows a teaser campaign MysteriousWhich culminated with the April premiere window with an official reveal of the cast and crew. That original post on X received more than 5 million views.
In true Gintama fashion, creator Hideki Sorachi released a self-deprecating comment regarding the adaptation of his first work, poking fun at the streaming giant.
“I’m embarrassed by my first novel, so I don’t reread it, but they’ve dug it up, made it into an anime, and expanded on it in various ways. It seems like Netflix doesn’t have the word ‘fragility.’ But I might take the opportunity to go and meet those guys for the first time in 20 years.”
Netflix anime creative executive producer Daichi Nagatomi also took note of the production, noting the risk involved in expanding a short story into a full series:
“The anime Dandelion is a bold and risky move by the editors of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump… who turned Sorachi-sensei’s first one-shot manga into a seven-episode series. Netflix was mocked in a promotional video for the Gintama film, but the entire staff worked hard to create the anime… in hopes of providing new livelihood for Sorachi-sensei.”
When will Dandelion be released on Netflix?
Netflix has confirmed that Dandelion will begin streaming exclusively on the platform in April 2026, though a specific date has not been confirmed yet.
Image Credit: Netflix
What is the plot of Dandelion?
Expanding on the original premise of the manga anime follows supernatural (and bureaucracy) The adventures of the “Japan Angel Federation Sendoff Department”.
The story focuses on two elite agents: Tetsuo Tanaba and Misaki Kurogane. Their job is to locate earthly souls who cannot go to the afterlife due to prolonged regrets. Unlike other divisions, which may expedite the process, the “Dandelion” Division takes a more personal approach, listening to the souls’ regrets and helping them resolve their unfinished business so they can move on in peace.
The series is described as a mix of comedy and drama – a signature mix for Sorachi – featuring a fiery hero with a scary face but kind heart and a deceitful partner who looks like a girl but is a formidable force.
Who’s in the cast and staff?
The cast is led by two experienced voice actors who are no strangers to Sorachi’s work.
Chikahiro Kobayashi (known for Animal And Golden Kamuy) will voice Tetsuo Tanba. Kobayashi previously had a role in the Gintama anime and described the new series as “full of laughs and deeply affecting”.
megumi han (Gone in Hunter x Hunter) Misaki will voice Kurogane.
Behind the scenes, animation production is being handled by NAZ (Hamatora, Therme Roma Nova).
director: Daisuke Mataga (Zero’s Grimoire)
series composition: Yusuke Suzuki
character design: Oh Asari
music:Yuki Hayashi (My Hero Academia, Haikyuu!!)
Image: Dandelion_0914 on X
Are you looking forward to watching Dandelion on Netflix in April? Let us know in the comments below, and you can Add title to your queue here.