The Ultimate Dodgeball Anime Returns: Everything We Know About Dodge Danko
If you are a fan of classic sports anime, prepare to step back onto the court. The legacy dodgeball manga Hono no Tokyujo: Dodge Danko—the ongoing sequel to the legendary Hono no Tokyuji: Dodge Danpei—is officially getting an anime adaptation this summer.
With the premiere locked in for July 2026, the hype is building fast. The production team has just dropped some massive updates, including a brand-new cast member and details about the show's energetic ending theme. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the upcoming series.
Who Plays Peiko Nikaido in Dodge Danko?
The anime has officially tagged in Yuki Wakai to join the voice cast as Peiko Nikaido, the formidable team captain of Saint Arrows Academy.
Fans of the original series will instantly recognize the significance of her character:
- The Rivalry Continues: Peiko is the daughter of Taiga Nikaido, the iconic rival from the original series.
- A Heavy Name: She has heard tales of her father's old foe since childhood—so much so that the "Pei" in her name is directly inspired by "Danpei"!
- New Generation, New Clash: Carrying on her family's legacy, Peiko has officially declared the protagonist, Danko, as her ultimate rival.
Wakai is no stranger to the anime world. Fans might recognize her voice work as Miharu Kiryu in WITCH WATCH and Itsuki Sumeragi in the gambling thriller Kakegurui.
What is the Ending Theme for Dodge Danko?
In addition to her voice acting duties, Yuki Wakai’s idol group, i☆Ris, will be performing the anime's official ending theme song.
Titled "Welcome to Azatosa World," the track is described by the group as a unique blend of two distinct themes: "fighting" and "idols." According to i☆Ris, the song perfectly captures the energy of "fighting through the idol world with cunning and charm," making it a fiery and upbeat conclusion to every episode.
The Legacy: From Dodge Danpei to Dodge Danko
If you are new to the franchise, Dodge Danko has some serious history behind it.
- The Original Hit: The original manga, Hono no Tokyuji: Dodge Danpei, was created by Tetsuhiro Koshita and ran in Shogakukan's CoroCoro Comic magazine from 1989 to 1995. It was a massive hit, spawning several video games and a beloved 47-episode anime adaptation in 1991.
- The Sequel: After decades of waiting, the sequel manga subtitled Dodge Danko officially launched serialization on the Weekly CoroCoro Comic website in November 2022, introducing a new generation of high-octane dodgeball battles.
The Creative Team Behind the Anime
The series is in incredibly capable hands. Hono no Tokyujo: Dodge Danko is being animated at Studio CUE and boasts a stellar creative team:
- Director: Hiroshi Ikehata (WITCH WATCH)
- Series Composition: Kazuho Hyodo (TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You)
- Character Designs & Chief Animation Director: Narihito Sekikawa (TsumaSho)
With an experienced crew, an energetic cast, and a legacy that spans over 30 years, Dodge Danko is shaping up to be one of the biggest standout sports anime of the Summer 2026 season!