The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Tetsuhiro Koshita’s sequel sports manga, Honoo no Toukyuujo: Dodge Danko, has locked in its premiere date and unveiled a substantial supporting cast. The official website confirmed that the series will begin broadcasting on Tokyo MX, MBS, and BS11 at 11:00 p.m. every Monday, starting July 6. Alongside the premiere announcement, a striking new key visual and a roster of 19 additional cast members were revealed, significantly expanding the world of this dodgeball-centric sequel.
This new series serves as a direct continuation of Koshita’s original Honoo no Toukyuuji: Dodge Danpei manga, a classic sports series that originally ran in Monthly CoroCoro Comic. The sequel, Honoo no Toukyuujo: Dodge Danko, has been serialized in Weekly CoroCoro Comic since November 2022 and represents a contemporary revival of a beloved franchise. For fans of the original and newcomers alike, the July 6 premiere marks the beginning of a new chapter in this fiery sports saga.
A Deep and Talented Supporting Cast for Honoo no Toukyuujo: Dodge Danko
While the core protagonists of the series remain focused on the intense world of competitive dodgeball, the supporting cast will form the backbone of the narrative, filling out teams, rival schools, and the community around the sport. The newly announced voice actors bring a wealth of experience from other major anime franchises, promising dynamic performances that will bring these characters to life. The detailed cast list demonstrates the production’s commitment to depth and quality.
The announcement introduced a diverse array of characters, each voiced by a notable talent. The full list of new cast members includes:
- Peiko Nikaidou: Voiced by Yuuki Wakai (Mayonaka Heart Tune)
- Moe Kusunoki: Voiced by Azusa Tachibana (Kuroneko to Majo no Kyoushitsu)
- Akari Higashiyama: Voiced by Rena Hasegawa (Akujiki Reijou to Kyouketsu Koushaku)
- Sayo Sakakibara: Voiced by Saya Hitomi (Shibou Yuugi de Meshi wo Kuu.)
- Rin Kobayakawa: Voiced by Ayasa Itou (Kirio Fanclub)
- Rei Mitamura: Voiced by Momoka Terasawa (Ruri no Houseki)
- Miho Harima: Voiced by Serika Hiromatsu (Seihantai na Kimi to Boku)
- Marina: Voiced by Kanae Oki (All Out!!)
- Momoka: Voiced by Miyu Hanasaki (Fuguushoku “Kanteishi” ga Jitsu wa Saikyou Datta)
- Rinka: Voiced by Nichika Oomori (Do It Yourself!!)
- Nanami Katsuragi: Voiced by Madoka Asahina (Fumetsu no Anata e Season 3)
- Natsumi Shijiken: Voiced by Larissa Tago Takeda (Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru Season 2)
- Elder: Voiced by Nozomi Mikajiri (Yuusha no Kuzu)
- Satsuki Takayama: Voiced by Marina Inoue (Goumon Baito-kun no Nichijou)
- Kirame Ogata: Voiced by Yurie Kozakai (Aharen-san wa Hakarenai Season 2)
- Tsuki Usami: Voiced by Shiori Izawa (Kaya-chan wa Kowakunai)
- Akira Fuwa: Voiced by Rika Hayashi (Ooi! Tonbo)
- Aya Yuki: Voiced by Minori Fujidera (Chuuzenji-sensei Mononoke Kougiroku)
- Arata Hattori: Voiced by Misa Ishii (Hoshifuru Oukoku no Nina)
This extensive list reveals a strategic choice by the production team to populate the world with character actors known for their distinct vocal ranges. From the athletic potential of a character like Peiko Nikaidou to the mysterious aura of “Elder,” each role has been cast with precision to ensure the emotional and competitive stakes of the dodgeball matches are fully realized.
Inside the Production: The Creative Team at Studio Cue
The anime is being produced at studio Cue, with the directorial reins held by Hiroshi Ikehata. Ikehata’s recent work on Witch Watch demonstrates a strong ability to balance comedic timing with high-energy action sequences, a skillset vital for a sports anime that also carries the nostalgic weight of its predecessor. The series composition is handled by Kazuho Hyoudou, known for narrative structuring on projects like Tonikaku Kawaii, indicating a focus on character-driven storytelling that complements the on-court action.
Character designs are being managed by Narihito Sekikawa, whose portfolio includes work on the emotionally resonant Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru. His task is a critical one: to modernize the visual style of the franchise while remaining faithful to the source material’s spirit. The musical score is being co-composed by Yasunori Iwasaki (Urahara) and Reina Tsukagoshi, a partnership that promises a dynamic and energetic soundtrack to underscore the fast-paced dodgeball matches.
What is the Premiere Date and Time for Honoo no Toukyuujo: Dodge Danko?
The anime Honoo no Toukyuujo: Dodge Danko will premiere on July 6, broadcasting every Monday at 11:00 p.m. on Tokyo MX, MBS, and BS11. This simultaneous broadcast across multiple major networks in Japan signals a strong vote of confidence from the broadcasting partners in the series’ potential audience reach.
The Legacy of Dodge Danpei and the Birth of a Sequel
Understanding the significance of Honoo no Toukyuujo: Dodge Danko requires looking back at the original Honoo no Toukyuuji: Dodge Danpei manga. That series, which ran in Monthly CoroCoro Comic from 1989, became a cultural touchstone for a generation of readers. The story of the passionate dodgeball team led by the titular Danpei defined the sport in the manga world, leading to an 18-volume run that concluded in June 1995. Its influence extended beyond the page, inspiring a classic anime adaptation and solidifying dodgeball as a viable subject for sports manga.
The decision to create a sequel more than three decades later speaks to the enduring appeal of the concept and the creative drive of Tetsuhiro Koshita. Serializing the new story in Weekly CoroCoro Comic in November 2022 was a strategic move to reintroduce the franchise to a weekly audience, building momentum for a new generation. As of August 2025, Shogakukan has published six volumes of the sequel, providing a solid foundation of source material for the first cour of the anime.
What Makes This Adaptation Significant for the Sports Anime Genre?
The sports anime genre has seen a renaissance, with series like Haikyuu!! and Kuroko’s Basketball dominating the scene, but dodgeball remains a comparatively niche sport. Honoo no Toukyuujo: Dodge Danko has the opportunity to carve out a unique space by capitalizing on nostalgia while offering the high-stakes, team-based dynamics that make sports anime so compelling. The sequel’s premise allows for a fresh start with new characters and rivalries, while the legacy of Dodge Danpei provides a built-in audience eager to see how the world has evolved.
The reveal of such a large supporting cast points to a series that will not solely focus on a single protagonist but will instead build a rich ensemble. This approach is crucial for creating the intricate team dynamics and the sense of a larger competitive ecosystem that defines the best sports narratives. Each new voice actor listed brings a specific energy, from comedies to more dramatic roles, which will help define the distinct personalities of the players before the dodgeballs start flying. The casting of Marina Inoue, a veteran of the industry, as Satsuki Takayama immediately lends the role a sense of authority and experience, while newer talents get a platform to shine in supporting roles.
As July 6 approaches, the production team at Cue, under Hiroshi Ikehata’s direction, continues to build anticipation. With a solid foundation in the source material, a clear creative vision, and a stellar voice cast, Honoo no Toukyuujo: Dodge Danko is poised to deliver a high-octane, emotionally charged sports anime that honors its roots while forging a new path forward. The world of competitive dodgeball is ready for its close-up once more, and the stage is set for a summer premiere that will reignite a classic rivalry.
