Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Yukinobu Tatsu has won the hearts of many fans with his masterful storytelling and thrilling artwork inDandadan. But those aren’t the only aspects of him that are truly commendable. Behind every supernatural encounter, high-energy chase, and comedic moment inDandadan, there is a subtle message that kindness, hard work, and empathy deserve recognition and reward, and it’s a vision that was born from Tatsu’s own life experiences.

In an interview, Yukinobu Tatsu revealed the backstory that profoundly shaped his approach to storytelling. Additionally, he also shared how through the lens ofDandadan, he has paid homage to Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.
The Gesture of Kindness That Shaped Yukinobu Tatsu’s Philosophy
In a recent interview, Yukinobu Tatsu recalled his early life as a manga assistant, revealing his struggle of working grueling hours, low pay, and long nights. However, despite the challenges he faced, there’s one thing that he remembers quite well as it influenced his philosophy.
He revealed that during the time of his financial struggle, his teacher gave him 1000 yen, encouraging him to get a midnight snack. Tatsu used it to buy a modest meal, stir-fried pork, and a can of coffee. This moment wasn’t just a relief from hunger for Tatsu; it was a reminder of the simple act of kindness that still can exist within an often unforgiving industry, as he remarked,

It’s pointless if you work hard and get nothing. I think kindness is important. I myself was poor at one time.
Through his own journey,Yukinobu Tatsuhas come to understand that empathy is paramount, both in life and in storytelling. Reflecting on the importance of kindness, Tatsu shared that he doesn’t want anyone to go through that kind of hardship.

Science Saru Failed to Capture the Essence of Dandadan’s Art and Yukinobu Tatsu is the Reason Why
For Tatsu, the gesture from his teacher was transformative, and he embedded this idea intoDandadan, using the story’s unique characters, struggles, and resilience to convey the message that kindness matters, especially in difficult times.
Yukinobu Tatsu’s Tribute to Studio Ghibli
Dandadan‘s final meal sequences, which conclude each arc with a dash of humor, warmth, and companionship, are among the series’ most distinctive elements. According to Yukinobu Tatsu, these scenes are influenced by his admiration ofStudio GhibliandHayao Miyazaki‘s films, in which characters often share meals after finishing tasks or overcoming obstacles. Using the famous line fromJarinko Chie, he remarked,
In Miyazaki Hayao’s works, people who have worked always eat. That’s because they can’t work anymore. I make my films in the same way, so that there is always a meal after working…… The worst thing for a human being is to be hungry and feel cold.

For Tatsu, the meals represent warmth and connection, offering the characters, as well as the readers, a brief escape from hardship. It’s his way of saying that no matter how difficult the journey, there should always be comfort and community waiting at the end.
Tatsu emphasizes thatDandadanis a work of entertainment, but he wants it to be more than that. He wants it to end on a note of hope, leaving readers with a lasting sense of warmth and kindness. This outlook, deeply influenced by his own hardships, has madeDandadanresonate with fans on a deeper level.

Dandadan Fans Aren’t Prepared for One of the Most Hated Characters to Make Her Debut and Science Saru’s Top Tier Character Design Isn’t Helping
AsDandadanis currently going through its first anime adaptation, Tatsu’s message of kindness, resilience, and hope will likely reach an even broader audience. Fans will be eager to see how these meaningful meal scenes will be brought to life in the anime, looking forward to how these moments of camaraderie, warmth, and well-deserved reward are further portrayed.
Dandadanis currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :930
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.