Rock music brings Attack on Titan and Dandadan fandom together in a way no one expected

Fans of Attack on Titan were blown away by a surprise that was revealed in the most recent episode of Dandadan. Apart from being a fantastic addition to the episode, the new song HAYASii - Hunting Soul was performed by none other than Kishō Taniyama, who Attack on Titan fans are most familiar with as Jean Kirstein's voice.

The outcome of this surprise - a moment of emotional and musical crossover that struck a chord with both fandoms and sent social media into a frenzy.

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Kishō Taniyama's musical impact in the latest episode of Dandadan

HAYASii - Hunting Soul, sung by none other than Kishō Taniyama, was included in the most recent Dandadan episode. Fans of Attack on Titan will recognize this name right away because it is the voice of Jean Kirstein, one of the most adored characters in the series.

Taniyama contributed his musical skills from his rock band Granodeo to the supernatural series. Therefore, his role in Dandadan extends beyond voice acting. The animation by Studio Science Saru brought the musical moment to life in a magnificent way, while the song itself was a wonderful match for the episode's violent supernatural action scenes.

In addition to Kishō Taniyama's vocal prowess, the song was chosen because of his ability to convey the rock vibe that fans identify with his voice acting and musical compositions.

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Fan reaction

山形のダシ

@mamacky123

Did you know that the song HAYASii - Hunting Soul that appears in the Dandadan series is sung by Kisho Taniyama, who plays Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan? #Dandadan #AttackOnTitan #JeanKirstein #谷山紀章

Social media was ablaze with emotions as soon as fans realized Kishō Taniyama's voice was used in both the character and the soundtrack. The connection was strong and immediate, regardless of whether one is a devoted fan of Attack on Titan or Dandadan.

"I was bopping my head full on concert mode," said one fan.

"I think this is my favorite episode so far from this season!" exclaimed another fan.

The voice similarities were instantly noticed by the fan base, with many remarking that they didn't even need to confirm the same because it sounded so natural. Just that recognition brought two very distinct anime worlds together with a surge of joy and nostalgia.

"Not to mention the song is banget, way to go science saru! Keep cooking," stated one fan.

"That was an absolute amazing performance, both the voice acting and the song! So much power, no wonder the dead came running to rock!" exclaimed another netizen.

Fans continued to praise Hunting Soul for elevating the entire program, and it quickly became an anthem. Because of Taniyama's performance, many people voted it their favorite episode of the season thus far.

"Just finished the latest Dandan episode and them getting Kishō Taniyama to voice Hayashi is so right," said one fan.

"I did not even have to Google it like I just *knew* and agreed wholeheartedly lmaooo," said another viewer.

It was evident that the combination had a profound effect, as seen by full-body headbanging and social media timelines replete with compliments for both Dandadan and Kishō Taniyama.

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Final thoughts

As still from HAYASii - Hunting Soul song in the anime (Image via Science Saru)

Something unique happens when two strong anime universes are united by a single voice. Kishō Taniyama's dual influence on Attack on Titan and Dandadan through Hunting Soul serves as a reminder of the versatility and power of voice performers.

It says volumes that his performance was able to bring together fans of both series. Ultimately, it was a cultural event rather than merely a nice episode or a popular song. And viewers were all able to share the experience because of Taniyama and Dandadan.

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