Anime has always been a medium that challenges norms, and Dandadan has been leading that charge lately. Since its explosive premiere—where Okarun was possessed and Momo was abducted—the series has consistently embraced its provocative elements.
Episode 9 is no exception, delivering an unexpected lineup of antagonists while showcasing a bold moment that surprisingly bypassed censorship. Thanks to their new ally, Aira, the group managed to survive another day, but not before one particularly awkward situation caught fans’ attention.
A Controversial Scene That Stays True to the Manga
As many anticipated, the scene adapted from chapter 25 features Okarun completely nude in an unfortunate position on top of Momo, who is left in her underwear. It’s undeniably suggestive, made even more awkward by the realization that they’re once again surrounded by students outside the Empty Space dimension. Much like the premiere, this moment proves that Science SARU is committed to staying faithful to the source material rather than watering things down. The buzz surrounding the scene, highlighted by a viral post from @ReignofPride on X, confirms that this decision paid off in terms of engagement.
Dandadan Episode 9 Avoids Censorship, Keeping Its Signature Edge
Fans had been discussing this scene for weeks before its adaptation, reinforcing just how bold Dandadan is as both an anime and a shonen manga. The series has never shied away from controversial elements, tackling dark topics like Turbo Granny’s origins, scenes of attempted assault, and plenty of innuendo. Even its most tragic episode so far stunned viewers with a well-executed tweak to Acrobatic Silky’s fate, skillfully avoiding overt gore while maintaining emotional impact without feeling censored.
With Jiji’s story unfolding and an unexpected adversary making a return, the excitement around Dandadan only continues to grow. The adaptation has gone beyond simply animating the manga, positioning itself as a standout of the Fall 2024 season. But the decision to keep this risqué moment intact, despite its technically tame nature, raises questions about how censorship has impacted the series elsewhere.
Dandadan Faces Heavy Censorship in China
While episode 9 remained uncensored, Dandadan hasn’t escaped restrictions in other regions. Chinese fans watching on BiliBili quickly noticed significant editing in episode 3, particularly concerning a spirit medium grandmother with exaggerated features. Beyond altering her appearance, the Chinese version even took expected measures like replacing cigarettes with lollipops.
Similar censorship choices have affected anime for years, with iconic cases like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! replacing guns with finger-pointing. For Dandadan, however, the comedic and risqué elements are integral to its identity. The decision to preserve Okarun and Momo’s moment in episode 9 underscores how crucial this aspect is to the series’ charm. Given how much discussion this scene has sparked, it will likely remain one of the most talked-about moments in the latter half of the season.
