Gintama Creator’s Debut Manga Adapted into Netflix Anime Series for April 2026

Netflix has officially confirmed that Dandelion, the debut one-shot manga from Gintama creator Hideaki Sorachi, is being adapted into an anime series. Produced by studio NAZ, the limited series is scheduled to arrive on Netflix globally in April 2026.

Fans of the legendary sci-fi comedy Gintama have a new reason to celebrate. Netflix announced on Friday that they have greenlit a serialized adaptation of Hideaki Sorachi’s very first work, Dandelion.

Originally published in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2002 and later included in the first volume of the Gintama manga, Dandelion was the work that launched Sorachi’s career. While the source material was a “one-shot” (a standalone story), Netflix has confirmed that the anime adaptation will be expanded into a seven-episode series.

The announcement follows a teaser campaign by a mysterious X account earlier this week, which culminated in the official reveal of the cast and staff, along with an April premiere window. That original post on X picked up over 5 million views. 

In true Gintama fashion, creator Hideaki Sorachi released a self-deprecating comment regarding the adaptation of his debut work, poking fun at the streaming giant.
“I’m embarrassed about my debut novel, so I don’t reread it, but they’ve dug it up, made it into an anime, and expanded on it in various ways. It seems Netflix doesn’t have the word ‘delicacy.’ But I might as well take this opportunity to go and see those guys for the first time in 20 years.”
Daichi Nagatomi, the Netflix Anime Creative Executive Producer, also weighed in on the production, noting the risk involved in expanding a short story into a full series:
“The anime Dandelion is a bold and risky move by the editors at Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump… who turned Sorachi-sensei’s debut one-shot manga into a seven-episode series. Netflix was mocked in the promotional video for the Gintama movie, but the entire staff worked hard to create the anime… hoping to provide new sustenance for Sorachi-sensei.”

When will Dandelion be released on Netflix?

Netflix has confirmed that Dandelion will begin streaming exclusively on the platform starting in April 2026, although a specific date has yet to be confirmed.

Picture Credit: Netflix

What is the plot of Dandelion?

Expanding on the original premise of the manga, the anime follows the supernatural (and bureaucratic) adventures of the “Japan Angel Federation Sendoff Department.”

The story focuses on two specific agents: Tetsuo Tanba and Misaki Kurogane. Their job is to locate earthbound spirits who cannot pass on to the afterlife due to lingering regrets. Unlike other divisions that might rush the process, the “Dandelion” division takes a more personal approach, listening to the souls’ regrets and helping them resolve their unfinished business so they can pass on peacefully.

The series is described as a mix of comedy and drama—a signature blend for Sorachi—featuring a rough-around-the-edges protagonist with a scary face but a kind heart, and a deceptive partner who looks like a girl but is a formidable force.

Who is in the cast and staff?

Leading the cast are two veteran voice actors who are no strangers to Sorachi’s works.

Chikahiro Kobayashi (known for Beastars and Golden Kamuy) will voice Tetsuo Tanba. Kobayashi previously had a role in the Gintama anime and described the new series as “filled with laughs and deeply moving.”

Megumi Han (Gon in Hunter x Hunter) will voice Misaki Kurogane.

Behind the scenes, the animation production is being handled by NAZ (Hamatora, Thermae Romae Novae).

Director: Daisuke Mataga (Grimoire of Zero)
Series Composition: Yōsuke Suzuki
Character Design: Ai Asari
Music: Yūki Hayashi (My Hero Academia, Haikyu!!)

Picture: Dandelion_0914 on X

Are you looking forward to watching Dandelion on Netflix in April? Let us know in the comments below, and you can add the title to your queue here.