DAN DA DAN Season 2, Episode 18, titled “We Became a Family,” officially premiered on August 7, 2025, and is now available for streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu. This installment, which is the sixth episode of the second season, has garnered particular attention for its unique musical elements and a subtle, yet impactful, homage to a renowned Japanese rock band.
Release Details and Accessibility
New episodes of DAN DA DAN Season 2 consistently release on Thursdays, with Episode 18 becoming available at 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) / 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Viewers can access the episode with both English subtitles and English dubs simultaneously across the major streaming platforms. The second season, which began airing on July 3, 2025, is anticipated to consist of 12 episodes, concluding around September 18, 2025.
Episode 18’s Noteworthy Musical Segment
Episode 18 (Season 2, Episode 6) prominently features an exorcist band named HAYASii. This fictional group has been recognized by fans and critics alike as a clear, albeit subtle, reference to the iconic Japanese rock band X Japan. The episode includes a song titled “Hunting Soul,” performed by the HAYASii band, which serves as a pivotal moment within the narrative.
Adding to the episode’s musical impact, DragonForce frontman Marc Hudson lent his voice to Hayashi, the vocalist for the fictional band, in the English dub version. Hudson expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting his long-standing appreciation for anime and the unique experience of performing an exorcism song for the series.
Copyright Discussion Surrounds X Japan Homage
Following the release of Episode 18, the homage to X Japan has led to discussions regarding potential copyright implications. Yoshiki, a prominent member of X Japan, publicly commented on the “Hunting Soul” song, noting its resemblance to his band’s work and indicating that lawyers had contacted him regarding the possibility of copyright infringement.
Despite these concerns, Yoshiki’s initial reaction was one of amusement, and he has since expressed interest in watching DAN DA DAN and potentially discussing the homage on his YouTube channel. The song’s guitar and arrangement were handled by Marty Friedman, former lead guitarist of Megadeth, and Seiichi Nagai. Sony Music Publishing, which handles the copyright for X Japan’s “Kurenai”—a song seemingly referenced in the episode—is a subsidiary of Aniplex, a co-producer of the DAN DA DAN series, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Continuing the Supernatural Saga
DAN DA DAN Season 2 continues the story from where the first season concluded in December 2024. The narrative follows high schoolers Momo Ayase and Ken “Okarun” Takakura as they navigate a world filled with both spirits and aliens, constantly facing bizarre and dangerous encounters. The second season specifically delves into the “Evil Eye” arc, picking up with Momo, Okarun, and Jiji investigating Jiji’s cursed house in Byakuja Village and confronting the eerie Kitō family.
