by The official website for the upcoming sports anime Flame Dodgeball Girl: Dodge Danko has released the synopsis, preview images, and broadcast information for Episode 1, titled “The Fiery Ball Girl! Ichigeki Danko!”
Premiering on Monday, July 6, 2026, the series serves as the long-awaited sequel to the classic 1990s anime Flame Dodgeball Boy: Dodge Danpei, introducing a new generation of dodgeball players while honoring one of Japan’s most beloved sports anime franchises.
Featuring fast-paced matches, colorful characters, energetic comedy, and nostalgic callbacks, the anime aims to introduce the legendary world of competitive dodgeball to both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
What Is Flame Dodgeball Girl: Dodge Danko?
Flame Dodgeball Girl: Dodge Danko is based on the manga by Tetsuhiro Koshita, serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly CoroCoro Comic.
The series is the official sequel to Flame Dodgeball Boy: Dodge Danpei, a hugely popular sports anime and manga that became a cultural phenomenon during the 1990s.
Instead of following the original hero, the story shifts its focus to Ichigeki Danko, the spirited daughter of legendary dodgeball champion Ichigeki Danpei.
While her father once revolutionized the sport through his fiery passion and powerful throws, Danko now steps onto the court to create a legend of her own.
Story Overview
More than three decades have passed since Danpei inspired countless young athletes through the world’s most intense version of dodgeball—known as Toukyuu, an extreme combat-style ball sport where every throw carries a player’s determination and fighting spirit.
However, time has not been kind to the sport.
Because of the many injuries associated with Toukyuu during Danpei’s era, the famous dodgeball club at Kyugawa Elementary School has been disbanded after the school became Kyugawa Elementary and Junior High School.
Refusing to let her father’s legacy disappear, Danko dreams of reviving the club and bringing competitive dodgeball back to life.
Her journey quickly grows into a story of friendship, teamwork, determination, and blazing passion.
Episode 1: “The Fiery Ball Girl! Ichigeki Danko!”
Episode Synopsis
The opening episode introduces viewers to the world of Toukyuu, where dodgeball is treated as the ultimate combat sport.
With the legendary achievements of her father, Ichigeki Danpei, serving as inspiration, Danko decides that it’s time for a new generation to carry the torch.
She first appeals to the school’s principal, asking for permission to revive the long-disbanded dodgeball club.
Unfortunately, her request is rejected immediately.
Most students—and even the teachers—believe dodgeball’s golden age has already passed.
But giving up has never been part of the Ichigeki family’s spirit.
Determined to prove everyone wrong, Danko begins searching for teammates who can help rebuild the club.
Along the way she meets several unique girls, each bringing their own talents and personalities:
- Chinko, her loyal childhood friend
- Mochiko, whose soft and flexible body makes her unexpectedly popular
- Susan, an athletic returnee from overseas
- Hanie, a calm and intelligent girl with impressive technical skills
Together, they begin laying the foundation for a brand-new dodgeball team that could restore the sport’s former glory.
A New Generation of Dodgeball Heroes
Although the anime continues the story of the classic series, newcomers can easily jump in without prior knowledge.
The series introduces an entirely new cast while celebrating the legacy of the original hero.
Fans can expect:
- High-energy dodgeball matches
- Comedy and school-life moments
- Team-building adventures
- Fierce rivals
- Emotional character growth
- Nostalgic references for longtime fans
The combination of modern animation and classic sports anime spirit gives the sequel a fresh identity while remaining faithful to its roots.
Why Fans Are Excited
The original Flame Dodgeball Boy: Dodge Danpei inspired an entire generation of viewers with its over-the-top sports action and unforgettable characters.
Now, more than 30 years later, the sequel introduces a female protagonist while expanding the world of Toukyuu for modern audiences.
Fans are particularly excited to see:
- Danpei’s daughter takes center stage
- The return of iconic characters
- Updated animation
- Brand-new rival teams
- Dynamic dodgeball action
- A large ensemble cast
- Plenty of nostalgic callbacks
For younger viewers, the series also serves as a fun introduction to one of Japan’s classic sports franchises.
Broadcast Schedule
The anime premieres on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Television Broadcast
- TOKYO MX
- Every Monday at 11:00 PM
- BS11
- Every Monday at 11:00 PM
- MBS
- Every Tuesday at 3:00 AM (27:00 JST)
- Mie Television
- Every Wednesday at 12:20 AM
Broadcast schedules may change without prior notice.
Production Staff
The anime is directed by Hiroshi Ikehata, while animation production is handled by CUE.
Main Staff
- Original Work: Tetsuhiro Koshita
- Director: Hiroshi Ikehata
- Series Composition: Ippo Hyodo
- Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Naruhito Sekikawa
- Color Design: Ryo Kimura
- Art Directors: Masahiro Sato & Kaoru Chiba
- Art Design: Masahiro Sato
- CG Director: Yutaka Nakajima
- Director of Photography: Daichi Nogami
- Editing: Yuki Honda
- Music: Fumiki Iwasaki & Ren Tsukakoshi
- Sound Director: Yuichi Imaizumi
- Music Production: Avex Pictures
- Animation Studio: CUE
Main Voice Cast
The anime features an impressive lineup of both rising and veteran voice actors.
Kyugawa Toukyuu Club
- Manaka Nakayama as Ichigeki Danko
- Kaori Maeda as Chinko Kobutsu
- Akira Sekine as Mochiko Ebukuro
- Yo Taichi as Susan Cannon
- Yu Shinohara as Hanie Otohana
- Sumire Uesaka as Hako Mikasa
- Kanna Nakamura as Hayami Hiura
Rival Teams
Additional members from the St. Arrows Ball Club, Tosa Attackers, US Buffaloes, and Black Armors are voiced by an all-star cast that includes:
- Fairouz Ai
- Mariya Ise
- Marina Inoue
- Yuka Iguchi
- Ayasa Ito
- Shiori Izawa
- Kanae Oki
- And many more.
In total, nearly 30 voice actors bring the colorful world of competitive dodgeball to life.
Returning Legacy Characters
Fans of the original series will be delighted to hear familiar voices returning.
- Noriko Hidaka voices young Ichigeki Danpei and serves as the narrator.
- Katsuyuki Konishi plays the adult Ichigeki Danpei.
- Toru Inada voices Chinnen Kobutsu.
Their appearances help bridge the gap between the classic anime and its modern sequel.
Theme Songs
Opening Theme
“Kaishin no Ichigeki”
Performed by Momoiro Clover Z
Ending Theme
“Welcome to Azatosa World”
Performed by i☆Ris
The energetic opening perfectly captures the series’ fiery sports spirit, while the ending provides a cheerful conclusion after each action-packed episode.
What Makes Dodge Danko Unique?
Unlike realistic sports anime, Flame Dodgeball Girl: Dodge Danko embraces exaggerated action, explosive throws, and larger-than-life rivalries.
The series mixes:
- Sports action
- Comedy
- School life
- Friendship
- Nostalgia
- High-energy tournament battles
Its colorful presentation and over-the-top dodgeball techniques make it enjoyable for viewers of all ages.
Final Thoughts
Flame Dodgeball Girl: Dodge Danko successfully revives one of Japan’s most iconic sports anime franchises while introducing a fresh heroine determined to forge her own path.
Episode 1, “The Fiery Ball Girl! Ichigeki Danko!”, introduces Danko’s dream of reviving her school’s legendary dodgeball club, her first teammates, and the beginning of a brand-new legend inspired by her father’s legacy.
With exciting matches, lovable characters, modern animation, and plenty of nostalgic moments, Flame Dodgeball Girl: Dodge Danko is shaping up to be one of the most energetic and family-friendly sports anime of the Summer 2026 season.
