DAN DA DAN: Hunting Soul Song Removed from Japanese Platforms Amid Plagiarism Concerns
The song Hunting Soul, featured in the anime DAN DA DAN, has been removed from several Japanese streaming platforms following plagiarism concerns linked to the band X JAPAN. The case gained attention after Yoshiki, the band’s leader, pointed out similarities with one of their tracks and consulted lawyers about possible copyright infringement.
Hunting Soul removed in Japan
The insert song, performed by the fictional band HAYASii and aired in episode 6 of DAN DA DAN Season 2 (episode 18 overall), has disappeared from platforms such as Apple Music, AWA, Mora (Sony), Recochoku, and KKBOX.
On Spotify, Japan is no longer listed as an available country. Amazon Music replaced the page with a generic placeholder. At the moment, only YouTube continues streaming the song in Japan.
Controversy with X JAPAN
After the anime episode was released, Yoshiki commented publicly that Hunting Soul strongly resembled Kurenai, one of X JAPAN’s classic songs. He tagged streaming platforms, asked fans for their opinion, and revealed that lawyers contacted him regarding the case.
Despite the controversy, Hunting Soul has been well-received, surpassing 10 million views on YouTube across its official versions.
The anime is co-directed by Fuga Yamashiro and Abel Gongora at Science SARU, and is available on Netflix.
The copyright for Hunting Soul belongs to the DAN DA DAN production committee, under exclusive license to Sony Music Entertainment (Milan Records). The rights for Kurenai by X JAPAN are managed by Japan Music Agency, Extasy A Music, and Sony Music Publishing.
source: Yoshiki
