The "Hunting Soul" Controversy: Homage or Infringement?
The song "Hunting Soul," performed by the fictional band HAYASii for the anime Dandadan, became a viral sensation. After its debut in episode 18, the track racked up over 10 million views on YouTube and quickly became an anthem for fans. However, its success was short-lived: in mid-August, the song was abruptly pulled from major Japanese streaming platforms.
The Shadow of X JAPAN
The problem stemmed from what appeared to be an homage that was too close to X JAPAN's work. Shortly after the episode aired, Yoshiki, the band's drummer and leader, expressed his surprise and concern over the similarities. His lawyers began to evaluate a possible copyright infringement. In addition, the fictional band HAYASii mimicked the names of X JAPAN's members (Toshiro/Toshi, Yoshikichi/Yoshiki, Hideji/Hide, and Patarson/Pata), which strengthened the perception of clear inspiration.
Yoshiki noted that while tributes to artists are common in anime, previous references to his band had always been authorized. This raised doubts about whether the producers of Dandadan had obtained the necessary permissions. Despite the controversy, Yoshiki has maintained an open attitude toward reconciliation, even suggesting he might watch Dandadan and discuss the issue on his YouTube channel.
The Corporate Tangle and Lessons Learned
The situation is complicated by Sony Music's involvement on both sides of the conflict. Sony Music Publishing owns the copyright to "Kurenai," while Milan Records, a Sony subsidiary, was in charge of distributing "Hunting Soul." This dual relationship has led to speculation about whether the song's removal was simply a communication error or the result of an internal dispute within the conglomerate.
The future of "Hunting Soul" is uncertain. The song, which for now remains only available on YouTube, has become an example of the risks involved in getting too close to another's intellectual property. The incident serves as a warning to the industry, highlighting the importance of obtaining proper authorization, even for homages. While series like Dandadan often use pop culture references as part of their charm—like to "Back to the Future"—this controversy demonstrates that even the most respectful allusions can lead to legal problems if not handled carefully with respect for copyright.
