In the middle of DAN DA DAN Season 2’s broadcast during the Summer 2025 anime season, Anime Trending had the chance to ask artist and producer WurtS some questions about his ending song for the show, “Doukashiteru.” Here’s what he shared with us about the theme song, which saw him struggling to prevent the vocals from coming off as being “too bright or too dark.”
What was the origin of the title, “Doukashiteru,” and what inspired the lyrics and the tune or feel of the song?
WurtS: The title “Doukashiteru” (“Something’s Wrong with Them”) comes from a line in DAN DA DAN. The song reflects the strange, close-yet-distant relationship between Momo and Okarun, as well as the wacky world filled with various life forms. The melody was crafted with a nostalgic 2000s Heisei-era sound in mind. Imagine a tune that could have played as a ringtone on an old feature phone.
One of the last verses in the song is “Tatakai / Deai / Kirai / Ai.” What prompted the selection of these four words for the verse, aside from their rhyming nature?
WurtS: I think of DAN DA DAN as a love story. Characters you initially see as enemies can become allies, and those who seem strong and scary often carry intense backstories. I feel that all the characters are either fighting something or carrying a burden that makes them stronger. “Tatakai / Deai / Kirai / Ai” (Fighting / Meeting / Hating / Loving) are all things that help you grow stronger, and I believe they can’t exist without someone or something to face.
Which verse in the song was the trickiest to come up with, and why?
WurtS: I experimented with the vocal style of this song many times. I tend to sing in a downbeat style, so while I wanted to convey something powerful and optimistic, like Okarun after his transformation, I also wanted to retain a touch of negativity. I struggled to balance the phrasing and energy so the singing wouldn’t feel too bright or too dark.
What are your thoughts on the ending animation for DAN DA DAN Season 2 and how it pairs with your song?
WurtS: To me, the ending animation offers a sense of fantasy. While the opening sparks the start of the story, the ending helps ease the tension and captures the lingering feeling after the story. I love how the DAN DA DAN characters dance joyfully at a cultural festival, paired with my upbeat, slightly nostalgic sound. It releases the tension while amplifying the lingering joy, which I really enjoy.
Are there any artists or experiences that have deeply influenced your creative vision and sound?
WurtS: When I first started as WurtS, I was making a lot of dance music, so I studied artists like Avicii and Zedd. As a result, my music often focuses on the satisfying feeling of loops. In “Doukashiteru,” I used a similar approach, gradually changing a simple melody to make it feel as if the story is unfolding.
For those who are discovering you through “Doukashiteru,” what would you like to tell them about yourself and your style?
WurtS: I think my music always blends the nostalgic with the new. I enjoy challenging myself with new things across any genre, and I also aim to create songs that everyone can love. I hope you’ll look forward to my future music.
“Doukashiteru” is currently available via digital streaming and download.
