In the vibrant autumn of 2024, fans of Dan Da Dan found themselves eagerly anticipating both the weekly anime episodes and manga chapters. With the anime airing on Thursdays and the manga releasing on Tuesdays, enthusiasts had a reason to look forward to both the start and end of their week. However, as the series gained momentum, questions about its translation process emerged. To delve deeper into this, we spoke with Kumar Sivasubramanian, the translator responsible for bringing the manga to English-speaking audiences. This interview sheds light on the challenges and joys of translating such a unique work.

The Journey of Translating Dandadan

In the enchanting season of autumn, when leaves turned golden and crisp air filled the atmosphere, the world of Dandadan blossomed in popularity. The anime adaptation aired every Thursday, while new manga chapters were released every Tuesday, creating a delightful rhythm for fans. As the manga went on hiatus and anticipation built for the second season of the anime, our attention turned to the man behind the scenes—Kumar Sivasubramanian, the translator who brings Dandadan to life in English.

Sivasubramanian shared insights into how he became involved in translating Dandadan. He explained that assignments are often based on past collaborations with editors and publishers, who consider a translator's strengths and preferences. Freelancers like him receive offers rather than strict assignments, allowing for some choice in projects. While he has suggested series before, none have been licensed yet, and occasionally he has requested to work on specific titles, only to find they were already taken.

When asked if he foresaw the series' success, Sivasubramanian admitted he worked in relative isolation. Initially unaware of Yukinobu Tatsu's connection to Chainsaw Man, he only realized the manga's growing popularity after stumbling upon a passionate fan community on Reddit. Despite this revelation, he chose to distance himself from fan expectations to maintain objectivity.

Addressing sensitive content, Sivasubramanian noted that while Dandadan includes challenging themes, the language used was relatively mild. He opted for lighter, humorous translations of certain terms to preserve the tone. Additionally, he highlighted the complexity of translating cultural references, especially those from Japanese media history, which can be lost in translation. Despite these challenges, he found joy in translating well-written narratives and giving characters distinct voices in English.

Interestingly, Sivasubramanian revealed that he has not watched the anime adaptation. He believed doing so might influence his translation choices, preferring to keep the manga and anime as separate entities. When it comes to maintaining consistency in character dialogue, he relies on his familiarity with the series and occasional reminders from his editor, Jennifer LeBlanc.

Among the characters, Turbo Granny stands out as particularly enjoyable to translate, though Sivasubramanian remains modest about his portrayal. Reflecting on memorable moments, he mentioned Okarun's attempts at push-ups between classes, resonating with his own daily routine. Looking ahead, he emphasized the unpredictability of the story and the importance of focusing on present translations without speculating too far into future plot developments.

A Translator's Reflections

Through this conversation, it becomes clear that translating Dandadan is more than just converting words; it's about capturing the essence of a unique and beloved series. Sivasubramanian's dedication to preserving the spirit of the original work while making it accessible to English-speaking audiences highlights the artistry involved in translation. His experiences remind us of the intricate balance between fidelity and creativity, ensuring that even across languages, the magic of Dandadan remains intact.