Let’s be real for a second. When people first started talking about Dandadan, they weren't exactly lining up to discuss the nuanced character growth of a nerdy kid with no friends. No. They were talking about the absurdity. They were talking about Turbo Granny, the Flatwoods monster, and the sheer, unadulterated chaos that Yukinobu Tatsu throws at the page every single week. But if you strip away the high-octane fights and the literal search for missing anatomy, you’re left with Okarun.
He’s the engine.
Ken Takakura—affectionately (or mockingly) dubbed Okarun by Momo Ayase—is a subversion of almost every shonen protagonist trope we’ve grown tired of. He isn't some chosen one with a destiny carved in stone. He’s just a kid who liked aliens because he thought they were the only ones who might actually want to talk to him. That’s it. That’s the motivation. It’s lonely. It’s relatable. It’s deeply human.
The Okarun Power Scale: It’s Not Just About the Speed
Usually, when a protagonist gets a power-up, it’s a moment of triumph. When Okarun gets his powers, it’s a curse. Inheriting the spirit of the Turbo Granny didn't just give him super-speed; it gave him a massive dose of depression and a physical transformation that looks more like a nightmare than a superhero costume.
His "Acrosky" or "Whirlwind" form is fascinating from a design perspective. Tatsu uses heavy blacks and frantic linework to show the strain. Okarun isn’t just moving fast. He’s vibrating with a sort of kinetic anxiety.
- He relies on momentum rather than raw strength.
- The transformation is physically taxing, often leaving him collapsed after a few bursts.
- Unlike Momo’s psychic powers which feel elegant, Okarun’s combat style is messy, desperate, and loud.
Most fans focus on the "Grim Reaper" aesthetic of his transformed state. But look closer at the fights with the Serpoians or the Mantis Shrimp. Okarun wins through tactical observation. He’s a geek. He uses his brain. He calculates trajectories. He understands the physics of a room. It’s a refreshing change from the "I’ll just punch harder because my friends are watching" trope that dominates the genre.
Why the Name "Ken Takakura" Matters
There is a layer of meta-commentary here that some Western fans miss. His real name, Ken Takakura, is shared with one of the most famous Japanese actors of all time—a man known for being the epitome of "cool" and "masculine" in classic cinema. Our Okarun is the exact opposite. He’s hunched over. He stutters. He’s obsessed with UFOs.
Momo Ayase’s obsession with the actual actor Ken Takakura is what creates the initial friction. She wants the ideal. She gets the reality. But as the series progresses, Tatsu makes a point: the nerdy Okarun is actually "cooler" than the movie star because his bravery isn't scripted. It’s earned through sheer terror.
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The Evolution of Confidence (Or Lack Thereof)
The character arc of Okarun isn't a straight line. It’s more of a jagged scribble.
In the beginning, he couldn't even look Momo in the eye. He was a social outcast who used the occult as a shield. If he could prove aliens existed, then his isolation wasn't his fault—it was just that he was "too informed" for the average person. We’ve all seen that guy on Reddit. But Dandadan doesn't mock him for it. It uses it as a jumping-off point for one of the most organic romances in modern manga.
The chemistry between Momo and Okarun works because it’s built on mutual incompetence. Neither knows how to handle their feelings. One minute they’re fighting a giant subterranean worm, and the next, they’re blushing because their hands touched while reaching for a soda. It’s awkward. It’s painful to watch. It’s exactly what being sixteen feels like.
Breaking Down the Cursed Transformation
The Turbo Granny’s power is a double-edged sword. Let's look at the mechanics:
- The Mask: It acts as a literal barrier, hiding his shy face and allowing him to act on instinct.
- The Speed: It’s not just "fast." It’s teleportation-adjacent. It requires a level of focus that Okarun struggles to maintain.
- The Drawback: The "crash" after using the power reflects his social battery. He gives everything in one burst and then has nothing left.
Okarun and the Power of Niche Knowledge
One of the best things about Okarun is how he validates the "nerd" archetype without making it a caricature. His knowledge of cryptids and UFO lore actually serves a purpose. When the team encounters the Flatwoods Monster, it’s his specific, obsessive knowledge that provides the win condition.
He isn't just a vessel for a ghost. He’s a specialist.
There’s a specific scene in the manga—no spoilers for the anime-only crowd, but you'll know it when you see it—where Okarun has to step up as a leader. He doesn't do it by shouting or being charismatic. He does it by being the guy who knows the rules of the supernatural world better than anyone else. He’s the DM of his own survival.
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Dealing with the "Incel" Allegations
Early on, some readers were wary of Okarun. They saw the "lonely nerd" trope and worried he’d turn into a self-insert character for toxic fans. But the writing avoids this trap beautifully. Okarun never blames Momo or society for his problems. He is hyper-aware of his own shortcomings. His journey is about learning that he is worthy of space in a room.
He doesn't want to conquer the world. He just wants to go to an amusement park with a girl and not have his internal organs stolen by a yokai. Is that too much to ask?
The Visual Language of Anxiety
Yukinobu Tatsu’s art style is the perfect partner for Okarun’s personality. The way Okarun is drawn in his human form is often small, with thin lines and slightly oversized clothes. He looks like he’s trying to disappear.
Then, you see the splash pages.
When Okarun goes full speed, the art becomes visceral. The panels break. The speed lines aren't just decorative; they feel heavy. You can almost feel the wind pressure. This visual contrast is vital. It represents the internal conflict Okarun feels: the desire to hide versus the necessity to be seen and protect those he cares about.
Honestly, the animation in the Science SARU adaptation had a massive mountain to climb here. Capturing that "frenetic anxiety" in motion is tough. But they nailed the way he shifts his weight. It’s jittery. It’s nervous. It’s Okarun.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Relationship with Momo
There’s a common misconception that Momo "saved" Okarun. That’s a bit reductive.
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If anything, they saved each other from different kinds of stagnation. Momo was stuck in a loop of shallow relationships and expectations based on her grandmother’s legacy. Okarun was stuck in a basement of his own making.
Their dynamic isn't "Cool Girl x Loser." It’s "Two Outsiders vs. The Universe."
Okarun provides the grounding. While Momo is fiery and impulsive, Okarun is the one who stops to think. He’s the one who notices the small details about the enemies. He’s the one who, despite being terrified, will stand in front of a god-tier entity because it’s the logical thing to do to save his friend.
That’s not just bravery. That’s character.
Understanding the Okarun Playbook
If you're trying to keep up with his development, keep these points in mind. They’ll help you spot where the story is going before it gets there.
- Watch the posture. Okarun’s confidence is directly tied to how he stands. As the chapters progress, his "hunch" becomes less pronounced.
- Listen to the names. He still calls her "Ayase-san" long after they’ve become close. It’s a sign of his deep-seated respect and his fear of overstepping. When that name change finally happens, it’ll be the biggest moment in the series.
- The "Golden Ratio" of his fights. He almost always loses the first half of a battle. He has to take hits to understand the rhythm. He’s an analytical fighter, not a brawler.
How to Lean Into the Okarun Mindset
You don't need a Turbo Granny to start applying Okarun’s better traits to your own life. Basically, he’s a masterclass in "doing it anyway."
- Use your "weird" interests. Okarun’s obsession with aliens was his social suicide, but it became his greatest strength. Don't hide the things you're passionate about. They are usually the tools you'll use to solve your biggest problems.
- Accept the "limp." Okarun is rarely at 100%. He’s usually tired, cursed, or missing a vital body part. He keeps moving. Perfection is a lie; momentum is everything.
- Observation over ego. In a world of loud people, the one who watches and learns the patterns usually ends up winning. Be the person who notices the "how" and the "why."
Okarun isn't just a sidekick in his own story, and he’s certainly not just a love interest for Momo. He is a testament to the idea that the most "normal" person in the room is often the most capable of handling the absolute paranormal insanity of life.
Next time you see him stuttering through a conversation, just remember: that kid has outrun the laws of physics more times than you’ve had a hot meal. Give him some credit.
To really get the most out of Okarun's journey, go back and re-read the first ten chapters. Notice how often he tries to run away versus how often he stays. The ratio shifts faster than you’d think. Pay attention to the eyes—Tatsu draws a lot of Okarun's soul in the way he looks at Momo when she’s not looking. That’s where the real story is.