In Dandadan, Momo Ayase idolizes a man named Ken Takakura, but this is not her UFO-obsessed, introverted friend Okarun.
Instead, she has her sights set on the ‘real Ken Takakura’, a legendary Japanese actor whose stoic, heroic roles left a lasting impact on Japanese cinema and culture.
1. Who is Ken Takakura in Reality?
Ken Takakura is a legendary actor who embodied the masculine spirit and advocated for the ideals of duty and honor for a real man.
His characters were known for their calm, composed demeanor and surprising depth of emotions. These roles resonated deeply with Japanese audiences from the 1960s, especially the youth when the Japanese military was recruiting.
Takakura’s appeal lies in his portrayals of tough, honorable men who are silent but still reliable – this is a quality that perfectly aligns with Momo’s ideal of a “real man.”
He represents everything modern youth and shallow romance don’t, offering a sturdy image of reliability and commitment. (As seen from her breakup in the first episode).
In Dandadan, Momo isn’t just drawn to his image; her attraction to Takakura shows her preference for classic, old-fashioned ideals of masculinity.
Living with her grandmother, Seiko Ayase most likely exposed Momo to Ken Takakura’s work growing up. Watching movies or hearing Seiko talk about him likely inspired Momo’s admiration for him. Let’s admit it: Seiko might look twenty, but she’s two generations older.
2. A Hilarious Coincidence in Names
Momo’s crush on Ken Takakura became a matter of raucous laughter when, in Dandadan’s first episode, her UFO-obsessed friend reveals that his real name is – surprisingly – also Ken Takakura.
The shock is too much for Momo, and she’s horrified to learn that her weird classmate has the same name as her idol.
Momo decides that instant that he will be known simply as “Okarun,” The coincidence seems to mean nothing in terms of plot; Dandadan does not indicate that Okarun is related to the famous actor or that this was intentional in-universe.
However, it is a clever joke by the manga’s creator, Yukinobu Tatsu, and a reminder of the actor’s influence on Japanese culture.
Momo chooses “Okarun” as a playful nickname derived from his obsession with the occult in trying to separate Okarun from her heartthrob, the real Ken Takakura.
3. Ken Takakura’s Influence on Momo
Momo uses Takakura to inspire her many times, pushing herself to face situations that would normally be frightening for a fifteen-year-old.
In episode 3, Momo stands her ground against the supernatural threat of Turbo Granny without backing down because she believes that her idol wouldn’t hesitate.
This connection between Momo and Takakura gives depth to her character, showcasing her ideals, interests, and vulnerabilities. Her admiration symbolizes her desire for stability and strength.
Momo’s adoration for Takakura also adds a layer of humor and irony to her relationship with Okarun. There are many moments that fans remember fondly due to Ken Takakura.
Despite their vastly different personalities, she gradually warms up to him, even while enforcing her ban on his real name. She feels her heart skip when she thinks of his real name and sometimes compares Okarun to the real Ken.
4. About Dandadan
‘Dandadan’ is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yukinobu Tatsu. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ service since April 2021. An anime television series adaptation produced by Science Saru is set to premiere in 2024.
Momo Ayase is a high school student who believes in ghosts, but her classmate Okarun believes in aliens instead. To determine who is correct, they make a bet and decide to visit locations associated with both the occult and the supernatural separately.
Ayase visits places related to ghosts, while Okarun visits sites about aliens. When they reach their respective areas, they discover they are only half-right. It turns out that both aliens and ghosts exist.
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