Dandadan: Okarun’s Best Friends

by

Summary

  • Okarun’s life transformed after Momo defended him, leading to trusted friendships.
  • Kinta Sakata became Okarun’s friend after getting involved in a bizarre misadventure.
  • Mr. Mantis Shrimp, an ex-enemy turned ally, formed a close bond with Okarun’s group.

Dandadan‘s character, Ken Takakura (also known as Okarun), has led a solitary existence since childhood due to his deep interest in extraterrestrial life. Frequently ostracized by his peers, he found solace in his passion for the unexplained, which eventually served as a refuge for him over time.

Without Momo stepping in to defend me from my tormentors, I believe my life would have carried on much the same way. Yet, that act of selfless bravery by this remarkable girl changed everything for me. I was unexpectedly drawn into a circle of people who saw me, truly understood me, and stood by me as friends.

7. Kinta Sakata

The Nerd Who Became Nanoskin Manipulator

  • Manga Debut: Chapter 64
  • Combat Style: Nanoskin Manipulation

As a teen bursting with admiration, I’ve found myself often trying to masquerade as someone more self-assured and ostentatious – a facade to conceal my underlying apprehension towards rejection. However, my perspective shifted when I encountered Ken Takakura on the scene. What intrigued me was his seemingly effortless popularity among women, despite not fitting the conventional mold of good looks or charm.

Following Okarun and Momo covertly to uncover Okarun’s mystery, Kinta unwittingly joins their peculiar series of events. This occurrence leads Sakata into Okarun’s circle, and gradually they develop a friendship as time passes.

6. Bamora

The Sumerian Looking for A Husband

  • Manga Debut: Chapter 63
  • Combat Style: Exosuit

Following a string of heartbreaking incidents that compelled Bamora to abandon her native planet and seek refuge on Earth, she encountered difficulties and isolation. A potentially perilous situation might have ensued had she not stumbled upon Okarun and Momo. With an inexperienced comprehension of love, power, and companionship, she believed that Ken was the ideal partner she’d long sought, and she playfully kissed him as a youthful gesture to stake her claim on him.

Under some unusual situations, when Ken encountered Bamora, this didn’t pose a problem for him, instead, it motivated him to connect with her and make her feel welcome within his social circle.

5. Mr. Mantis Shrimp

The Alien Who Turned Into An Ally

  • Anime Debut: Episode 8
  • Manga Debut: Chapter 20
  • Combat Style: Boxing

In the Kintama Hunt Saga, Okarun and his companions faced relentless trouble from the Serpoians, who didn’t hesitate to seek aid from other extraterrestrial beings for their sinister objective. During one such confrontation, Ken engaged in combat with the Dover Demon, a being that the Serpoians had deserted after it was wounded in the conflict. After Ken, Seiko, and others provided care and assisted in his recovery, he proved to be an essential part of their team.

You gave me proper medical attention. Nobody has ever been this kind to me.

Since childhood, Okarun harbored a desire to make friends with extraterrestrials, and this dream materialized when Mr. Mantis Shrimp became a trusted confidant. The Dover Demon recognized it as his ethical obligation to support Ken and his companions, who had extended kindness and affection to him during his most vulnerable moments. Over time, compassion and service became the cornerstones of Okarun’s friendship with Mr. Mantis Shrimp, a bond that Seiko carefully fostered and developed.

4. Aira Shiratori

The Petulant Diva Whose Life Changed After Befriending Okarun

  • Anime Debut: Episode 5
  • Manga Debut: Chapter 10
  • Combat Style: Yokai Powers

At Kami High, Aira was well-known for her beauty. She reveled in the admiration and praise from her classmates. When she encountered Okarun for the first time, fueled by her inflated self-importance, she attempted to win him over with flattery, only to mock him later to her friends.

Initially, their encounter with Okarun wasn’t great, but events unfolded such that they found themselves spending more time together. In a surprising twist, Shiratori grew fond of him, but since Ken never reciprocated her romantic feelings, they remained friends. They battled numerous supernatural foes as a team and, despite their complex relationship, they formed an unexpected yet strong friendship over time.

3. Seiko Ayase

Momo’s Considerate Grandmother

  • Anime Debut: Episode 3
  • Manga Debut: Chapter 3
  • Combat Style: Barrier Casting and Bat Mastery

Since Seiko Ayase was solely responsible for raising Momo, it was only natural that she warmly and tenderly received Okarun when they became friends. Maintaining her light-hearted and casual personality, she subtly directed Ken whenever he required assistance from her.

In the end, Seiko’s deep understanding of the mysterious and her wisdom proved incredibly useful to both Okarun and Momo. This knowledge, in fact, significantly contributed to strengthening their relationship.

2. Jiji

Momo’s Childhood Friend Became An Indispensable Part Of Okarun’s Life

  • Anime Debut: Episode 10
  • Manga Debut: Chapter 27
  • Combat Style: Spiritual Power

Ken encountered Jiji for the first time when she unexpectedly showed up at the Ayase residence without Momo being aware. When Seiko shared that Jiji was Momo’s earliest crush, it stirred feelings of unease and envy within Okarun. Initially, they didn’t quite mesh, but as they grew more acquainted, the initial apprehension started to dissipate.

Back in grade school, I made fun of you Momo. Looking back now, I seriously regret it.

After their encounter with the Tsuchinoko and an incident where Jiji seemed to be under the influence of the Evil Eye, their relationship deepened significantly. These unusual experiences compelled them to share more about themselves, laying the groundwork for mutual trust and fellowship.

1. Momo Ayase

Ken Takakura’s Closest Confidant

  • Anime Debut: Episode 1
  • Manga Debut: Chapter 1
  • Combat Style: Psychokinesis

From his youth, Okarun found it tough to forge friendships and, in his longing for connection, he immersed himself in the study of supernatural occurrences. He sought a sense of belonging amidst the enigmas of the unseen world until he encountered Momo Ayase. Their initial meeting was an act of kindness that ignited an extraordinary friendship between two individuals who, at first glance, appeared to inhabit different spheres.

The pair initially connected through their contrasting views on the mystical realm and mutual yearning for factuality. A heated wager sparked their adventure, which eventually evolved into an extended, enigmatic voyage that indelibly marked Okarun and Momo for all time.

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2025-01-12 04:10