Dandadan: Okarun’s Best Friends

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 Ken Takakura, a.k.a. Okarun, is an alien enthusiast who has lived a lonely life from a young age. Often bullied by his peers, he resorted to finding comfort in his fascination with the supernatural, which slowly became an escape for him.

Okarun’s life would have probably remained the same had he not been defended from his bullies by Momo, a girl of his age who noticed that he was being targeted unjustly. That display of selfless courage transformed Ken’s life, as he suddenly found himself in the company of people who he could trust and value as true friends.

7

Kinta Sakata

The Nerd Who Became Nanoskin Manipulator

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

Kinta Sakata is an insecure teenager who tries to act prideful and vain to cover up his deep-seated fear of rejection. He becomes interested in Ken Takakura after he notices that he appears to be quite famous with the ladies despite not being the typical handsome or charming type.

After he secretly follows Okarun and Momo to figure out Okarun’s secret, Kinta ends up getting involved in their bizarre misadventure. The incident makes Sakata a part of Okarun’s group, and the two slowly become friends over time.

6

Bamora

The Sumerian Looking for A Husband

• Manga Debut: Chapter 63
• Combat Style: Exosuit

After a series of tragic events forced Bamora to flee her home planet and seek shelter on Earth, she found herself struggling and alone. It could have turned out quite dangerous had she not crossed paths with Okarun and Momo. Her immature understanding of love, strength, and partnership made her feel that Ken was the worthy husband she had been looking for all this time, and she kissed him in a childish attempt to claim him.

The bizarre circumstances in which Ken met Bamora did not turn into a hurdle, as he sought to befriend her and help her feel a sense of belonging with his social group.

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 friends were troubled persistently by the Serpoians, who even went as far as enlisting the help of other alien races to achieve their twisted mission. During one of their encounters, Ken fought against the Dover Demon, who was abandoned by the Serpoians after he got injured in the battle. After Ken, Seiko, and others took care of him and helped him recover, he became an indispensable member of the group.

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

From a young age, Okarun wanted to befriend aliens, and his dream came true after Mr. Mantis Shrimp became a close ally. The Dover Demon felt that it was his moral duty to stand alongside Ken and his peers as they had showered him with kindness and love when he was vulnerable. Compassion and service eventually became the foundation for Okarun’s friendship with Mr. Mantis Shrimp, which Seiko genuinely nurtured.

4

Aira Shiratori

The Petulant Diva Whose Life Changed After Befriending Okarun

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

Known for being one of the prettiest girls at Kami High, Aira loved the attention and adulation she received from her peers. So, when she crossed paths with Okarun for the first time, driven by her delusions of grandeur, she tried to charm the shy and reclusive guy just to mock him later in front of her friends.

Although their first interaction was with Okarun not ideal, circumstances soon pushed them into closer proximity, and in a strange turn of events, Shiratori developed a crush on him. However, since Ken always rejected her romantic advances, the two remained friends. They went on to fight many supernatural enemies together and, despite their complicated dynamic, forged an unexpected yet solid friendship.

3

Seiko Ayase

Momo’s Considerate Grandmother

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

Seiko Ayase raised Momo all by herself, so when Okarun became a close friend of hers, she naturally welcomed him with warmth and care. While retaining her playful and unserious demeanor, she gently guided Ken whenever he needed her help.

Seiko’s wisdom and familiarity with the supernatural turned out to be invaluable for Okarun and Momo, which, in turn, played a crucial role in cementing their bond.

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 met Jiji for the first time when the latter arrived at the Ayase household without Momo’s knowledge. When Seiko informed Okarun that he was Momo’s first crush, it made him feel insecure and jealous. The two did not immediately hit it off, but as they got to know each other, that initial tension began to ease.

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

Their bond truly blossomed after they fought the Tsuchinoko and Jiji was possessed by the Evil Eye. These strange events forced them to open up and reveal their true nature to each other, creating a foundation for trust and camaraderie.

1

Momo Ayase

Ken Takakura’s Closest Confidant

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

Okarun struggled to make friends from a young age and, in his desperation, preoccupied himself with supernatural phenomena. He tried to find a sense of belonging in the mysteries of the unknown until he crossed paths with Momo Ayase. Their first interaction was an act of kindness that sparked an unusual friendship between two people who, on the surface, seemed worlds apart.

The duo was brought together by their conflicting belief in the supernatural and their shared desire to uncover the truth. What started as an impassioned bet soon turned into a long journey filled with mystery that changed Okarun and Momo’s lives forever.