Ken Takakura: The Actor That Momo Admires in Dandadan

In the vibrant world of Dandadan, Momo Ayase finds herself captivated not by her introverted friend Okarun, who is obsessed with UFOs, but by the legendary figure of Ken Takakura. This fascination is not just a fleeting crush; it’s an admiration for a cultural icon in Japanese cinema.

1. Who is Ken Takakura?

Ken Takakura is a revered actor known for his portrayal of strong, honorable men who embody the samurai spirit and the virtues of duty and honor. Takakura’s characters often exhibited a calm exterior while demonstrating profound emotional depth, making a strong impact on Japanese audiences since the 1960s, particularly among the youth during a time of military recruitment.

His on-screen personas resonate with Momo’s ideal of masculinity, representing traits such as reliability and quiet strength, a stark contrast to the superficiality found in modern relationships. This is poignantly illustrated in Momo’s experiences in her first breakup.

Growing up with her grandmother, Seiko Ayase, Momo was likely influenced by Takakura’s films, fostering her admiration from an early age. While Seiko may appear youthful, she carries the wisdom of two generations and likely played a role in shaping Momo’s ideals.

2. A Comical Name Coincidence

Momo idolizes Ken Takakura — Source: Manga Plus

The plot takes a humorous turn in the first episode when Momo learns that her quirky classmate Okarun just so happens to share the same name as her idol, Ken Takakura. This shocking revelation leads to comedic distress for Momo, prompting her to affectionately refer to her classmate as “Okarun.” Though the narrative does not suggest an intentional connection between the two, it serves as a clever nod to Takakura’s enduring legacy in Japanese culture.

Choosing the nickname “Okarun” has a playful flair, allowing Momo to maintain a slight emotional distance from her idol by associating her classmate with his interest in the paranormal.

3. The Impact of Ken Takakura on Momo

Ken's influence on Momo — Source: Fandom

Momo frequently draws courage from her idol, Takakura, empowering her to confront challenges that would typically intimidate a fifteen-year-old. For instance, in episode three, she bravely faces off against the supernatural menace known as Turbo Granny, spurred on by the thought of her role model’s unwavering resolve.

This connection showcases Momo’s character depth, revealing her personal ideals, aspirations, and fears. Furthermore, her admiration for Takakura adds layers of humor and irony to her dynamic with Okarun, creating memorable interactions throughout the series.

Despite their contrasting natures, Momo gradually opens up to Okarun, occasionally feeling a flutter of recognition when reminded of the real Ken Takakura as she tries to enforce her nickname restriction.

4. Overview of Dandadan

Dandadan is a captivating Japanese manga series created by Yukinobu Tatsu, serialized in Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ since April 2021. A highly anticipated anime adaptation by Science Saru is scheduled to premiere in 2024.

The story centers on Momo Ayase, a high school student with a belief in ghosts, and her classmate Okarun, who champions the existence of aliens. Their differing viewpoints lead to a bet that sees them exploring settings linked to the supernatural and the extraterrestrial.

As they investigate their respective territories, they discover an astonishing truth: both ghosts and aliens are real, intertwining their destinies in unexpected ways.

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