Why does Momo Ayase call Ken Takakura "Okarun" in Dandadan? Explained

Dandadan throws supernatural chaos into teenage romance when two high schoolers discover ghosts and aliens exist. The series creates its own linguistic puzzle through Momo Ayase’s stubborn refusal to address her classmate properly. This naming quirk becomes central to understanding both characters’ emotional development.

The nickname “Okarun” occurs from Momo’s desperate attempt to evade saying “Ken Takakura” - the exact name of Japan’s most legendary stoic actor whom she hero-worships. Her psychological defense agent transforms into the perfect fence against acknowledging romantic attraction to someone who signifies her celebrity crush’s very essence.

The name disarray in Dandadan conceives from a real-life celeb who holds huge artistic significance in Japan. Ken Takakura was one of Japan’s most celebrated actors, appearing in over 200 films throughout his career.

In Dandadan, Momo’s fixation with the actor Ken Takakura runs so deep that she previously dated someone just because he resembled her idol. Her response to hearing the name “Ken Takakura” is so intense that it makes her swoon even during life-threatening situations. This fixation becomes problematic when she learns her new classmate shares the same name.

After discovering the coincidence in their names, Momo instantly chooses to give him a nickname, settling on “Okarun” because of his fascination with the occult. The nickname fuses “occult” with the suffix “-kun,” reflecting his attractions while evading the trigger of his actual name.

Momo’s decision to call him Okarun fits multiple psychological drives in Dandadan. First, it helps her keep emotional distance from someone who threatens to replace her celebrity crush. Second, it averts the constant reminder of her idol whenever she addresses her classmate directly.

Momo becomes visibly flustered whenever Okarun’s real name is mentioned in her presence, revealing the depth of her internal conflict. The nickname acts as a protective barrier against acknowledging her developing romantic feelings.

M O H L O M I (CW: High Card)🇿🇦🫠

@junglekxng3

Meet Momo Ayase, a young lady in love with her best friend, Ken Takakura and they're the main characters of Dandadan. But you see Momo had a problem...hearing bro's name would get her all giddy giddy so she calls him Okarun instead😌 (hope y'all peep the reference)

Character development through name recognition in

Dandadan

The naming dynamic in Dandadan represents more than just comedic relief. Okarun begins displaying traits similar to the legendary actor, such as bravery, gentlemanly behavior, and emotional awkwardness. Momo unconsciously recognizes these parallels. His use of Takakura’s well-known phrase, “I’m an awkward fellow,” particularly strikes a chord with her.

Okarun treats Momo with deep respect, even addressing her formally as “Miss Ayase,” while she continues to use the casual nickname despite their growing bond. This contrast highlights the emotional walls Momo has constructed around her feelings.

The nickname status in Dandadan foreshadows meaningful character development for both protagonists. Momo’s refusal to call him by his real name reflects her reluctance to fully acknowledge her romantic feelings. The moment she eventually calls him Ken will likely mark a crucial turning point in their relationship.

Joao Mouco

@JoaoMouco67933

Okarun treasures every moment with Momo even the most embarrassing ones for her, keeping them as precious memories When he thought she might be dead he remembered these moments. We've never seen him blush so much as when she called him a"bag of shit" on their first day at Moe Moe

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In short, Dandadan elevates this simple nickname into clever storytelling through Momo’s playful linguistic choices. Her “Okarun” creation becomes the perfect metaphor for emotional self-preservation wrapped in teenage stubbornness.

This naming complexity will eventually crumble when Momo’s walls finally break down. The moment she speaks “Ken Takakura” with genuine affection rather than celebrity worship will signal her complete emotional transformation. Until then, “Okarun” remains her shield against love’s most terrifying possibility - finding someone who surpasses even her greatest idol.

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