Ken Takakura is Okarun, Momo’s main partner in Dandadan, and his name reference helps explain why does momo like ken takakura.
Momo likes Ken Takakura because the name fits her “tough-guy” type at first, but she truly falls for Okarun as he proves his loyalty, courage, and respect through everything they survive together.
Momo and Okarun bond after their aliens-vs-ghosts bet forces them to rely on each other.
Start reading now on HariManga to discover why does momo like ken takakura and how her bond with Okarun grows in Dandadan.
Who is Ken Takakura in Dandadan?
In Dandadan, Ken Takakura is the introverted high school boy nicknamed Okarun, who becomes Momo Ayase’s main partner in the series’ alien-and-yōkai chaos.
His real name is also a deliberate pop-culture reference to the famous Japanese actor Ken Takakura, which is why Momo reacts so strongly to it and prefers calling him “Okarun” instead.
At the end of the day, understanding who he is helps clarify why does momo like Ken Takakura.
Why does Momo like Ken Takakura?
Momo likes Ken Takakura because his name fits her ideal type at first, and later because Okarun proves his genuine care, bravery, and loyalty through his actions.
Momo likes “Ken Takakura” for two reasons and the story treats them as two different stages.
First, Momo is drawn to the name Ken Takakura because it matches her idea of a cool, tough, and dependable guy.
The name is a pop culture reference in Japan, so it immediately fits her personal “type.”
This is why she reacts so strongly when she learns Okarun’s real name. It is also why she prefers calling him “Okarun,” because saying “Ken Takakura” out loud feels embarrassing to her.
Second, Momo gradually likes Okarun for who he is, not just the name. Okarun starts out shy and awkward, but he keeps showing up when it matters.
He risks himself to protect Momo.
He treats her with respect and does not talk down to her. He listens, supports her choices, and stays loyal even when things get terrifying.
Their bond deepens because they go through extreme situations together. Fighting aliens and yōkai forces trust and teamwork.
Momo sees that Okarun can be brave under pressure.
She also sees that his care is consistent, not performative. Over time, that trust turns into real emotional attachment.
So the short version is simple. The name creates the spark. Okarun’s actions create the real feelings.
That is the core answer to why does momo like Ken Takakura.
How did Momo and Okarun start bonding?
Momo and Okarun start bonding because they meet at a moment when both of them feel misunderstood.
Okarun is lonely and gets treated like an outsider at school. Momo notices that and does not judge him the way others do. That first bit of respect matters, even before they become a “team.”
Their connection accelerates because of the aliens versus ghosts bet. Okarun believes aliens are real. Momo believes ghosts are real.
To prove each other wrong, they visit different “haunted” or “UFO” spots.
The result is immediate danger, and they are forced to rely on each other from the start. That shared shock becomes their first real bonding experience.
After that, they keep getting pulled into supernatural incidents. Each time, they learn the other person’s strengths.
Momo sees that Okarun is not just timid, he can be brave when it counts. Okarun sees that Momo is strong, but also protective and loyal.
The more they survive together, the more their relationship shifts from random classmates to trusted partners.
The “real” reason Momo gradually developed feelings for Okarun
Momo’s feelings don’t come from a single “cute moment” in Dandadan characters.
They build over time as Okarun proves who he is through actions, not words, which is the real answer behind why does momo like Ken Takakura.
- He shows up when it matters, even when he is scared. Momo respects consistency more than big speeches.
- He protects her without trying to control her. He fights beside her, not above her.
- He treats Momo with real respect. He listens, trusts her judgment, and never talks down to her.
- He grows braver over time. Momo notices his progress and values that kind of personal strength.
- He stays loyal through chaos. After repeated alien and yōkai incidents, that loyalty becomes trust.
- He is sincere and emotionally honest. Even when awkward, his care feels real, not performative.
- They build a survival bond. Sharing danger fast-tracks intimacy because they rely on each other to live.
FAQs
Here are the most common reader FAQs about Momo and Okarun, written to clarify the name gag and the romance subtext behind why does momo like ken takakura.
Does Momo like Ken in Dandadan?
Yes, but it changes in meaning over time. At first, Momo is a fan of the real actor Ken Takakura, so the name itself makes her flustered.
Later, what matters more is Okarun’s personality and values, like loyalty, courage under pressure, and consistent respect for her.
Why does Momo call Ken occult Kun?
Because Okarun is obsessed with the occult, and the nickname is derived from “occult.”
Momo also avoids calling him “Ken Takakura” because it reminds her of her celebrity crush, so the nickname is the easier and less embarrassing option for her.
Who has a crush on Takakura?
Momo has a crush on the celebrity Ken Takakura, and she gets visibly flustered just hearing the name.
Separately, the story also develops romantic feelings between Momo and Okarun as their bond deepens.
Who is Momo’s childhood crush?
Momo’s childhood friend and first crush is Jin Enjoji, nicknamed Jiji.
Their bond becomes strained after he teases her about Seiko’s rituals, and they lose touch when he moves away.
Who did Momo have a crush on?
Her earliest confirmed crush is Jiji, because they were close as kids and he was her first love.
Later, her “Ken Takakura” crush is more of an idol style celebrity admiration that contrasts with the real feelings she develops through knowing Okarun personally.
Who is Momo’s bf in Dandadan?
Momo and Okarun are the central pairing and the series makes their feelings increasingly explicit over time, including a confession from Okarun in later story coverage.
In short, Momo’s feelings for Okarun grow through trust, loyalty, and the way he proves himself through actions over time.
If you searched Why does Momo like Ken Takakura, the real answer is that the name may spark her interest, but Okarun’s courage and respect are what earn her heart.
Read more Dandadan guides and updates on HariManga.
