Hello! I’m KENTA, a huge manga fan from Japan. Today, we’re diving into the protagonist of the popular manga Dandadan, Takahara Ken (Okarun), and exploring how he transformed into a heartthrob and the captivating women who fell for him. Initially an unnoticed, awkward teenager, Takahara Ken suddenly becomes a handsome young man after a strange curse changes him, and he starts attracting women like never before. It’s an absolute must-watch as we dig into his growth and the romantic developments that follow. I hope you’re as excited as I am—let’s get started!
1. Takahara Ken – The Nerdy, Unnoticed Teen Who Becomes a Heartthrob
Takahara Ken is a small, shy second-year high school student. With his black hair in a bob cut and wearing glasses, he stands out in neither looks nor personality. He’s a typical nerd with a passion for aliens and the occult, living a lonely life with few friends. But how does someone like him end up as the object of desire for so many women?
1-1. Takahara Ken’s Personality and Nerdy Interests
True to his appearance, Takahara Ken is introverted and shy. However, when the topic of the occult or aliens comes up, his passion bursts forth, which is one of his most captivating qualities. Although he doesn’t believe in ghosts, he has an intense fascination with extraterrestrials. This quirky interest will be the key to transforming him into someone special.
1-2. Transformation and Growth
Through the course of the story, Takahara Ken is cursed, and this curse causes him to undergo a sudden and dramatic transformation into a handsome young man. His new, sharp features and slightly more positive attitude improve his previously shy nature. This change catapults him into the role of a “heartthrob,” and soon, women begin to fall for him.
2. Ayase Momo – The Justice-Fueled Gal Who’s Drawn to Takahara Ken
2-1. Ayase Momo’s Charms and Personality
Ayase Momo is the first girl to fall for Takahara Ken. Despite her energetic and gal-like appearance, she’s actually a kind-hearted person with a strong sense of justice. Initially, she was put off by Ken’s nerdy interests, but over time, she finds herself drawn to his inner qualities.
2-2. Momo’s Childhood Trauma and Meeting Takahara Ken
Momo’s interest in the occult comes from her childhood experiences. Growing up with a medium as a mother, Momo strongly believed in ghosts. This led to a heated argument when Takahara Ken denied their existence. However, when Ken is cursed and the two are forced to cooperate, their relationship starts to evolve, and trust begins to form between them.
2-3. Signs of Romance
As Momo works to break Ken’s curse and finds herself excited by his transformation, their relationship slowly starts to shift toward romance. However, Momo has difficulty accepting her feelings at first and continues to call him “Okarun” to hide her affection. Their relationship remains awkward for a while, but in the end, their feelings for each other are mutually acknowledged.
3. Shiratori Aira – The Beautiful Girl with an Unexpected Side
3-1. Shiratori Aira’s Appearance and Personality
Shiratori Aira is a stunningly beautiful girl with a bright and friendly personality. But beneath her cheerful exterior, she’s also extremely knowledgeable, though somewhat overly imaginative. Initially, she looks down on Ken, but after his curse, she starts to develop an attraction to him.
3-2. Aira’s Unconventional Approach to Romance
Aira has little experience with romance and, as a result, her understanding of love is somewhat misguided. She draws much of her knowledge from her father’s adult magazines, leading her to have a rather unorthodox view of love. At first, she takes a bold approach by trying to kiss Ken and making aggressive advances.
3-3. Aira’s Evolving Feelings for Ken
At first, Aira mocks Ken for being a nerd, but as she witnesses his serious and kind nature, her feelings begin to change. Through their shared battles, she finds herself falling for him, but Ken remains focused on Momo. Aira’s unrequited love creates a sense of frustration, as she struggles with her emotions while Ken’s heart belongs elsewhere.
4. Bamora – The Alien Girl Who Falls for Takahara Ken
4-1. Bamora’s True Identity and Background
Bamora is an alien girl from the species known as the “Tsuchimorajin.” After escaping to Earth, she seeks a strong man to help her survive. At first, she has no interest in Takahara Ken, but over time, she begins to fall for him.
4-2. The First Encounter with Takahara Ken
Bamora and Ken first meet during an intense battle. Ken challenges her, entangling himself with her suit, and it’s through this encounter that Bamora begins to see Ken’s strength, which ultimately attracts her to him. However, Bamora’s romantic intentions are somewhat different—she’s not simply looking for love, but a strong partner for marriage.
4-3. An Alien Romance
Bamora, having little experience in love, is very direct and even kisses Ken the first time they meet. She believes that marrying a “strong man” like him will bring her hope for the future. However, Ken does not reciprocate her feelings, and their relationship slowly grows more distant.
5. Takahara Ken’s Growth and the Appeal of the “Heartthrob”
Takahara Ken starts out as a shy, nerdy teenager, but after the curse transforms both his appearance and personality, he becomes a sought-after figure among the women around him. However, his true attractiveness lies not just in his external transformation but in his growth as a person. As he develops compassion and matures, the women around him are drawn to him.
Some of the women have strong romantic feelings for Ken, while others realize their attraction to him as they witness his growth. Each character brings their own unique traits and charm to the story, making their relationships with Ken all the more intriguing.
Conclusion
The charm of Dandadan lies in the transformation of Takahara Ken, who starts as a seemingly unremarkable nerd but grows into a more charismatic figure. Women like Ayase Momo, Shiratori Aira, and Bamora, each with their own unique backgrounds and personalities, are drawn to him in different ways. Ken’s transformation is not just physical but emotional as well, as he grows as a person and becomes someone truly attractive.
Each character adds spice to the story with their unique relationships with Ken, making the overall narrative even more exciting. We encourage you to follow their romantic journeys and enjoy the growth of this fascinating story!
At MangaZamurai, we publish thoughtful analyses of Japanese manga for readers around the world. We hope you enjoyed diving into the growth of Dandadan’s fascinating characters and their evolving love stories. If you liked this article, be sure to check out our other posts! We’re continuously diving deeper into incredible manga, so don’t miss out!
