Dandadan: Alien Nut Theft and the Anatomy of Masculinity: Okarun’s Identity

Ken Takakura (Okarun) is a reluctant hero: awkward, broke, and terrified of talking to girls. Dandadan draws us in with Ken’s struggles, using his complicated identities to ask: Is masculinity less about bravado and more about caring for others when it counts?

On the surface, Okarun is a shy, introverted high school boy. When we first meet him, he sits in the back of the classroom, quietly reading to himself. Bullies bombard him with names and thrown objects. He is an outcast and bullied for being “a nerd.” Ken is interested in the supernatural, especially aliens and the occult. This brings him unwanted attention and name-calling. Momo’s nickname for him, Okarun, comes from his interest in the occult—it's a shortened version of Occult-kun. After meeting Momo, he struggles to navigate high school life as an outcast. His life changes when he encounters the supernatural beings he’s fascinated with, who sadly end up stealing his nuts. These early moments define not only who Ken is, but also how his surroundings challenge his sense of masculinity—both in words and, quite literally, through what’s taken from him.

There are several instances where Okarun is emasculated or labeled a "wimp." When Turbo Granny takes his junk, he loses agency and endures embarrassment as Momo supervises him in the restroom. Even after regaining his junk, Okarun faces teasing about his shy demeanor. Despite becoming powerful, his essential identity and experiences remain. The core argument is that Okarun, mocked for not fitting masculine norms, anchors manho
od in compassion over dominance. His outcast status pushes him to see masculinity as care rather than control. These experiences also shape quieter moments, like his approach to awkward relationships and social situations.

In Season 1, Episode 8, "I've Got This Funny Feeling,” we see many examples of intersectionality in Okarun's character. This episode examines how he navigates romantic advances, his social standing, physical capabilities, and intellectual acumen. All of these contribute to his character and morals. When discussing class materials with Momo, Okarun briefly reveals he does not come from a wealthy background. She asks, “You have a PC or a laptop, don't ya?” He replies, “No, I don’t, can't afford those.” Although he lacks the tools his peers have, he still works to be a good student and solves problems without these advantages. 

Another part of the episode reveals his character through his encounter with Aira in the schoolyard. Aira, a former bully, makes it clear she has a crush on him. Unfortunately for her, he does not return her feelings. Okarun skips lunch with Momo to train privately in the schoolyard. After their last battle, he feels responsible for protecting Momo and the rest of his classmates. He says, “I have to get stronger. Chances are another monster will show up, and I have to be ready to fight it. If I don't, if I can't, I’ll put Ms. Ayase (Momo) in danger.” Soon after, Aira finds him alone and approaches to confess her feelings. Even when interrupted, he kindly asks, “Is there something I can help with?” This shows his kindness and readiness to help, even those who have hurt him. Aira confesses her feelings but tries to kiss him before he can respond. He pushes her away. She immediately shouts, “What was that? Why are you dodging me? Why are you acting so weird?” Despite her attempt for a non-consensual kiss, Okarun tries to let her down gently and tell her she is mistaken. He pushes himself to explain that her actions are wrong and that her father’s magazines are misleading. She does not back down. A back-and-forth follows, showing how Okarun handles both an awkward moment with Aira and an upsetting one with Momo. Aira sweeps his legs, causing him to fall on her just as Momo turns the corner. Feeling betrayed, since Okarun said he’d be studying, Momo runs off. He tries to clarify, but she ignores him. Still, Okarun blames himself, saying, "There's no excuse for what I did.” Though he was lying so he could train, he blames himself instead of lashing out at either girl. His shyness overlaps with his kindness. He avoids conflict, not out of fear, but because he values empathy over ego. What others see as weakness is actually restraint. Okarun measures strength not by dominance or pride, but by taking responsibility, even if it is not fully his. His quiet humility becomes his power, setting him apart from the louder, more violent version of his cursed fighting form.

​Often belittled for lacking traditional masculinity, Okarun ultimately redefines what strength means. For him, real masculinity involves growth, self-restraint, and supporting others. His story suggests that kindness and responsibility are more genuine measures of manhood than dominance.

(Writer: Katie, Producer: Luke, Social media/images: Hannah)