Dandadan mesmerized an evergrowing fan base with its singular, irreverent charm. For many fans, the series’ balance of horror, comedy, and fantasy was a refreshing update to more traditional shōnen tropes and introduced an eclectic ensemble cast many fans found enrapturing. In a crew where everyone is endowed with strange abilities, each character plays an equally important role in keeping the world from falling to supernatural threats. While it’s debatable who is most integral for the overall safety of the universe, fans would agree that few characters have been more integral than Ken Takakura or, as series protagonist Momo Ayame demands he is called, “Okarun.”

Okarun is introduced as a timid young man with no space to express himself. hat changes when he’s saved from a bully by the indomitable Momo Ayase. Though their initial interaction was tense, with the two arguing whether aliens or yokai existed, they became fast friends after the discovery that the truth was much more dangerous. Even in the face of danger, Okarun stands tall against the most powerful enemies despite his fears. Thankfully for Okarun’s new fans, he is a top-class anime deuteragonist and is right at home in a genre of characters like him.

Updated on February 4, 2025, by Ari Night: Dandadan’s Okarun has quickly become one of the most beloved modern shonen characters since the anime adaptation skyrocketed the series’ popularity. Even now, there are still other anime characters that can be likened to the kindhearted boy. This list has been updated to include more noteworthy anime characters who shared qualities with Okarun.

15

Subaru Natsuki Can Empathize With Taking on Too Much Pressure

Re: Zero Puts Subaru Natsuki Through the Wringer for His Loved Ones

Subaru Natsuki was content letting life pass him by. Then a mysterious force isekai’d him into a fantasy world without warning. Now equipped with the traumatic power to respawn after death, Subaru sets out to protect his beloved Emilia from the machinations of the world’s villains. For a time, this pressure caused Subaru to devalue himself and it took him a while to fully come to terms with the fact that he was worth more than what he could give to people.

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We see a similar penchant for self-sacrifice in Okarun. Even knowing that the use of his power would put his body at risk, he still goes all out to protect his loved ones from harm. Subaru, similarly, has to make a conscious effort to consider himself when battling enemies. In truth, these two kindhearted young men should be worried about finishing high school and not saving their friends from dying. Nevertheless, in the absence of that possibility, it’s good to know they are both surrounded by people who can care for them.

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-

Release Date

April 3, 2016

Network

TV Tokyo, AT-X

Cast

• 

  Yûsuke Kobayashi

  Subaru Natsuki (voice)

• 

  Rie Takahashi

  Emilia (voice)

• 

  Yumi Uchiyama

  Puck (voice)

• 

  Chinatsu Akasaki

  Felt (voice)

14

Koichi Hirose Was a Normal High School Student Too at One Point

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Sees Koichi Become a Hero

Koichi Hirose is a normal high school student in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Much like Okarun, Koichi lived a regular life until he met some friends who led him into a world of supernatural abilities. Both Okarun and Koichi are small young men but don’t let their stature get them down.

They eventually come into power; Koichi with his Stand, Echoes, and Okarun with Turbo Granny’s abilities. Koichi and Okarun are also similar because they are easily influenced. They both do practically whatever is asked of them, and they have some self-esteem issues. Koichi and Okarun are more than content to live their lives—but fate is thrust upon them both.

13

Asta Sets the Standard for Being a Ride or Die

Black Clover’s Boisterous Protagonist Prides Himself on Being a Great Friend

In a world where magic is everything, Black Clover‘s Asta is the one person in his kingdom who can’t use it. Mission driving to become the Wizard King, his life is changed forever when he gains the ability to use a mysterious force called anti-magic and sets out on a path to change the world for the better. This journey causes him to make life-long friends who changed his life forever, and whose lives he changed.

While Okarun and Asta don’t have much in common at first glance, their shared reverence for friendship makes them extremely compatible characters. Should they ever meet, Asta would undoubtedly seek to understand his new friend as he did with all the others. Okarun, on the other hand, would feel right at home beside someone as kind as Asta.

Black Clover

Release Date

2017 – 2020

Directors

Tatsuya Yoshihara, Ayataka Tanemura

Writers

Kazuyuki Fudeyasu, Kanichi Katou

12

Yuji Itadori Would Beat Up Any Alien or Yokai That Threatened His Friends

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Pink-Haired Brawler Is a Good Guy

Like Okarun, Yuji Itadori was a relatively normal high schooler in Jujutsu Kaisen until a chance meeting with the supernatural put him on the path to fighting evil. Now cursed to be the vessel for the evil and complicated sorcerer Sukuna, Yuji sets out to prove his worth by protecting innocent people from curses, a mission he undertakes with foolish bravery. Luckily for him, his friends are right there, ready to face down any threat whatever the consequence.

Both stories share a common thread — ordinary high schoolers thrust into extraordinary circumstances. As teenage boys raised in contemporary Japan, they have their fair share of similarities. Yuji’s love for monster movies would likely delight the sci-fi-obsessed Okarun. Meanwhile, Okarun would appreciate Yuji’s kindness as a hallmark of his good character. They also share the experience of being fundamentally changed after they protected their school’s occult club from ancient powers.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Release Date

October 3, 2020

Directors

Sunghoo Park, Shōta Goshozono

Writers

Hiroshi Seko

11

Nagisa Shiota is More Than Meets the Eye

Assassination Classroom’s Top Assassin Just Wants to Do Right by People

When their classroom is overtaken by a smiling octopus creature wishing to be their teacher, a group of failing students is given a mission: kill him by the end of the year and win a reward, or fail and witness him destroy the world. For the average student Nagisa, this initially seems to be another task for him to fail. Surprisingly, however, while Nagisa may not be great at math, he is a natural assassin.

With such a prodigious talent for assassination, Nagisa has the potential to be a threat unlike anything his world has ever seen. But, like Okarun, he prefers to use this power towards a collective goal: finding a way to defeat Koro Sensei and claim the reward money for his class. Nagisa and Okarun are characters who can’t help being underestimated by people who look down on them.

Assassination Classroom

10

Like Okarun, Yoo Jinho is Dedicated to Improving

Solo Leveling Shows Yoo Jinho as the Prime Comedic Relief

Yoo Jinho is an eager young man from Solo Leveling. He comes from a prominent family and wants to prove himself as a Hunter. However, it doesn’t pan out as he would have hoped. Yoo Jinho is fearful and easily panicked whenever he’s in combat. It’s then up to Sung Jinwoo to save Yoo Jinho at inopportune times.

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Similarly, Okarun has proven to be a hindrance to battle rather than a boon. As of Episode 3, he has yet to control his powers. Therefore, Momo is forced to save him. He also still has to rely on Momo’s powers to not turn into Turbo Granny. Okarun and Yoo Jinho want to be helpful but are usually in the way instead.

Solo Leveling

Release Date

January 7, 2024

Directors

Shunsuke Nakashige

Writers

Noboru Kimura

• 

  Taito Ban

  Shun Mizushino (voice)

• 

  Genta Nakamura

  Kenta Morobishi (voice)

• 

9

Shinji Ikari’s Reluctance Didn’t Stop Him From Being a Hero Either

Neon Genesis Evangelion Features Shinji as a Reluctant Hero

Like Okarun, Shinji Ikari is hesitant about his new fate in Neon Genesis Evangelion. Shinji would be happy living a quiet life as a regular high schooler. Sadly, he must pilot one of the EVAs to help defeat the Angels that continue to attack the city. Okarun was likewise loath to be possessed by a malevolent spirit. However, he takes what he has and uses his gifts to protect his friend, Momo.

Shinji and Okarun have a habit of complaining about their situations — even when life and death are on the line. Yet, they always manage to stand up and protect their people in the end. Neon Genesis Evangelion and Dandadan are very different anime series, but their protagonists are two sides of the same coin.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

• 

  Megumi Ogata

  Shinji Ikari

• 

  Megumi Hayashibara

  Rei Ayanami

• 

  Kotono Mitsuishi

  Misato Katsuragi

• 

  Spike Spencer

  Ritsuko Akagi

• 

8

Yuri Katsuki Doesn’t Mind Having Pushy Friends

Yuri!!! On Ice Emphasizes Hard Work and Love To Achieve One’s Goals

Yuri from Yuri!!! On Ice and Okarun have a surprising amount in common. Not only do they look a little similar, but their self-deprecating attitudes and desire for connections make them kindred spirits. Yuri also has a romantic interest, like Okarun, but Yuri’s love of figure skating is more accepted than Okarun’s obsession with aliens.

Yuri and Okarun have been brought down by life until a much more popular individual gives them a second chance. Their new friends are hard on them, but it’s what both Yuri and Okarun need to get out of their shells. Yuri!!! On Ice and Dandadan differ greatly, but they still have similar character profiles.

Yuri!!! On Ice: The Complete Series

Release Date

October 6, 2016

7

Wakana Gojo’s Interests Are Misunderstood

My Dress-Up Darling Features Gojo’s Special Interests

Wakana Gojo is a teenager from My Dress-Up Darling. Gojo loves to make Hina dolls just like his grandfather and has become particularly skilled at creating them. He is also gifted at sewing, which he uses to help his new friend, Marin Kitagawa, create cosplay designs. Gojo is a shy individual and doesn’t have many friends.

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Gojo is very similar to Okarun; both characters are passionate young men who have interests that no one else enjoys or understands. They also become unexpected friends with girls who turn their worlds upside down. They help their new friends achieve goals too (even if Momo’s goals are to defeat the spirits and aliens). Gojo’s life is much less dangerous than Okarun’s, but many of their life circumstances are similar.

My Dress-Up Darling

Release Date

2022 – 2021

Directors

Keisuke Shinohara

Writers

Shinichi Fukuda, Yoriko Tomita

• 

• 

6

Akira Nirei Knows Everything There Is About His Special Interest

Wind Breaker Shows That Nirei Can Play to His Strengths

Akihiko Nirei may not be strong. But what he lacks in strength, he more than makes up for in intelligence. Wind Breaker is full of tough, physically reactive young men who never hesitate in a fight, but Nirei is not like that. Like Okarun, Nirei is inspired by his friends. He hopes to reach their level of cool one day, but for now, he’s focused on background knowledge.

Okarun and Nirei are also fanboys. Okarun’s obsession with aliens is well documented, while Nirei jots down each fighting style and other trivia for any fighter he encounters. This can be a lot in a school like Furin. But it’s a job that Nirei knows he can do well. Okarun and Nirei aren’t the bravest, but they know their strengths and play to them to help their friends in need.

5

Yuta Okkotsu Grew Into Immense Power Through Love

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Features a Once Timid Yuta Okkotsu

Yuta Okkotsu grew up as a tortured soul; after his best friend (and crush) Rika Orimoto died, her spirit was so tightly united with his that she became a monstrous Cursed Spirit. Anyone who tried to get close to Yuta was summarily trashed. Fortunately, Yuta was able to release Rika’s spirit and now works with a visage of her as a Jujutsu Sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen. Much like Okarun, Yuta was possessed by a malevolent spirit but grew stronger thanks to his experience.

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Yuta and Okarun are also rather shy — at first. Yuta isn’t so shy any longer, but he certainly was at the beginning of Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Yuta and Okarun feel powerless in their life situations, but that is far from the truth. They both hold immense abilities that allow them to thrive in combat situations. Hopefully, Okarun can live up to the legacy of what Yuta has become through hard work and dedication.

4

Izuku Midoriya Is a Fanboy

My Hero Academia Emphasizes Midoriya’s Specialized Knowledge

Dadadan’s Okarun and Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia are both die-hard fanboys in their own right. Okarun loves learning about aliens and UAPs, while Midoriya could rattle off facts about All Might all day. Both boys struggled with bullies, but they also ignored their detractors to become heroic protectors.

Midoriya and Okarun are also the recipients of less-than-ideal nicknames. Momo Ayase gave the name “Okarun” to Ken Takakura (partially for selfish reasons) but also because it was a subtle jab at his love for the occult. Meanwhile, Midoirya’s Hero Name, Deku, was unfavorably given to him by his childhood friend, Katsuki Bakugo. “Deku” refers to someone useless. Thankfully, Okarun and Deku have proven to be much more than their bullies could ever dream.

My Hero Academia

Release Date

April 3, 2016

3

Zenitsu Agatsuma Is More Powerful When He’s Unconscious

Demon Slayer Shows Off Zenitsu’s Electrifying Powers

Zenitsu Agatsuma from Demon Slayer is one of the most similar characters to Okarun. Zenitsu has much stronger fear responses than Okarun. However, they both have trepidation about using their powers. Zenitsu is generally worried about any opponent, but especially about demons. Zenitsu doesn’t feel confident in his abilities, which makes him fear the night. Yet, when push comes to shove, and Zenitsu passes out, that is where the real magic begins. Zenitsu shows off his immense strength through his Thunder Breathing technique.

It’s lightning-fast and packs quite the punch — even though he’s unconscious. Likewise, Okarun can use Turbo Granny’s powers to become an augmented spirit of his own. Unfortunately (as of Episode 3), Okarun still needs help to turn into his spirit form. He also loses all of his spark and becomes depressingly nihilistic. Zenitsu and Okarun lose a part of themselves but are rewarded tenfold with their incredible abilities to fight demons (and aliens).

2

Armin Arlert Wants to Know What’s Beyond His Existence

Attack on Titan Eventually Shows Armin What’s Outside the Walls

Like Okarun, Armin Arlert from Attack on Titan is a bit of a nerd. He loves learning, and his primary defense in any conflict situation is to remain silent. That is until Armin joins the Survey Corps. After many battles and mishaps, Armin gains control of the Colossal Titan and decimates Marleyan forces in the name of justice.

2:17

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Armin and Okarun know their strengths and weaknesses, and they play to them. They also both have a strong desire to know what lies beyond the borders of their worlds. Okarun may be more capable of controlling his powers as of Dandadan Episode 3, but, like Armin, the former has the determination not to let his friend down.

1

Mob Is a Quiet Guy With Overwhelming Potential

Mob Psycho 100’s Psychic Protagonist Can Be Anything He Wants

If one were to pass Mob Psycho 100‘s Mob in the street, they probably wouldn’t look twice at him. Quiet and unassuming, it’d be hard for anyone to clock that he’s a powerful psychic with infinite power. Despite his ability to control anyone or anything he wants, Mob prefers not to use his power, preferring to spend his time being a regular high school student.

Okarun and Mob share so many similarities, they’re almost the same person. They spend most of their time with friends made in the occult club, have extraordinary powers that threaten to break apart the world if used incorrectly, and are pushed by their environments to grow beyond the timidity that kept them from making friends. Mob may not be as interested in fighting monsters as Okarun is, but that doesn’t mean the two wouldn’t find common ground for building a relationship.

Mob Psycho 100

Genre

Occult fiction, comedy

Number of Seasons

2

Debut Date

July 12, 2016

Studio

Adult Swim