Okarun
Okarun
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オカルン
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| Personal Description | |
| Nihongo | オカルン |
| Vital Information | |
| Gender | Male |
| Status | Alive |
| Occupation | High School Student |
| Affiliation | Kami High (History and Culture Research Club) |
| Residence | Kamigoe City (Ayase Residence) |
| First Appearance | |
| Manga Debut | Chapter 1 |
| Anime Debut | Episode 1 |
| Japanese Voice | Natsuki Hanae |
| English Voice | A.J. Beckles |
Ken Takakura(高倉 健, Takakura Ken), also known by his nicknameOkarun(オカルン), is the main male protagonist of the manga seriesDandadan, created by Yukinobu Tatsu. An avid believer in the supernatural, particularly aliens and UFOs, Ken’s life takes a dramatic turn after meetingMomo Ayase, a classmate with opposing beliefs.
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Émile Durkheim
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| Born |
David Émile Durkheim
15 April 1858 Épinal, France
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| Died | 15 November 1917(aged 59)
Paris,France
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| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Normale Supérieure |
| Known for | Sacred–profane dichotomy Collective consciousness Social fact Social integration Anomie Collective effervescence |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies |
| Institutions | University of Paris, University of Bordeaux |
| Influences | Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill |
| Influenced | Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1] |
Appearance
Ken is a teenage boy of average height with a lean build and short, messy black hair. He has a shy demeanor that reflects his introverted nature but gains a sharper, more determined look during moments of conflict. His casual school uniform and unassuming appearance stand in stark contrast to the chaotic and supernatural adventures he finds himself in.
Okarun in his second form from Dandadan, showcasing his transformed appearance. This form highlights his enhanced speed, agility, and supernatural abilities, integral to his battles against otherworldly threats.
Abilities
Following the curse inflicted by Turbo Granny, Ken gains a unique set of abilities tied to the supernatural:
- Turbo Mode: The curse grants Ken extraordinary speed, allowing him to move and react at superhuman levels. However, this ability often takes a toll on his body.
- Spiritual Awareness: Ken’s experiences with the paranormal sharpen his sensitivity to supernatural entities, enabling him to detect and understand their presence.
- Adaptability: Though not initially a fighter, Ken’s resourcefulness and quick thinking allow him to adapt to situations and work alongside Momo in overcoming various threats.
Role in Dandadan
Ken’s journey begins with a bet between him and Momo to prove the existence of aliens and ghosts. This encounter leads to an ill-fated meeting with Turbo Granny, who curses him and sets the stage for his transformation. From then on, Ken becomes a central figure in the battle against supernatural forces, working closely with Momo to resolve paranormal mysteries while navigating the growing complications of their friendship.
Ken’s earnestness and determination to retrieve his kintama, along with his evolving understanding of the supernatural, make him a compelling protagonist. His dynamic with Momo, marked by humor, tension, and mutual growth, forms the emotional core of the series.
Relationships
Momo Ayase
Ken’s classmate and partner in their paranormal escapades. Despite their opposing beliefs—Ken in aliens and Momo in ghosts—their bond strengthens as they rely on each other in their quest.
Turbo Granny
The source of Ken’s predicament. While initially an adversary, her curse inadvertently unlocks Ken’s hidden potential and drives the story forward.
Other Allies
Throughout the series, Ken forms alliances with a variety of characters, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to their battles against the supernatural.
Trivia and Insights
- Nickname Origin: Momo affectionately calls him “Okarun,” derived from “occult,” as a playful jab at his obsession with supernatural phenomena.
- Dual Beliefs: While Ken is a staunch believer in aliens and UFOs, his encounters with spirits force him to acknowledge the existence of ghosts as well.
- Character Arc: Ken’s transformation from an introverted outcast to a courageous and dependable fighter highlights his personal growth throughout the series.
Legacy and Impact
Ken Takakura, or Okarun, has become a standout character in the Dandadan universe for his blend of humor, vulnerability, and determination. His journey reflects themes of self-discovery, teamwork, and resilience, resonating with readers as he navigates the chaos of his supernatural adventures. As one half of the series’ dynamic duo, Ken’s growth and partnership with Momo form the backbone of Dandadan, leaving a lasting impact on fans of the manga.