Okarun being an alien in Dandadan would explain every major question on him

While there are many mysteries yet to be explored in mangaka Yukinobu Tatsu’s Dandadan series, one of the most vexing of them all surrounds protagonist Ken “Okarun” Takakura. Although exposition on fellow protagonist Momo Ayase’s backstory has been minimal, essentially nothing has been said about Okarun’s life outside of or before the manga’s adventures.

It has likewise been a major focus of the manga fandom since the series’ inception, with readers working tirelessly to find any and all clues they can on his origins. One answer that has recently emerged from the Dandadan fandom claims Okarun to actually be an alien, which certainly answers almost every question about him.

Okarun being an alien in Dandadan answers his abilities, the coincidence of his name, and more

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It’s first worth emphasizing that, as mentioned above, Dandadan has essentially revealed nothing about Okarun’s backstory or personal life. This includes his family and upbringing, as well as where he lives when not staying with Momo and Seiko Ayase. Although Momo’s backstory isn’t particularly deep, she has at least gotten something, whereas Okarun has gotten nothing.

The issue surrounding the lack of focus on Okarun’s backstory is the issues his extended presence at the Ayase residence and on adventures creates. Assuming he has parents, they seemingly have no problem with him staying out late and being away for multiple days at a time. Yet this approach doesn’t mesh with the characters of Jin Enjoji and Aira Shiratori, whose family lives are explained as preventing them from having Okarun’s free reign.

In other words, the series is almost making a point here that Okarun’s parents aren’t worried about him or require him to come home at regular points, if they even exist. Further supporting the idea that he’s an alien is his introduction, which sees him mention Project Pegasus specifically. The project’s reference is significant in that it was leaked via the use of a malware virus, specifically a trojan virus which references the mythical Trojan Horse.

Okarun's introductory scene as seen in the Dandadan anime (Image via Science SARU)

Coincidentally, Dandadan’s Space Globalists Arc saw Reiko Kashima assert dominance over the invading alien forces despite being a single yokai. This would likely suggest that yokai are generally superior to aliens, and may be the reason Earth has yet to be conquered. This implication completely recontextualizes Okarun’s introduction, which in hindsight teases Okarun as an alien functioning like a Trojan Horse.

However, this naturally raises the question of why the Space Globalists would fight him. It’s said that the Kur seek total conquest and gathering of information across the galaxy. Likewise, this implies that there are races and information they may not have discovered yet. If Okarun didn’t remember his being an alien and looked like a normal human from the outside, it’s possible that the Kur aren’t aware of his existence as an alien.

The topic of Okarun not being aware of his alien status has also been referenced in Dandadan’s first chapter with the mention of regressive hypnotherapy. Regressive hypnotherapy is a behavioral reversion that can be used to unlock or take a client to memories of past events. Coincidentally, Okarun has had no past memories or events mentioned in the series aside from one: wanting to meet an alien by calling them to Earth.

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On its own, it seems like nothing more than an act of desperation born out of loneliness. However, given the above, it’s more likely that he was attempting to contact his own people out of an instinctual purpose.

Likewise, it’s logical that he’d get no response despite the tremendous amount of time he presumably dedicated to this if he was a Trojan Horse. To respond to Okarun would put his race’s plan of Earthly conquest in jeopardy.

Also worthy of skepticism is Okarun’s name of Ken Takakura, and the massive coincidence it creates via Momo’s love of the actor Ken Takakura. For multiple decades at the turn of the century, Takakura starred in a life insurance commercial where he gave the “I’m an awkward fellow” line that sent Momo’s heart aflutter. It’s likely that the aliens heard of Takakura and, wanting to give their Trojan Horse an Earthly name, settled on naming him after the actor.

Okarun’s abilities in Dandadan also play into this theory, arguably being the most formidable opponent of the series’ central group despite the handicaps on his power. This theory also explains why Okarun’s “family jewels” are so sought after throughout the series. While it’s typically attributed to their storing Turbo Granny’s power, Okarun may have his own alien powers, which also come into play.

Recent chapters have solidified this Dandadan theory's viability (Image via Science SARU)

This has even been teased via his ability to enter empty space, which is an alternate dimension aliens summon to trap humans with high spiritual power. The series’ strongest fighters have all had this tactic used against them multiple times, as recently as chapter 171. However, Okarun rightly questions why he’s able to enter empty space even after losing Turbo Granny’s powers.

While residual energy is certainly one explanatory option, it’s unlikely for a major reason. Count Saint-Germain attempted to steal Okarun’s power shortly before he entered empty space recently, even meeting the requirements to do so. However, he was shocked to see that Okarun had no powers left. Even if Okarun did have any residual energy left, it likely would’ve been taken here.

As a result, this serves as yet another piece of evidence supporting the theory that Dandadan’s male lead is actually an alien. It answers several major questions surrounding his origins, as well as the powers and abilities he has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate. Fans can likewise soon expect elaboration on Okarun’s current place in the series’ power hierarchy which should confirm or deny this theory.

Final thoughts

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While the above theory on the Dandadan protagonist is speculative, there’s plenty of evidence that suggests it’s realistic. Combined with the plot holes it would fill and questions on Okarun’s origins that it would answer, the manga will more likely than not prove this theory true at some point.