Who is Taro in Dandadan? Explained

Dandadan is heavily praised for many things, and rightfully so. Since the manga was released, people have applauded its quirky humor, relatable themes, and over-the-top but grounded story. Another aspect of Dandadan that deserves praise is its characters.

The anime has struck gold with its characters, who are edgy but still very relatable. From the likes of Okarun and Momo, the anime is filled with amazing characters, one of whom is Taro. His appearance has made fans ask questions like, "Who is Taro in Dandadan?" Taro is a spirit in the form of an anatomical model who is deadset on loving another anatomical model named Hana.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the manga/anime.

---

Taro's role in Dandadan

Taro and Hanna have the sweetest relationship in the anime (Image via Science SARU)

Taro is one of the few nonhuman characters in the anime whose first instinct isn't to hurt the main characters. Even when Okarun and Momo chased him, he didn't fight them back. He becomes their ally after he clears the air with Momo and Okarun.

He assists the main characters in their battle against the Evil Eye. After the battle is over, Seiko Ayase seals the Yokai in Taro until a way is found to exorcise the spirit out of Jiji.

Taro also has another subtle role that goes unnoticed by most fans. His character shows viewers that not every nonhuman is evil. Before his appearance in the anime, viewers saw nonhuman characters who were friendly with the main characters, but that friendship was born from conflict. Taro is an exception to that.

He is also a romantic, and his yearning for love inspires Okarun to confess his feelings to Momo, a task he fails at. Taro first appeared in the anime when he ran through the streets to rescue his love, Hana, from a garbage dump. Even when he is damaged on the way to see Hana, he puts himself together and still sees her.

---

Taro's powers and abilities

Superhuman speed

Super speed is one of Taro's best abilities (Image via Science SARU)

Not many characters in the anime can match Taro for speed. Speed is his most used ability, as he is on the run in most panels. Taro's speed is so immense that Momo's psychic hands have difficulty holding on to him without being dragged.

---

Unlimited endurance

Taro has a tolerance to pain that most Dandadan characters do not possess (Image via Shueisha)

Taro is capable of running constantly without slowing down from tiredness. This is seen when he runs from Kami High to the Garbage dump. He is also shown in another chapter to be hit by a bus on his way to see Hana, but that doesn't put him in too much pain as he still makes it. Though he can feel pain, it is not something that holds him down.

---

Disassembling

Taro's body after being hit by a bus (Image via Science SARU)

Due to Taro's anatomical model, he is capable of disassembling his body parts and reassembling them again. He uses this ability when trying to flee from Momo and also in sealing the Evil Eye. However, this ability comes with a small caveat, as his internal organs can be injured while they are away from his body.

---

Final thoughts

Taro is one of Dandadan's weirdest but sweetest characters. In a world of Yokai and Aliens, he shines by extolling positivity and love. "Who is Taro in Dandadan?" and "What is Taro?" are two of the most common questions asked about him.

He also has one of the nicest sub-stories in the entire manga/anime, with his adoration for Hanna leaving fans in awe. In addition, his role in subduing and defeating the evil Eye has a major impact despite him being a minor character.