Dandadan Main Characters take center stage as you dive into this wild mix of ghosts, aliens, and teenage drama. If you’re getting into Dandadan, you’re probably wondering who the main characters are. Yukinobu Tatsu has made something really special here – a series that blends awesome action with great character stories, all wrapped in some of the wildest art you’ll ever see.
This guide covers the main characters who make Dandadan’s story work. These aren’t just the strongest fighters (though most of them are pretty powerful), they’re the characters whose relationships and growth make you actually care about what happens. From shy nerds becoming heroes to tough girls with psychic powers, every character here is important to what makes Dandadan so good.
Whether you’ve been reading the manga for years or you’re just starting because of all the hype, this list will help you understand why these characters make Dandadan stand out from other supernatural anime and manga.
1. Ken Takakura (Okarun)
Age: 16-17 | Role: Main Male Protagonist
The Character: Ken Takakura, lovingly nicknamed “Okarun” by Momo, represents one of the most compelling protagonist transformations in recent anime history. This isn’t your typical “weak becomes strong” shonen arc; it’s a nuanced exploration of what happens when an anxious, isolated teenager discovers he’s capable of genuine heroism when people he cares about are in danger.
Powers & Transformations:
- Turbo Granny Possession: Grants explosive speed and supernatural combat prowess
- All-Out Mode: Maximum power state that can level city blocks but risks losing control
- Enhanced Reflexes: Superhuman reaction times even in base form
- Spiritual Resilience: Growing resistance to supernatural attacks and influences
Character Development: Okarun goes from bullied loner to confident hero, and it feels real. He starts out obsessed with aliens because he’s lonely, believing in something out there that might understand him. When he gets possessed by Turbo Granny and gains power, the real change isn’t just getting stronger. He learns to stand up for himself and the people he cares about.
Why He’s Important: Okarun is the heart of the series because his growth feels earned. His relationship with Momo gives meaning to every supernatural fight. His problems with being possessed are like real teenage struggles with identity and self-control, making his supernatural journey feel relatable. He’s similar to Mob from Mob Psycho 100, quiet but powerful, kind, and brave when it matters most.
Relationship Dynamics: His chemistry with Momo creates some of the most genuine romantic tension in modern anime, built on mutual respect and shared supernatural trauma rather than typical romantic comedy tropes.
2. Momo Ayase
Age: 16-17 | Role: Main Female Protagonist
The Character: Momo Ayase is everything you want in a modern anime protagonist, powerful, independent, emotionally complex, and absolutely refuses to be sidelined in her own story. Her gyaru aesthetic might suggest a typical “fashionable popular girl” archetype, but Momo subverts every expectation with her fierce intelligence, supernatural sensitivity, and unwavering loyalty to those she loves.
Powers & Abilities:
- Psychic Manipulation: Can move objects with her mind and reshape reality through sheer will
- Power of Words: Verbal commands that can bind supernatural entities and alter outcomes
- Moe Moe Tri-Beam: Devastating energy attack that’s both adorable and terrifyingly effective
- Spiritual Sight: Natural ability to perceive and interact with supernatural phenomena
Character Complexity: What makes Momo fascinating is her contradiction, she believes in ghosts but dismisses aliens, creating perfect narrative tension when she’s forced to confront both. Her protective instincts drive most of the series’ major conflicts, but she never feels like a damsel in distress. Instead, she’s often the one doing the rescuing, using both her psychic powers and sharp wit to outmaneuver threats.
Why She’s Irreplaceable: Momo represents the series’ perfect balance of power and vulnerability. She’s strong enough to face cosmic horrors but human enough to be devastated when her friends are hurt. Her relationship with her grandmother Seiko provides generational depth, while her growing bond with Okarun creates the emotional stakes that make every supernatural encounter matter personally.
Combat Philosophy: Momo fights with both strategy and emotion, her powers are strongest when she’s protecting others, making her abilities feel connected to her character rather than just convenient plot devices. She’s like if Sailor Moon had the tactical intelligence of Senku Ishigami and the fierce determination of Edward Elric.
3. Seiko Ayase
Age: Mid-50s to 60s | Role: Mentor & Ultimate Powerhouse
The Character: Seiko Ayase completely revolutionizes the “wise mentor” archetype by being simultaneously the most powerful character in the series and the most hilariously inappropriate adult figure you’ll ever encounter. This sake-guzzling, foul-mouthed spirit medium could probably solo most anime universes, but she’d rather embarrass her granddaughter and offer dating advice.
Powers & Abilities:
- Divine Exorcism: Can channel actual deities to banish supernatural threats
- Protective Barriers: Creates spiritual shields that can withstand cosmic-level attacks
- God Summoning: Calls upon various Japanese deities for specific supernatural tasks
- Spiritual Mastery: Decades of experience dealing with every type of paranormal entity
Mentorship Style: Seiko’s teaching method involves equal parts wisdom and chaos. She’ll give Momo crucial advice about controlling her powers, then immediately start teasing her about her obvious crush on Okarun. Her unconventional approach helps both teenagers grow not just as fighters, but as people who can handle the emotional complexity of their supernatural lives.
Why She’s Legendary: Seiko proves that age and experience trump raw power in Dandadan’s world. Her casual handling of threats that terrify other characters establishes her as the ultimate safety net, but one that won’t always be available, creating natural tension and forcing the younger characters to develop independence.
Cultural Impact: She represents a perfect blend of traditional Japanese spiritual practices with modern irreverent humor. Her character feels like what would happen if Yubaba from Spirited Away decided to become a suburban grandmother with no filter and unlimited spiritual power.
4. Turbo Granny
Age: Ancient | Role: Possessing Spirit & Reluctant Mentor
The Character: Turbo Granny embodies everything chaotic and unpredictable about Dandadan’s supernatural world. This vulgar, speed-obsessed yokai transforms from primary antagonist to reluctant ally through sheer force of personality and gradually revealed depth. She’s simultaneously the source of Okarun’s power and his greatest internal conflict.
Powers & Abilities:
- Supernatural Speed: Can move at 120+ km/h while maintaining combat effectiveness
- Possession Enhancement: Grants hosts incredible fighting abilities and reflexes
- Cursing Powers: Specializes in… anatomically creative supernatural afflictions
- Spiritual Wisdom: Ancient knowledge of supernatural threats and weaknesses
Character Evolution: Turbo Granny’s arc from antagonist to mentor showcases Dandadan’s talent for finding humanity in inhuman characters. Her crude exterior masks genuine protective instincts, especially toward young people who’ve suffered trauma. Her relationship with Okarun evolves from predatory possession to something resembling a dysfunctional mentorship.
Why She’s Unforgettable: Turbo Granny succeeds because she never loses her edge while gaining depth. She remains foul-mouthed and chaotic but reveals layers of compassion and wisdom that make her genuinely endearing. Her presence ensures that even serious moments retain Dandadan’s signature blend of humor and heart.
Narrative Function: She serves as both power source and moral compass for Okarun, teaching him that strength without restraint is meaningless while never letting him become too self-serious. She’s like if Master Roshi from Dragon Ball had the vocabulary of a sailor and the protective instincts of a fierce grandmother.
5. Aira Shiratori
Age: 16-17 | Role: Spiritual Medium & Character Foil
The Character: Aira Shiratori begins as a seemingly shallow popular girl before evolving into one of the series’ most complex characters. Her journey from self-absorbed beauty to genuine hero showcases Dandadan’s ability to subvert initial impressions while creating meaningful character growth that feels organic rather than forced.
Powers & Abilities:
- Acrobatic Combat: Fluid, dance-like fighting style inherited from Acrobatic Silky
- Prehensile Hair: Can manipulate her hair as both weapon and defensive tool
- Aura Absorption: Draws power and memories from defeated supernatural entities
- Enhanced Agility: Superhuman flexibility and reaction times in combat situations
Character Growth: Aira’s development is anchored in her relationship with Acrobatic Silky, a tragic yokai whose death protecting her own daughter resonates deeply with Aira’s initial narcissism. This supernatural connection forces her to confront what it means to truly care about others, transforming her from someone who seeks attention to someone who fights to protect.
Why She Matters: Aira represents the series’ exploration of different types of strength and heroism. While Momo leads through fierce determination and Okarun grows through quiet courage, Aira learns to channel her natural charisma and physical abilities into genuine heroism. Her evolution adds depth to the female cast while avoiding typical “rival girl” tropes.
Relationship Dynamics: Her interactions with the main cast create natural tension without becoming toxic. She provides a different perspective on supernatural encounters while contributing unique combat abilities that complement rather than overshadow the protagonists.
6. Jin “Jiji” Enjoji
Age: 16-17 | Role: Childhood Friend & Possessed Fighter
The Character: Jiji brings a unique energy to the cast as Momo’s childhood friend whose easy-going personality masks serious supernatural potential. His possession by Evil Eye creates fascinating parallels to Okarun’s situation while establishing him as someone who handles supernatural influence very differently than the main protagonist.
Powers & Abilities:
- Evil Eye Possession: Grants access to grudge-based supernatural abilities
- Energy Projection: Can fire concentrated spiritual attacks with impressive range
- Enhanced Physical Stats: Dramatic increases in strength and speed during possession
- Emotional Stability: Maintains personality and relationships despite supernatural influence
Character Role: Jiji serves multiple narrative functions, he’s a connection to Momo’s past, a romantic complication that never feels forced, and a demonstration of how different people handle supernatural power. His relative comfort with his possession contrasts sharply with Okarun’s ongoing struggles with control.
Why He’s Important: Jiji represents stability and normalcy within the supernatural chaos. His presence reminds viewers that Momo had a life before meeting Okarun, while his own supernatural journey shows that there are multiple paths to handling otherworldly influence. He’s like the reliable friend in every friend group who somehow ends up in the wildest situations while maintaining his chill.
Relationship Dynamics: His history with Momo creates natural tension without undermining her relationship with Okarun. Instead, he adds depth to Momo’s character by showing different sides of her personality and providing opportunities for growth in her current relationships.
7. Kinta Sakata
Age: 16-17 | Role: Tech Genius & Strategic Support
The Character: Kinta Sakata embodies the “brilliant but socially awkward” archetype while bringing unique technological solutions to supernatural problems. His withdrawn nature hides genuine creativity and intelligence that repeatedly prove crucial in group encounters with otherworldly threats.
Powers & Abilities:
- Nanoskin Technology: Alien tech that can materialize thoughts into physical constructs
- Tactical Intelligence: Creates innovative solutions to supernatural problems
- Technical Expertise: Bridges the gap between human and alien technology
- Creative Problem-Solving: Turns apparent weaknesses into strategic advantages
Character Development: Kinta’s growth focuses on social connection rather than power scaling. His journey involves learning to trust others and accept that his contributions are valued, even when they don’t involve direct combat. His relationship with the group helps him overcome isolation while providing them with crucial support capabilities.
Why He’s Essential: Kinta proves that raw supernatural power isn’t the only way to contribute meaningfully to the team. His technological approach to supernatural problems creates unique solutions that wouldn’t occur to more traditionally powerful characters. He represents the importance of different types of intelligence in group dynamics.
Combat Philosophy: Rather than fighting directly, Kinta excels at creating tools and opportunities that allow others to maximize their effectiveness. His inventions often turn the tide in encounters where brute force alone wouldn’t succeed, making him invaluable despite his reluctance to engage in direct confrontation.
8. Vamola
Age: Approximately 16-17 | Role: Former Enemy Turned Family Member
The Character: Vamola represents Dandadan’s exploration of themes around belonging, communication, and found family. As the last survivor of a resistance movement against alien oppression, her journey from enemy to beloved family member showcases the series’ ability to find humanity in the most unlikely characters.
Powers & Abilities:
- Advanced Exosuit: Can grow to kaiju proportions while maintaining agility and combat effectiveness
- Invisibility Technology: Sophisticated cloaking capabilities for stealth operations
- Adaptive Combat Modes: Suit configurations for different battle requirements and scenarios
- Alien Physiology: Enhanced durability, regeneration, and supernatural resistance
Character Arc: Vamola’s development centers on learning human concepts like friendship, family, and belonging after losing everything she once knew. Her inability to communicate normally creates both comedic moments and genuine emotional depth as she struggles to express her growing attachment to the human cast.
Why She Resonates: Vamola’s story tackles immigration, loss, and cultural adaptation themes that feel surprisingly mature for a supernatural action series. Her desire to protect her new family drives character growth that feels authentic rather than convenient, making her integration into the group emotionally satisfying.
Cultural Bridge: She serves as a connection between the series’ alien and supernatural elements while representing the possibility of understanding across seemingly impossible differences. Her presence reminds viewers that family is defined by choice and care rather than biology or species.
9. Mai Kawabanga (Onbusuman)
Age: Died around 10-12 | Role: Guardian Yokai
The Character: Mai Kawabanga represents one of Dandadan’s most emotionally complex supernatural entities. This tragic spirit, who died far too young with unfulfilled dreams, creates a fascinating juxtaposition between childlike innocence and otherworldly power that defines some of the series’ most touching moments.
Powers & Abilities:
- Gravity Manipulation: Can create crushing forces or protective barriers with remarkable precision
- Spiritual Possession: Inhabits Rin Sawaki while maintaining distinct personality
- Defensive Constructs: Manifests protective shells and gravitational shields
- Emotional Resonance: Her powers strengthen based on her host’s emotional state and genuine feelings
Character Significance: Mai’s relationship with Rin explores symbiotic supernatural partnerships where both entities benefit and grow. Her evolution from hostile entity to loyal guardian mirrors the series’ broader themes about finding family and purpose in unexpected places, even after death.
Why She’s Heartbreaking: Mai’s backstory, a child who died before achieving her dreams, creates genuine pathos without feeling manipulative. Her protective nature feels authentic rather than convenient, making her one of the most genuinely moving spirits in the series. Her presence adds emotional weight to encounters that might otherwise feel purely comedic or action-focused.
Narrative Role: She demonstrates that supernatural entities can have complex motivations beyond simple antagonism or assistance, adding depth to Dandadan’s spiritual ecosystem while providing character development opportunities for her host.
10. Rin Sawaki
Age: 16-17 | Role: Student Leader & Spiritual Medium
The Character: Rin Sawaki breaks the typical “strict class representative” mold by harboring secret dreams of idol stardom that become the key to accessing supernatural power. Her character explores themes of authentic self-expression and the courage required to embrace parts of ourselves we try to hide.
Powers & Abilities:
- Melodic Activation: Uses singing to channel Mai’s gravity-based supernatural abilities
- Harmonic Control: Different songs and emotional states trigger various gravitational effects
- Leadership Skills: Natural ability to coordinate group efforts and maintain morale
- Emotional Amplification: Her genuine feelings and dreams strengthen supernatural abilities
Character Development: Rin’s arc focuses on learning to embrace her true passions rather than hiding behind social expectations. Her partnership with Mai allows her to literally find her voice while discovering that vulnerability and authenticity can be sources of strength rather than weakness.
Why She Completes the Cast: Rin represents the series’ exploration of how supernatural power can help people discover and express their authentic selves. Her growth from rule-following student to someone who embraces her dreams while protecting others feels inspiring and genuine.
Symbolic Importance: Her use of singing, something deeply personal and vulnerable, to access combat abilities creates beautiful narrative symbolism about the power of authentic self-expression. She reminds viewers that sometimes our greatest strengths come from embracing the parts of ourselves we’re most afraid to share.
Conclusion
Dandadan Main Characters form the emotional and narrative backbone of the series’ supernatural world. What makes this cast exceptional isn’t just their individual abilities or compelling backstories – it’s how they interact, grow, and support each other through impossible circumstances. Yukinobu Tatsu has created a group where every member contributes something unique while maintaining their own distinct voice and development arc.
These characters are just the beginning of what makes the world of Japanese entertainment so endlessly fascinating. From detailed character analyses to breaking news about upcoming adaptations, there’s always something new to discover at Shinime.blog.