Dandadan Characters are what truly make this series unforgettable—if you’re as hooked on Dandadan as I am, with its wild mix of ghosts, aliens, and psychic brawls that feels like a fever dream crossover between JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Mob Psycho 100. Yukinobu Tatsu has crafted something special here: a supernatural comedy-action masterpiece featuring an incredibly diverse cast ranging from relatable teenagers to ancient yokai with potty mouths.
This comprehensive ranking covers the top 20 characters that define Dandadan’s chaotic charm, from the core protagonists who anchor every wild adventure to the supporting cast members who bring depth and humor to each encounter. Whether you’re here for character analysis, power scaling discussions, or just want to celebrate your favorites, this guide has you covered!
1. Momo Ayase
Age: 16-17 | Role: Main Female Protagonist
The Character: Momo Ayase is pure fire wrapped in a gyaru aesthetic. Don’t let her trendy appearance fool you, beneath those fashionable clothes beats the heart of a fierce protector who believes in ghosts but scoffs at aliens (oh, the irony!). As the emotional anchor of the series, Momo transforms from a sassy high schooler into a tactical mastermind who can hold her own against cosmic horrors.
Powers & Abilities:
- Psychic Manipulation: Her telekinetic abilities can reshape reality itself
- Power of Words: Verbal commands that bend the supernatural to her will
- Moe Moe Tri-Beam: A devastating energy attack that’s both adorable and terrifying
- Strategic Combat Intelligence: Outsmarts enemies twice her age and experience
Why She’s #1: Momo represents everything great about modern shonen protagonists, she’s strong without losing her femininity, smart without being condescending, and grows throughout the series while staying true to her core personality. Her relationship dynamics with Okarun create some of the series’ best moments, and watching her evolve from skeptic to believer while maintaining her fiery spirit is pure character development gold. She reminds me of the best aspects of Sailor Moon’s Usagi mixed with the tactical brilliance of Senku from Dr. Stone
2. Ken Takakura (Okarun)
Age: 16-17 | Role: Main Male Protagonist
The Character: Meet Ken Takakura, yes, named after the legendary actor, better known as “Okarun” to his friends. This awkward, alien-obsessed otaku represents every socially anxious teenager who’s ever dreamed of being special. His journey from timid wallflower to supernatural badass is one of the most satisfying character arcs in recent anime/manga.
Powers & Abilities:
- Turbo Granny Possession: Grants superhuman speed and combat prowess
- All-Out Mode: Explosive bursts of power that can level city blocks
- Adaptive Fighting Skills: Learns and evolves his technique mid-battle
- Supernatural Endurance: Survives encounters that would flatten normal humans
Why He’s Essential: Okarun’s growth feels genuine and earned. His possession by Turbo Granny creates fascinating internal conflict, gaining power at the cost of losing control. The way he navigates his feelings for Momo while dealing with cosmic threats creates compelling emotional stakes. His character design and personality evolution remind me of classic underdogs like Mob from Mob Psycho 100, but with a uniquely Dandadan twist of absurdist humor mixed with genuine heroism.
3. Seiko Ayase
Age: 55-60 | Role: Mentor & Spiritual Powerhouse
The Character: Seiko Ayase breaks every “wise mentor” trope in the best possible way. This foul-mouthed, sake-loving grandmother happens to be one of the most powerful exorcists in the series universe. Her casual approach to world-ending threats paired with genuine care for her granddaughter creates a perfect balance of comedy and heart.
Powers & Abilities:
- Divine Exorcism: Channels actual deities to banish supernatural threats
- Barrier Creation: Protective shields that can withstand yokai attacks
- Spiritual Sight: Sees through illusions and supernatural deceptions
- Ancient Knowledge: Decades of experience fighting the paranormal
Why She’s Legendary: Seiko represents the peak of what human spiritual power can achieve in the Dandadan universe. Her effortless sealing of Turbo Granny demonstrates power levels that make other characters look like amateurs. But what makes her truly special is her role as the series’ emotional foundation, she’s simultaneously the coolest grandma in anime and a caring family matriarch. Think Genkai from Yu Yu Hakusho meets Chiyo from Azumanga Daioh with a sake addiction.
4. Turbo Granny
Age: Ancient | Role: Antagonist Turned Reluctant Ally
The Character: Turbo Granny is what happens when you take a traditional Japanese yokai and give it a serious attitude problem and a need for speed. This foul-mouthed spirit embodies everything chaotic and unpredictable about Dandadan’s supernatural elements while somehow becoming oddly endearing through her crude honesty.
Powers & Abilities:
- Supernatural Speed: Can reach 120+ km/h while maintaining combat effectiveness
- Cursing Powers: Specializes in… let’s say “anatomically specific” curses
- Possession: Can inhabit and enhance human hosts
- Territory Control: Dominates specific locations with her spiritual presence
Why She’s Unforgettable: Turbo Granny perfectly encapsulates Dandadan’s tonal balance. She’s simultaneously a legitimate threat capable of cursing protagonists in hilariously inappropriate ways and a tragic figure with genuine compassion for lost souls. Her evolution from pure antagonist to grudging ally showcases the series’ ability to find humanity in the most inhuman characters. She’s like if Ryuk from Death Note decided to become a street racer with a sailor’s vocabulary.
5. Aira Shiratori
Age: 16-17 | Role: Spiritual Medium & Deuteragonist
The Character: Aira starts as your typical “perfect popular girl” archetype before Dandadan completely subverts expectations. Her absorption of Acrobatic Silky’s powers transforms her from a self-absorbed beauty into someone who genuinely cares about protecting others, even if she maintains her dramatic flair.
Powers & Abilities:
- Acrobatic Combat: Fluid, dance-like fighting style inherited from Silky
- Prehensile Hair: Can manipulate her hair as both weapon and tool
- Aura Absorption: Draws power from defeated supernatural entities
- Enhanced Agility: Superhuman flexibility and reaction times
Why She Shines: Aira’s character development is masterfully handled. Her initial Messiah complex slowly gives way to genuine heroism as she learns what it truly means to protect people. The way her powers reflect her growing empathy, literally absorbing the essence of a yokai who died protecting her daughter, creates beautiful narrative symmetry. Her dynamic with the main cast adds layers of complexity that remind me of Bleach’s best character relationships.
6. Jin “Jiji” Enjoji
Age: 16-17 | Role: Support Fighter & Romantic Tension
The Character: Jiji brings a unique energy to the cast as Momo’s childhood friend whose laid-back personality masks serious combat potential. His possession by Evil Eye creates an interesting parallel to Okarun’s situation while establishing him as a formidable ally with his own agency.
Powers & Abilities:
- Evil Eye Possession: Grants access to grudge-based supernatural abilities
- Energy Projection: Can fire concentrated spiritual attacks
- Enhanced Physical Stats: Strength and speed amplification during possession
- Grudge Manipulation: Controls negative spiritual energy for various effects
Why He Matters: Jiji represents the series’ exploration of different relationships with supernatural power. Unlike Okarun’s struggle with his possession, Jiji seems more in harmony with Evil Eye, creating interesting character dynamics. His romantic history with Momo adds natural tension without feeling forced, and his genuine kindness makes him likable despite potentially being a “third wheel.” He reminds me of the best rival characters from series like Yu Yu Hakusho, supportive but with his own clear identity.
7. Kinta Sakata
Age: 16-17 | Role: Tech Support & Comic Relief
The Character: Kinta embodies every socially awkward inventor archetype done right. His withdrawn nature hides genuine creativity and intelligence that repeatedly saves the day through unconventional solutions. He represents the “support class” character who proves just as essential as the front-line fighters.
Powers & Abilities:
- Nanoskin Technology: Alien tech that materializes thoughts into physical constructs
- Tactical Intelligence: Creates battlefield solutions on the fly
- Technical Expertise: Understanding of both human and alien technology
- Creative Problem Solving: Turns limitations into advantages through innovation
Why He’s Essential: Kinta proves that raw power isn’t everything in Dandadan’s world. His ability to turn ideas into reality through alien technology creates unlimited narrative possibilities while keeping his contributions grounded in character-driven creativity. His social awkwardness feels genuine rather than played for cheap laughs, and his growth throughout the series is subtle but meaningful. He’s like if Tony Stark was a shy teenager with access to alien technology.
8. Vamola
Age: Approximately 16-17 (by appearance) | Role: Former Antagonist, Current Ally
The Character: Vamola represents Dandadan’s ability to create empathy for seemingly inhuman characters. As the last survivor of a resistance movement against alien oppressors, her journey from enemy to family member showcases the series’ themes about finding connection across impossible differences.
Powers & Abilities:
- Exosuit Technology: Can grow to kaiju proportions while maintaining speed
- Invisibility Cloaking: Advanced stealth capabilities
- Adaptive Combat Modes: Suit adjusts to different battle requirements
- Alien Physiology: Enhanced durability and regeneration capabilities
Why She Resonates: Vamola’s arc tackles themes of immigration, loss, and finding belonging that feel surprisingly mature for a series about ghost-fighting teenagers. Her inability to communicate normally creates both comedic moments and genuine pathos as she struggles to express her desire for connection. Her relationship with the human cast, especially her growing understanding of concepts like friendship and family, provides some of the series’ most heartfelt moments. She’s like if Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z was a refugee seeking a new home rather than a conqueror.
9. Mai Kawabanga (Onbusuman)
Age: Died around 10-12 | Role: Yokai Guardian Spirit
The Character: Mai Kawabanga, known as Onbusuman, represents one of Dandadan’s most emotionally complex yokai. This tragic spirit, who died far too young, embodies the series’ ability to find humanity in supernatural entities. Her turtle-like spiritual form and fierce protective instincts create a fascinating contrast between childlike innocence and otherworldly power.
Powers & Abilities:
- Gravity Manipulation: Can create crushing forces or protective barriers at will
- Spiritual Possession: Inhabits Rin Sawaki, granting her access to yokai abilities
- Defensive Constructs: Manifests protective shells and gravitational shields
- Emotional Resonance: Her powers fluctuate based on her host’s emotional state
Why She’s Memorable: Mai’s relationship with Rin showcases Dandadan’s talent for exploring symbiotic supernatural relationships. Her evolution from hostile entity to loyal guardian mirrors the series’ broader themes about finding family in unexpected places. The way her tragic backstory, a child who died with unfulfilled dreams, connects to Rin’s idol aspirations creates genuine emotional depth. Her protective nature feels authentic rather than manipulative, making her one of the most genuinely touching spirits in the series. She reminds me of the protective hollows in Bleach, but with a more innocent, childlike core that makes her both heartbreaking and endearing.
10. Rin Sawaki
Age: 16-17 | Role: Class Representative & Spirit Medium
The Character: Rin Sawaki breaks the typical “strict class rep” mold by harboring secret dreams of idol stardom. Her possession by Mai Kawabanga creates a unique dynamic where her hidden passions become the key to accessing supernatural power, making her one of the most interesting secondary characters in the cast.
Powers & Abilities:
- Melodic Activation: Uses singing to channel Mai’s gravity powers
- Harmonic Control: Different songs trigger various gravitational effects
- Emotional Amplification: Her genuine feelings strengthen supernatural abilities
- Leadership Skills: Natural ability to coordinate group efforts in battle
Why She Resonates: Rin’s character arc explores the theme of hidden dreams and authentic self-expression. Her strict exterior masks genuine artistic passion, and her partnership with Mai allows her to literally find her voice. The way she uses singing, something deeply personal and vulnerable, to access combat abilities creates beautiful narrative symbolism. Her growth from rule-following student to someone who embraces her true desires while protecting others feels earned and inspiring. She’s like if a Parasyte host retained complete control while gaining the emotional depth of their supernatural partner. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest strengths come from embracing the parts of ourselves we try to hide.
11. Evil Eye
Age: Ancient | Role: Primary Supernatural Antagonist
The Character: Evil Eye represents pure malevolence given form, a yokai born from generations of human sacrifice and suffering. This entity embodies everything terrifying about Dandadan’s supernatural threats: it’s not just powerful, it’s fundamentally alien to human concepts of mercy or restraint.
Powers & Abilities:
- Grudge Manifestation: Creates physical constructs from accumulated negative emotions
- Curse Projection: Inflicts devastating supernatural ailments on targets
- Possessive Influence: Can inhabit and corrupt human hosts
- Energy Manipulation: Fires devastating spiritual attacks with near-unlimited power
Why It’s Terrifying: Evil Eye succeeds as an antagonist because it represents something genuinely alien and threatening. Unlike other yokai in the series who retain some humanity, Evil Eye is pure malicious intent. Its possession of Jiji creates compelling stakes, our heroes must find ways to save their friend while facing an entity that fundamentally doesn’t understand concepts like friendship or mercy. The way it contrasts with more sympathetic supernatural characters highlights Dandadan’s range in portraying spiritual entities. It’s reminiscent of Bleach’s most terrifying Hollows, but with a more focused, personal malevolence that makes every encounter feel genuinely dangerous.
12. Mr. Mantis Shrimp
Age: Unknown (Appears Mature) | Role: Monster Ally
The Character: Mr. Mantis Shrimp perfectly encapsulates Dandadan’s ability to make the bizarre feel endearing. This creature, whether yokai, alien, or something else entirely, transforms from potential threat to reliable ally through sheer force of personality and surprising combat effectiveness.
Powers & Abilities:
- Devastating Punches: Physical strikes that can shatter supernatural defenses
- Enhanced Durability: Can withstand attacks that would destroy normal creatures
- Surprising Agility: Moves with unexpected grace despite his imposing size
- Tactical Intelligence: Understands battle strategy better than his appearance suggests
Why He’s a Fan Favorite: Mr. Mantis Shrimp represents Dandadan’s knack for subverting expectations. His fierce appearance contrasts with his ultimately helpful nature, creating that perfect blend of comedy and genuine usefulness that defines the series’ best supporting characters. His combat contributions feel meaningful rather than comedic relief, and his quirky personality adds charm without undermining his effectiveness. He’s like if One Piece’s more eccentric creature designs had the combat credibility to back up their unique appearances. His presence reminds us that in Dandadan’s world, the strangest allies often prove the most loyal.
13. Masamichi Bega (Bega the Demon)
Age: 30s-40s | Role: Adult Authority Figure & Mentor
The Character: Bega represents the adult world’s intersection with Dandadan’s supernatural chaos. As a police officer who takes supernatural cases seriously, he bridges the gap between normal society and the paranormal underground that our teenage protagonists navigate daily.
Powers & Abilities:
- Enhanced Intuition: Can sense supernatural activity and threats
- Combat Experience: Decades of dealing with both human and supernatural criminals
- Investigative Skills: Connects supernatural incidents to broader patterns
- Protective Instincts: Natural ability to shield and guide younger characters
Why He’s Important: Bega provides crucial grounding for the series by representing responsible adult intervention in supernatural conflicts. His mentorship of characters like Unji Zuma shows how the series handles themes of redemption and second chances. Unlike many adult figures in supernatural anime who are either absent or incompetent, Bega remains actively involved and effective. His mature perspective helps balance the series’ youthful energy with more experienced wisdom. He reminds me of the best aspects of Psycho-Pass’s adult authority figures, competent without being overpowering, protective without being controlling.
14. Unji Zuma
Age: 16-17 | Role: Reformed Antagonist & Street-Level Support
The Character: Unji Zuma embodies the classic “delinquent with a heart of gold” archetype while adding supernatural elements that make his redemption arc feel fresh. His relationship with Bega creates interesting father-figure dynamics that ground his character development in genuine emotional growth.
Powers & Abilities:
- Street Fighting Expertise: Years of brawling provide solid combat foundation
- Supernatural Enhancement: Gains various boosts through supernatural encounters
- Loyalty-Based Strength: Grows stronger when protecting people he cares about
- Urban Survival Skills: Knows how to navigate dangerous situations and locations
Why His Arc Works: Unji’s transformation from antagonist to ally feels earned because it’s rooted in genuine character growth rather than simple plot convenience. His rough background provides authentic motivation for his initial hostility, while his developing relationship with Bega gives him a positive role model to aspire toward. His street-smart perspective often provides solutions that the main cast’s more academic approach might miss. He’s like the best reformed bullies from series like My Hero Academia, characters who find better ways to channel their fighting spirit while maintaining their edge and authenticity.
15. Daiki Hakono
Age: 16-17 (Appears Older Due to Curse) | Role: Tragic Supporting Character
The Character: Daiki Hakono represents one of Dandadan’s most poignant examples of supernatural tragedy. His premature aging curse creates a character caught between childhood and adulthood, never fully able to experience either stage of life normally.
Powers & Abilities:
- Curse-Enhanced Resilience: His supernatural affliction grants unexpected durability
- Temporal Awareness: Understanding of how curses affect the flow of time
- Emotional Maturity: Forced wisdom from experiencing rapid aging
- Sympathetic Resonance: Other supernatural entities often respond to his plight
Why He’s Heartbreaking: Daiki’s curse explores themes about lost time and stolen youth that add genuine pathos to the series. His situation, looking older while still being a teenager emotionally, creates unique social dynamics and internal conflicts. His resilience in the face of supernatural injustice showcases human adaptability while highlighting the real costs of living in Dandadan’s supernatural world. His story reminds me of the most tragic cursed characters in series like Noragami, where supernatural afflictions create genuinely sympathetic situations that can’t be easily resolved through combat alone.
16. Kouki Yukishiro
Age: 16-17 | Role: Corrupted Antagonist
The Character: Kouki Yukishiro represents corruption of innocence through supernatural influence. Her transformation from normal student to shadow-manipulating threat explores how external supernatural forces can twist people into versions of themselves they never intended to become.
Powers & Abilities:
- Shadow Manipulation: Controls dark entities and shadow-based constructs
- Swarm Tactics: Commands multiple small creatures for overwhelming attacks
- Corruption Influence: Can spread shadow control to other beings
- Strategic Intelligence: Plans complex multi-stage attacks using coordinated minions
Why She’s Complex: Kouki’s character raises questions about agency and responsibility when supernatural forces corrupt normal people. Her antagonistic role feels tragic rather than purely villainous because her actions stem from external influence rather than inherent evil. The potential for redemption keeps her interesting as an opponent, she’s someone to be saved rather than simply defeated. Her shadow-based powers create visually striking encounters while her corrupted nature adds psychological depth to conflicts. She’s reminiscent of Tokyo Ghoul’s characters who struggle with inhuman influences while retaining fragments of their original personality, creating internal conflicts that make every encounter emotionally complex.
17. Payase
Age: Adult | Role: Occult Antagonist & Relic Hunter
The Character: Payase represents the darker side of supernatural knowledge, embodying those who seek to exploit paranormal phenomena for personal gain. As a cursed object collector, he operates in the shadows of Dandadan’s world, accumulating dangerous artifacts while showing little regard for the chaos they might unleash.
Powers & Abilities:
- Shadow Manipulation: Creates traps and constructs from darkness itself
- Cursed Object Mastery: Understanding of how to activate and control supernatural relics
- Ambush Tactics: Specializes in surprise attacks using environmental advantages
- Occult Intelligence: Deep knowledge of supernatural entities and their weaknesses
Why He’s Dangerous: Payase succeeds as an antagonist because he represents calculated evil rather than chaotic supernatural force. His methodical approach to collecting dangerous artifacts creates long-term threats that extend beyond single encounters. Unlike the more straightforward supernatural enemies, Payase’s schemes often involve multiple moving parts that affect civilian populations. His partnership with Kashimoto demonstrates how human greed and supernatural power can combine in particularly insidious ways. He reminds me of the manipulative human villains in Death Note or Future Diary, characters whose intelligence makes them more dangerous than their raw power would suggest. His presence adds a layer of conspiracy and premeditation to the series’ conflicts.
18. Kashimoto
Age: Adult | Role: Relic Hunter & Strategic Planner
The Character: Kashimoto serves as Payase’s calculating partner, bringing tactical intelligence and occult expertise to their supernatural schemes. His familiarity with various supernatural entities, including the pygmy aliens, makes him a valuable but dangerous ally in the underground world of paranormal artifact trading.
Powers & Abilities:
- Occult Knowledge: Extensive understanding of supernatural entities and their behaviors
- Strategic Planning: Develops complex multi-stage schemes involving supernatural elements
- Information Networks: Maintains connections throughout the paranormal underground
- Manipulation Tactics: Uses knowledge of others’ weaknesses for personal advantage
Why He’s Effective: Kashimoto represents the threat of organized supernatural crime. While individual yokai or aliens might cause localized chaos, Kashimoto and Payase’s coordinated efforts can affect entire regions through careful manipulation of supernatural forces. His ability to work with various non-human entities while maintaining his own agenda makes him unpredictable and dangerous. The duo’s relationship showcases how human ambition can be just as threatening as any supernatural entity. He’s like the calculating masterminds from series like Psycho-Pass or Monster, characters whose greatest weapon is their ability to turn others into unwitting pawns in larger schemes.
19. Banga
Age: Mature Adult | Role: Sumerian Resistance Leader & Vamola’s Adoptive Mother
The Character: Banga embodies the fierce maternal warrior archetype, serving as both Vamola’s adoptive mother and a key leader in the Sumerian resistance against alien oppression. Her character brings gravitas and emotional depth to the series’ exploration of family bonds that transcend biological relationships.
Powers & Abilities:
- Advanced Exosuit Technology: Operates sophisticated alien combat gear with expert precision
- Size Enhancement: Can grow to massive proportions while maintaining combat effectiveness
- Leadership Abilities: Commands respect and loyalty from resistance fighters
- Maternal Instincts: Protective drive that amplifies her combat capabilities when family is threatened
Why She’s Inspiring: Banga represents the best aspects of protective authority figures in anime. Her relationship with Vamola demonstrates how chosen family can be just as powerful as biological bonds, adding emotional stakes to the series’ larger conflicts. Her role as resistance leader showcases female strength without sacrificing her nurturing aspects, she’s simultaneously a fearsome warrior and a caring mother figure. Her sacrifice for the resistance cause gives Vamola’s character arc deeper meaning and provides motivation for her integration with the human cast. She reminds me of the most inspiring maternal figures in series like Gurren Lagann or Fullmetal Alchemist, characters who fight not just for victory, but to protect the future for the next generation.
20. The Collective Yokai & Spirits
Age: Varies (Ancient to Recent) | Role: Chaotic Supernatural Forces
The Character(s): The diverse array of unnamed yokai and spirits in Dandadan represents the series’ deep connection to Japanese folklore while adding unpredictable elements that keep every supernatural encounter fresh. From traditional oni to completely original creations, these entities embody the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the paranormal world.
Powers & Abilities:
- Infinite Variety: Each spirit brings unique abilities based on their origin and nature
- Shape-shifting: Many can alter their appearance to deceive or intimidate
- Elemental Control: Various spirits command fire, water, earth, air, and stranger forces
- Curse Projection: Ability to inflict supernatural ailments and transformations
- Collective Threat: When multiple spirits work together, they can overwhelm even powerful protagonists
Why They’re Essential: These background supernatural entities serve multiple crucial functions in Dandadan’s narrative structure. They provide endless variety in encounters, ensuring that fights never become repetitive or predictable. They also represent the vast, unknowable nature of the supernatural world, no matter how strong our protagonists become, there are always more mysteries and threats lurking in the shadows.
Their diversity showcases Yukinobu Tatsu’s creativity in reimagining traditional folklore for modern audiences while creating entirely new supernatural concepts. They’re reminiscent of the atmospheric spirits in Mushishi or the varied demons in Demon Slayer, entities that remind us that the supernatural world is vast, ancient, and fundamentally beyond complete human understanding. Their presence keeps the series grounded in the idea that mystery and wonder are just as important as action and character development.
Conclusion
Dandadan Characters are a big part of what makes the series so good—not just the crazy action. While other anime focus on flashy fights and power-ups, Dandadan gives even the weirdest side characters real personalities and reasons for existing in the story.
Think about it: even the monsters feel like actual characters, not just things to punch. That’s rare in anime today, where most shows just pile on more powers instead of better characters.
This top 20 list only scratches the surface of how many memorable characters this series has packed in. Want more anime reviews and breakdowns? Check out Shinime.blog for the latest on what’s actually worth watching.