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10 Anime Characters Just Like Dandadan’s Okarun

Otaku Otaku
October 20, 2024

Dandadan is one of the newest anime to take the anime community by storm. Its unique brand of horror, comedy, and supernatural happenings is refreshing to viewers who are tired of age-old tropes. Some of the things that make Dandadan so great are the characters. This is especially true of Ken Takakura or “Okarun” as Momo Ayame calls him.




Okarun is a bit of a timid young man, but he speaks passionately about his interests. Despite his trepidation, Okarun does follow through with Momo’s plan to see a ghost and bravely holds his own against Turbo Granny. He even gains specialized powers as a result. Okarun is much more fearful than Momo, but that is what makes his character inspiring. There are many characters like Okarun throughout anime. They aren’t particularly brave or outgoing, but they make up for it with raw power and determination. Okarun is a great character. Thankfully, there are more characters like him for fans looking for a similar character type.

Ken Takaura (Okarun) and Momo Ayase from Dandadan.

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10 Koichi Hirose Was A Normal High School Student

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Helps Koichi Become A Hero

Koichi Hirose is a normal high school student in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Much like Okarun, Koichi lived a regular life until he met some friends that led him into a world of supernatural abilities. Both Okarun and Koichi are small young men, but they don’t let their stature get them down.

They eventually come into power – Koichi with his Stand, Echoes, and Okarun with Turbo Granny’s abilities. Koichi and Okarun are also similar because they are easily influenced. They both do practically whatever is asked of them, and they have some self-esteem issues. Koichi and Okarun are more than content to live their lives, but fate is thrust upon them both.


jojo-s-bizarre-adventure.jpg

JoJo Bizarre Adventure

The story of the Joestar family, who are possessed with intense psychic strength, and the adventures each member encounters throughout their lives.

Release Date
October 4, 2012

Cast
David Vincent , Matthew Mercer , Daisuke Ono , Unshô Ishizuka , Tôru Ohkawa

Seasons
5

Creator

9 Yoo Jinho Wants To Improve

Solo Leveling Shows Yoo Jinho As The Prime Comedic Relief

Hunter Yoo Jinho stands confident in his shiny and expensive armor

Yoo Jinho is an eager young man from Solo Leveling. He comes from a prominent family and wants to prove himself as a Hunter. However, it doesn’t pan out as he would have hoped. Yoo Jinho is fearful and easily panicked whenever he’s in combat. It’s then up to Sung Jinwoo to save Yoo Jinho at inopportune times.

Solo Leveling's Jinwoo and Gina from Hunter Origin webtoon series

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Similarly, Okarun has proven to be a hindrance to battle rather than a boon. As of Episode 3, he has yet to control his powers. Therefore, Momo is forced to save him. He also still has to rely on Momo’s powers to not turn into Turbo Granny. Okarun and Yoo Jinho both want to be helpful, but are usually in the way instead.

8 Shinji Ikari Doesn’t Want To Get In The Robot

Neon Genesis Evangelion Features Shinji As A Reluctant Hero

Shinji Ikari Emerges In Eva Unit 01.


Like Okarun, Shinji Ikari is a bit of a reluctant protagonist in Neon Genesis Evangelion. Shinji would be happy living a quiet life as a regular high schooler. Sadly for him, he must pilot one of the EVAs to help defeat the Angels that continue to attack the city. Okarun was likewise loath to be possessed by a malevolent spirit. However, he takes what he has and uses his gifts to protect his friend, Momo.

Shinji and Okarun both have a habit of complaining about their situations – even when life and death are on the line. Yet, they always manage to stand up and protect their people in the end. Neon Genesis Evangelion and Dandadan are very different shows, but their protagonists are two sides of the same coin.


7 Yuri Katsuki Has A Pushy Mentor

Yuri!!! On Ice Emphasizes Hard Work and Love To Achieve One’s Goals

Yuri Katsuki gets into the zone in Yuri!!! On Ice

Yuri Katsuki from Yuri!!! On Ice and Okarun have a surprising amount in common. Not only do they look a little similar, but their self-deprecating attitudes and desire for connections make them kindred spirits. Yuri also has a special interest, like Okarun, but Yuri’s love of figure skating is more accepted than Okarun’s obsession with aliens.

Yuri and Okarun have both been brought down by life until a much more popular individual gives them a second chance. Their new friends are hard on them, but it’s what both Yuri and Okarun need to get out of their shells. Yuri!!! On Ice and Dandadan differ greatly, but they still manage to have very similar characters.


Yuri!!! On Ice anime cover art with the cast on the rink

Yuri!!! On Ice: The Complete Series

After suffering defeat, Yuri Katsuki hangs up his ice skates for good. But will an encounter with two top skaters reignite his passion?

Release Date
October 6, 2016

Studio
MAPPA

Creator
Sayo Yamamoto, Mitsurō Kubo

Number of Episodes
12 + OVA

6 Wakana Gojo’s Interests Are Misunderstood

My Dress-Up Darling Features Gojo’s Special Interests

Wakana Gojo is a teenager from My Dress-Up Darling. Gojo loves to make Hina dolls just like his grandfather and has become particularly skilled at creating them. He is also gifted at sewing, which he uses to help his new friend, Marin Kitagawa, create cosplay designs. Gojo is a shy individual and doesn’t have many friends.

Marin Kitagawa Live Action-1

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Gojo is very similar to Okarun. Both characters are passionate young men who have interests that no one else enjoys or understands. They also become unexpected friends with girls who turn their worlds upside down. They help their new friends achieve goals as well (even if Momo’s goals are to defeat the spirits and aliens). Gojo’s life is much less dangerous than Okarun’s, but many of their life circumstances are similar.

5 Akira Nirei Knows Everything There Is About His Special Interest

Wind Breaker Shows That Nirei Can Play To His Strengths

Nirei looking concerned inside Furin.


Akihiko Nirei may not be strong. But what he lacks in strength, he more than makes up for in intelligence. Wind Breaker is full of tough, physically reactive young men who never hesitate in a fight. Nirei is not like that. Like Okarun, Nirei is inspired by his friends. He hopes to reach their level of cool one day, but for now, he’s the one focused on background knowledge.

Okarun and Nirei are also fanboys. Okarun’s obsession with aliens is well documented, while Nirei jots down each fighting style and other trivia for any fighter he encounters. This can be a lot in a school like Furin. But it’s a job that Nirei knows he can do well. Okarun and Nirei aren’t the bravest, but they know their strengths and play to them to help their friends in need.

wind-breaker-anime-poster.jpg

A talented high school student with a passion for biking becomes the leader of his school’s cycling team. He faces numerous challenges, including intense rivalries and personal obstacles, as he strives to lead his team to victory. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the true spirit of competition, pushing himself and his teammates to new heights.

Release Date
April 4, 2024

Creator(s)
Satoru Nii

Cast
Kristian Eros , Austin Tindle , Yuma Uchida , Bryson Baugus , Jordan Dash Cruz , Aaron Campbell , Drew Breedlove , Gen Satô

Seasons
1


4 Yuta Okkotsu Comes Into Immense Power

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Portrays A Timid Yuta OkkotsuYuta Okkotsu preparing to join the Culling Game in the Jujutsu Kaisen Anime

Yuta Okkotsu grew up as a tortured soul. After his best friend (and crush), Rika Orimoto died, her spirit was so tightly united with his that she became a monstrous Cursed Spirit. Anyone who tried to get close to Yuta was summarily trashed. Fortunately, Yuta was able to release Rika’s spirit and now works with a visage of her as a Jujutsu Sorcerer in Jujutsu Kaisen. Much like Okarun, Yuta was possessed by a malevolent spirit but grew to become stronger thanks to his experience.

Yuta and Okarun are also rather shy – at first. Yuta isn’t so shy any longer, but he certainly was at the beginning of Jujutsu Kaisen 0. Both Yuta and Okarun feel like they are powerless in their life situations, but that is far from the truth. They both hold immense abilities that allow them to thrive in combat situations. Hopefully, Okarun can live up to the legacy of what Yuta has become through hard work and dedication.


3 Izuku Midoriya Is A Fanboy

My Hero Academia Emphasizes Midoriya’s Specialized Knowledge

Midoriya showing his Hero Name to his class.

Dadadan’s Okarun and Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia are both die-hard fanboys in their own right. Okarun loves learning about aliens and UAPs, while Midoriya could rattle off facts about All Might all day. Both boys struggled with bullies, but they also ignored their detractors to become heroic protectors.


Midoriya and Okarun are also the recipients of less-than-ideal nicknames. Momo Ayase gave the name “Okarun” to Ken Takakura (partially for selfish reasons) but also because it was a subtle jab at his love for the occult. Meanwhile, Midoirya’s Hero Name, Deku, was unfavorably given to him by his childhood friend, Katsuki Bakugo. “Deku” refers to someone useless. Thankfully, both Okarun and Deku have proven themselves to be much more than their bullies could ever dream of.

2 Zenitsu Agatsuma Is More Powerful When He’s Unconscious

Demon Slayer Shows Off Zenitsu’s Electrifying Powers

Zenitsu Agatsuma dramatically poses with his sword in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.


Zenitsu Agatsuma from Demon Slayer is one of the most similar characters to Okarun. Zenitsu has much stronger fear responses than Okarun. However, they both have trepidation about using their powers. Zenitsu is generally worried about any opponent, but especially about demons. Zenitsu doesn’t feel confident in his own abilities, which makes him fear the night. Yet, when push comes to shove, and Zenitsu passes out, that is where the real magic begins. Zenitsu shows off his immense strength through his Thunder Breathing technique. It’s lightning-fast and packs quite the punch – even though he’s unconscious.

Adidas x Demon Slayer Tanjiro Kamado and Kyojuro Rengoku shoes

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Likewise, Okarun can use Turbo Granny’s powers to become an augmented spirit of his own. Unfortunately (as of Episode 3), Okarun still needs help to turn into his spirit form. He also loses all of his spark and becomes depressingly nihilistic. Both Zenitsu and Okarun lose a part of themselves but are rewarded tenfold with their incredible abilities to fight demons (and aliens).

1 Armin Arlert Wants To Know What’s Beyond His Existence

Attack on Titan Shows Armin What’s Outside The Walls


Like Okarun, Armin Arlert from Attack on Titan is a bit of a nerd. He loves learning, and his primary defense in any conflict situation is to remain silent. That is until Armin joins the Survey Corps. After many battles and mishaps, Armin gains control of the Colossal Titan and decimates Marleyan forces in the name of justice.

Armin and Okarun know their strengths and weaknesses, and they play to them. They also both have a strong desire to know what lies beyond the borders of their worlds. Armin may be more capable of controlling his powers as of Dandadan Episode 3, but, like Armin, Okarun has the determination not to let his friend down.

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