In the world of Dandadan — a wild, unpredictable manga blending sci-fi, supernatural, comedy, and romance — character personalities are as colorful as the bizarre aliens and yokai that roam its pages. One of the quirkiest and most recurring lines in the series comes from Momo Ayase, the fearless and fiery heroine, who often declares that her ideal man is the "Ken Takakura type."
But what exactly does that mean? Why does she say it so often? And what does it reveal about her character and the evolving relationships in the story? In this deep-dive article, Anime Lore Hub unpacks the significance behind Momo’s words and how it reflects both her personality and her complex dynamic with Takakura Okarun.
Who is Ken Takakura?
To understand Momo’s type, we need to step back into the world of Japanese cinema.
Ken Takakura (1931–2014) is a legendary Japanese actor celebrated for his roles in yakuza films, action dramas, and stoic police thrillers. Often called the "Clint Eastwood of Japan," Takakura was famous for portraying characters that were:
- Cool and collected
- Silent and serious
- Tough and brave
- Principled with a deep sense of justice
- Often hiding a soft, kind heart beneath a rugged exterior
Some of his most iconic films include Abashiri Prison, The Yakuza (a Hollywood collaboration), and Black Rain. In Japan, his image became synonymous with a man's man — someone who was strong, dependable, and quietly honorable.
So when Momo Ayase says she likes the "Ken Takakura type," she means she admires men who are masculine, reliable, strong, and emotionally restrained but kind deep down.
Why Does Momo Ayase Keep Repeating This?
Throughout Dandadan, Momo often proclaims that her ideal man is a cool, calm, dependable "Ken Takakura" type, not just once but multiple times — sometimes even in moments when it seems completely unrelated. This recurring statement has three layers of meaning:
1. It Reflects Her Childhood Fantasy
Momo’s preference mirrors a classic romantic ideal many people form during childhood or adolescence — the dream of being protected by a brave, reliable partner. Influenced by old-school films, TV shows, or cultural imagery, Momo’s attraction to this archetype represents a safe and idealized fantasy.
She doesn’t just want any man — she wants someone who makes her feel safe, someone who seems invincible but who also treats her with kindness and understanding.
2. It’s a Comic Contradiction
The comedy comes from the fact that Takakura Okarun, the main male lead and Momo’s closest companion, is the polar opposite of a Ken Takakura type.
Okarun is:
- Nervous and awkward
- Excitable and emotional
- Geeky and obsessed with occult topics
- Often panics in dangerous situations
- Not conventionally "cool"
Yet despite this, Momo constantly teams up with Okarun, protects him, and slowly develops feelings for him. The irony is clear: even though she claims to like one type of man, she is drawn to someone entirely different, showing that real connections don’t always match our fantasies.
3. It Highlights Her Own Toughness
Interestingly, Momo herself embodies many traits of the "Ken Takakura type".
She is:
- Fearless and bold
- Protective of her friends
- Quick to jump into action
- Strong both physically and mentally
In many ways, she plays the role of protector, not Okarun. Her admiration for "cool, strong men" may reflect what she values in herself or what she feels she wants to balance her own personality.
What Does It Reveal About Her Relationship With Okarun?
As Dandadan progresses, the relationship between Momo and Okarun deepens in ways that blur the lines between friendship, romance, and rivalry.
Her constant mention of the "Ken Takakura type" does three things to shape their bond:
1. It Creates Romantic Tension
Momo's ideal type being so different from Okarun keeps readers rooting for their relationship, curious to see how her feelings evolve.
2. It Softens Momo’s Character
Although Momo is brash and confident, her talk about her "ideal man" shows that deep down, she has romantic dreams and vulnerabilities like anyone else.
3. It Highlights Realistic Love
By showing that Momo falls for someone different from her stated type, Dandadan subtly comments on how real-life relationships often defy our expectations and checklists.
We don’t always end up with our “ideal” — we fall for people who connect with us on a deeper level.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Running Gag
Momo Ayase’s repeated line about liking the "Ken Takakura type" is more than just a funny catchphrase.
It’s a window into her romantic ideals, a source of comedy that contrasts her real interactions with Okarun, and a symbol of her own inner strength.
As Dandadan continues to blend romance, action, and absurd supernatural adventures, Momo’s admiration for the classic, stoic hero — and her growing connection with her very un-stoic companion — continues to charm readers worldwide.
In the end, maybe the real lesson is that love isn’t about matching ideals, but about growing together — even if you’re battling aliens and yokai along the way.
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