Why Does Momo Like Ken Takakura? Dandadan’s Slow-Burn Romance Explained

Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, better known as Okarun, are one of the biggest reasons Dandadan feels so different from other supernatural manga. Their relationship starts with a ridiculous argument about ghosts and aliens, but slowly becomes one of the emotional centers of the story.

So, why does momo like ken takakura? Momo likes Ken because he is kind, sincere, brave, and emotionally honest in a way she does not expect at first. He respects her, protects her, listens to her, and keeps standing beside her even when the world around them becomes completely chaotic.

This article explains how Momo and Ken’s bond develops, why their chemistry works, and why Dandadan’s romance feels so natural beneath the ghosts, aliens, curses, and comedy. You can follow their story from the beginning by reading Dandadan on ManhwaClan.

Light spoiler warning: this guide discusses Momo and Okarun’s relationship development across the manga and anime.

Quick Answer: Why Does Momo Like Ken Takakura?

The direct answer to why does momo like ken takakura is that Ken gives Momo something rare: genuine emotional safety. He may be awkward, shy, and nervous, but he is also honest, loyal, and willing to risk himself for the people he cares about.

Reason	How It Shows in the Story
Kindness	Ken treats Momo with sincerity instead of trying to impress or control her
Courage	He acts even when he is scared, especially when Momo is in danger
Trust	Their bond grows through repeated supernatural battles and emotional support
Respect	Ken sees Momo as a partner, not someone weak who needs to be saved
Vulnerability	His awkward honesty makes him feel real and emotionally safe
Shared experience	Ghosts, aliens, curses, and danger force them to rely on each other

Momo does not like Ken because he is the coolest guy in school. She likes him because he becomes someone she can trust. That is what makes their relationship feel more meaningful than a simple crush.

How Momo and Ken First Meet

Momo and Ken’s relationship begins with conflict. Momo believes in ghosts because of her family background, especially her grandmother Seiko Ayase. Ken believes in aliens and UFOs because he is obsessed with the occult. The funny part is that neither of them believes the other.

This argument becomes the starting point of their connection. Momo thinks aliens are ridiculous. Ken thinks ghosts are not real. Then Dandadan immediately proves both of them wrong and right at the same time.

Their first adventure throws them into danger before they even understand each other properly. That matters because their bond is not built through normal school romance first. It is built through panic, survival, embarrassment, fear, and trust.

From the beginning, Dandadan makes one thing clear: Momo and Ken are not a perfect match because they are the same. They work because they challenge each other.

Ken Is Different From the Boys Momo Expects

One reason why does momo like ken takakura works as a relationship question is that Ken is not the type of boy Momo seems drawn to at first. His real name, Ken Takakura, reminds her of the actor she admires, but the actual boy in front of her is awkward, shy, and socially isolated.

At first, Okarun does not seem like a romantic lead. He is not smooth. He does not have high social status. He is not trying to act mysterious or dominant. He is simply a lonely boy who wants someone to take his interests seriously.

That honesty slowly matters to Momo. Ken does not approach her like someone trying to win a game. He talks to her because he wants to be understood. Once their supernatural journey begins, Momo sees that his awkwardness hides real courage.

For a deeper introduction to Ken’s identity, nickname, and role in the story, read who is ken takakura in dandadan.

Momo Likes Ken Because He Is Genuinely Kind

Kindness is one of Ken’s strongest traits. He is not loud about it, and he does not use kindness to look impressive. He simply cares. That quiet sincerity is a big reason Momo starts seeing him differently.

Ken’s kindness stands out because Dandadan often places the characters in absurd, embarrassing, or terrifying situations. In those moments, he does not become cruel or selfish. Even when he is scared, he still thinks about Momo.

Momo is confident and strong, but she is also emotionally sensitive. She notices when someone is being fake, and she can push back hard when people disrespect her. Ken earns her trust because his concern feels real.

This is why their romance does not feel forced. Momo does not suddenly fall for him because the plot demands it. She gradually responds to the way he treats her.

Momo Likes Ken Because He Is Brave Even When He Is Scared

Ken is not fearless, and that is exactly why his bravery matters. He gets nervous. He panics. He doubts himself. But when Momo is in danger, he still moves.

This kind of courage is different from typical shonen confidence. Okarun is not brave because he believes he cannot lose. He is brave because he acts despite knowing he might lose.

Momo sees that side of him again and again. His supernatural power may make him faster and stronger, but his real appeal is emotional. He chooses to protect people even when he is overwhelmed.

That is a major answer to why does momo like ken takakura. She likes him because his courage is not fake. It comes from care, not ego.

Their Relationship Works Because They Save Each Other

One of the best parts of Momo and Ken’s relationship is balance. Momo is not a helpless heroine waiting for Ken to rescue her. Ken is not the only person who gets heroic moments. They both save each other.

Momo protects Ken with her psychic abilities, quick thinking, and emotional strength. Ken protects Momo with his courage, transformation, and willingness to push himself beyond his limits.

This mutual protection makes their relationship feel equal. Momo does not admire Ken because he makes her smaller. She likes him because he stands beside her without trying to take away her strength.

Dandadan’s core duo works because both characters matter in battle and in emotion. They are partners before they are anything else.

Momo and Ken’s Same-Age Dynamic Makes the Romance Feel Natural

Momo and Ken are best understood as high school-age characters, which makes their emotional development feel believable. Their romance has awkward pauses, embarrassment, jealousy, teasing, and misunderstanding because they are teenagers still learning how to express themselves.

This is important because why does momo like ken takakura is not answered through one dramatic moment only. It is answered through many small moments where Momo slowly realizes that Ken matters to her.

She worries about him. She gets embarrassed around him. She notices when someone else gets close to him. She reacts strongly because her feelings are growing before she fully knows what to do with them.

Momo’s age also shapes how she handles those feelings. Our guide on how old is momo ayase explains why her high school age matters to Dandadan’s romance, comedy, and emotional tone.

Ken Respects Momo as an Equal

Another reason Momo likes Ken is that he respects her strength. He does not treat her like someone who needs to be protected because she is weak. He knows Momo can fight, think, and make decisions.

This matters because Momo is a very active protagonist. She is direct, protective, and powerful in her own right. A romance that reduced her to a passive love interest would not fit her character.

Ken works as her romantic counterpart because he does not erase her independence. He admires her, depends on her, worries about her, and protects her, but he does not try to dominate her.

The result is a relationship where affection grows through respect. Momo can like Ken without losing what makes her Momo.

Why Their Chemistry Feels So Strong

Momo and Ken’s chemistry works because it mixes comedy, romance, danger, and emotional sincerity. They can argue in one scene, panic in the next, and then share a quiet moment that reveals how much they care.

Their personalities also contrast perfectly. Momo is louder, sharper, and more confident. Ken is softer, more nervous, and more openly sincere. That difference creates comedy, but it also creates emotional balance.

Momo pushes Ken to become more confident. Ken gives Momo someone she can trust with her softer feelings. Neither character fixes the other completely, but both help the other grow.

This is why the relationship has become such a fan favorite. It feels chaotic on the surface, but the emotional foundation is simple: they feel safe with each other.

Is Momo in Love With Ken Takakura?

Readers asking why does momo like ken takakura are often really asking whether Momo loves Okarun. The safest answer is that Dandadan strongly develops Momo’s romantic feelings for Ken over time, but the exact label can depend on where you are in the manga.

Early on, her feelings look like curiosity, embarrassment, jealousy, and growing attachment. As the story continues, the bond becomes much harder to dismiss as simple friendship.

What makes the romance satisfying is that it grows gradually. Momo does not instantly understand everything she feels. Ken also struggles to express himself clearly. Their relationship is a slow-burn because both characters need time to grow into their emotions.

That slow development is part of the appeal. Dandadan lets readers enjoy the tension, comedy, and emotional payoff instead of rushing the relationship too quickly.

How Their Bond Fits Into the Larger Dandadan Cast

Momo and Ken are the emotional center of Dandadan, but their relationship also works because the wider cast keeps complicating and strengthening it. Characters like Seiko, Turbo Granny, Jiji, and Aira bring new pressure into their dynamic.

Jiji creates romantic tension because of his history with Momo. Aira adds jealousy, comedy, and another kind of emotional chaos. Turbo Granny keeps the supernatural stakes ridiculous and dangerous. Seiko gives Momo a family anchor that shapes how she sees trust and protection.

These characters make Momo and Ken’s relationship more interesting because the romance does not exist in isolation. It grows inside a chaotic group where every new arc tests how much they understand each other.

To see how their relationship fits into the full ensemble, read our guide to dandadan characters.

Common Misconceptions About Momo and Ken’s Relationship

One common misconception is that Momo likes Ken only because he has powers. That is not accurate. His powers matter in battle, but Momo’s feelings grow because of his personality, loyalty, and courage.

Another misconception is that Ken is too weak for Momo. In reality, Dandadan shows strength in many forms. Momo is more confident socially, but Ken has emotional bravery and sincerity that make him strong in a different way.

Some readers also think their romance is just comedy. The comedy is important, but it works because the feelings underneath are real. Their awkwardness is funny because the audience can tell they care.

The final misconception is that their relationship is one-sided. Dandadan spends time showing both characters reacting, worrying, and growing because of each other. Their bond is mutual, even when they are too embarrassed to say everything clearly.

FAQs

Why does Momo like Ken Takakura?

Momo likes Ken Takakura because he is kind, sincere, brave, and emotionally trustworthy. He respects her as an equal, protects her when it matters, and keeps standing beside her through supernatural danger.

Does Momo have feelings for Okarun?

Yes, Dandadan strongly develops Momo’s feelings for Okarun over time. Her reactions, jealousy, worry, and emotional attachment show that their bond becomes more than simple friendship.

Why does Momo call Ken Takakura Okarun?

Momo calls Ken Takakura Okarun as a nickname connected to his occult obsession. The nickname sticks and becomes the name most characters and fans use for him.

Does Ken Takakura like Momo?

Yes, Ken clearly cares deeply about Momo. His actions show concern, loyalty, and romantic interest as their relationship develops through shared danger and trust.

Are Momo and Ken dating in Dandadan?

Their relationship is a slow-burn romance that grows throughout the story. Depending on where you are in the manga, the exact status may vary, but their mutual feelings are one of Dandadan’s central emotional threads.

Why do fans love Momo and Okarun together?

Fans love Momo and Okarun because their relationship feels funny, awkward, sincere, and balanced. They protect each other, challenge each other, and grow together without either character losing their own identity.

Is Momo and Okarun’s romance important to Dandadan?

Yes, their romance is one of the emotional cores of Dandadan. The series has ghosts, aliens, battles, and comedy, but Momo and Okarun’s bond gives the chaos real heart.

Conclusion

So, why does momo like ken takakura? Momo likes him because he is not trying to be someone else. He is awkward, scared, sincere, kind, and brave in a way that feels real. He respects her, trusts her, protects her, and grows beside her.

Their relationship works because it is not built on one big romantic moment only. It is built through shared danger, small reactions, mutual rescue, jealousy, embarrassment, and emotional trust.

Momo and Ken’s bond is one of the biggest reasons Dandadan stands out. Beneath the aliens, ghosts, curses, and comedy, their slow-burn romance gives the series its heart. To follow their journey from the beginning, read Dandadan on ManhwaClan.