The anime Dandadan is currently gaining popularity in Japan. In the show, the name “Ken Takakura” often appears in the dialogue of the protagonist, Momo Ayase. For international viewers (and even some younger Japanese audiences), this name might raise questions. So, let’s take a closer look at who Ken Takakura is and why he matters in Dandadan.
Who is Ken Takakura?
Ken Takakura was one of Japan’s most famous actors, particularly known for his roles in yakuza (Japanese gangster) films. He was a legendary star in Japan’s post-war film industry.
Even I know his name, but I’ve only seen a few of his later works. He was more of a star for my parents’ generation.
If we had to describe his on-screen image in one phrase, it would be: “A man admired by men.”
Though he played a variety of roles throughout his career, he was best known for portraying a silent, tough, yet kind-hearted hero—a man who helps the weak and stands against the strong.
For more details, check out his Wikipedia page:
Ken Takakura – Wikipedia
Ken Takakura’s Role in Dandadan
For Momo Ayase, Ken Takakura is an ideal man—a role model for how she wants to live.
Momo is the type of person who cannot ignore someone in need. She is undeniably a hero in the story, and her admiration for Ken Takakura’s way of life shapes her beliefs and actions.
However, Ken Takakura does not exist in her reality. His era was over 50 years ago, and the masculinity he represented was, in some ways, a fantasy created in fiction.
When you closely examine Dandadan, you’ll notice many male characters who embody toxic masculinity—men who use violence against women or see them only as objects.
Why are there so many characters like this?
Because such men exist in real life.
In contrast, Momo seeks the ultimate ideal—Ken Takakura. She strives to become the kind of person he represented, even in a world where such ideals seem distant.
This adds depth to Momo’s character and shows how Dandadan subtly critiques modern masculinity while exploring the contrast between fictional ideals and harsh reality.
