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The relationship between children and parents is a significant theme inDandadanseason 1. Seiko and Momo’s bond is one example. Then there’s season 1, episode 7, “To a Kinder World,” which focuses on Acro-Silky’s life as a single mother. However,Dandadanhas not given viewers any information regarding Okarun’s parents.
So, where are Okarun’s parents? Unfortunately, theDandadanmanga has not revealed their identity. However, numerous fan theories, from practical explanations to bizarre hypotheses, have been developed regarding their absence.
Okarun’s Parents Are Absent in Dandadan
Okarun’s parents never appeared inDandadanseason 1. Furthermore, there has been no significant mention of Okarun’s parents either. This absence would be less conspicuous if all of the main cast’s parents were rarely around, like in Jujutsu Kaisen. However,Dandadanfans have gotten to know about Jiji’s ailing parents and Aira’s widowed father.And let’s not forget Seiko Ayase, the anime’s signature matriarch. So, why are Okarun’s parents the exception?
Absent parents is a common theme in anime and manga. Usually, this is an active choice in Shonen manga, especially about teenagers, because focusing on parents would take away too much focus from the plot. Jujutsu Kaisen is a strong example, withteachers filling in paternal roles. However, this trope is not universal across Shonen manga. Dragonball Z places Goku and Gohan’s relationship front and center. It seems likeDandadanlies somewhere in between.
Does the Manga Explain Where Okarun’s Parents Are?
Dandadanseason 1 concludes in the manga’s 33rd chapter, “Better Decide Which One’s Into Her,” right after Okarun and Jiji discover thehidden room of talismans inside Jiji’s house. Meanwhile, theDandadanmanga will publish its 179th chapter on July 06, 2025. So, fans of theDandadananime have seen a small fraction ofDandadan’sstory.
Is it possible the manga introduced Okarun’s parents in a later chapter? Unfortunately, the manga still has not confirmed who Okarun’s parents are. However, Yukinobu Tatsu may address this issue significantly in the future. Perhaps Okarun’s parents will get a dedicated story arc.
There Are Several Fan Theories
Until Tatsu-san reveals the truth about Okarun’s parents, allDandadan’sfans can do is speculate. Numerous Reddit threads are rumbling with discourse regarding Okarun’s parents. Here are some of the most prominent fan theories.
Okarun’s Parents Are Neglectful
The most common fan theory is that Okarun comes from a broken home.Dandadan’stext supports this claim. In season 1, episode 1, “That’s How Love Starts, Ya Know!,“Okarun confronts the Serpoians, stating, “I never had any friends, and I thought if anyone would be friends with me, it’d be aliens!” If Okarun is that isolated, then it would make sense that his parents ignore him, either willfully or accidentally.
Okarun’s Parents Are Lovely People Who Trust Their Son
Another theory that caught our attention states that Okarun’s parents are well-adjusted and have no problem with him seeking out aliens and yokai. The irony of a loner like Okarun coming from a loving family is a hilarious premise. However, Okarun’s parents may not know what he’s up to because he doesn’t want them to worry about him (which sounds Okarun-coded).
Okarun Is Related to the Actor Ken Takakura
Another fan theory is that Okarun is Ken Takakura Jr. This theory would make a spectacular twist if true. The real Ken Takakura never had biological children. Buthis adopted daughter, Oda Taka, is a working actor who is old enough to portray Okarun’s mother.
Imagine if Okarun canonically became Taka’s child, earning his namesakefrom his adoptive grandfather. And then, what if Oda Taka voiced herself in theDandadananime? That would be wild!
Okarun Is a Manifestation of Momo’s Psychic Powers
One of the most bizarre fan theories is thatMomo subconsciously created Okarun with her psychic powers. In other words, Momo wished so hard for a real-life Ken Takakura that he manifested into being. This theory has some significant holes. For instance, the Serpoian’s brain manipulation amplified Momo’s psychic abilities, allowing her to access them. And Momo met Okarun before this catalyst occurred. Still, the idea is very tantalizing.
Dandadan
Based on Yukinobu Tatsu’s popular manga that debuted in 2021 on Shonen Jump+, Dandadan blends action, comedy, romance, and supernatural thrills to create a unique and satisfying adventure. Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura believe in the extraordinary, although the former believes in ghosts and the latter believes in aliens. Determined to confirm their side’s existence, they set out to find their proof.
