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The Shocking Truth Behind Momo And Okarun's First Kiss: 5 Pivotal Moments That Defined Their Dandadan Relationship

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The relationship between Momo Ayase and Ken "Okarun" Takakura in Yukinobu Tatsu's hit manga, Dandadan, is arguably the most compelling blend of supernatural action and chaotic romantic comedy in modern Shonen Jump+. As of late 2025, fan anticipation for the anime adaptation is at a fever pitch, largely centered around the pivotal, non-traditional moments that define their bond—none more significant than their first "kiss." This wasn't a sweet, slow-burn romantic gesture; it was a frantic, life-or-death spiritual necessity that cemented their roles as a powerful, yet hilariously dysfunctional, battle couple.

The infamous moment is a cornerstone of the entire series, serving as a critical turning point that permanently alters Okarun's spiritual state and deepens the volatile connection between the alien-believing Momo and the yokai-obsessed Okarun. Understanding the context—the exact chapter, the curse involved, and the subsequent fallout—is essential to appreciating the genius of Dandadan's narrative structure and the high stakes involved in their high-school life.

I. The Chapter Where It All Changed: Context and Curses

The moment fans universally refer to as Momo and Okarun's first kiss takes place in Chapter 12 of the Dandadan manga. This chapter, titled "Turbo Granny is Super Fast," is a high-octane culmination of the series' first major arc, which introduces one of the most terrifying and iconic yokai: Turbo Granny (also known as Kijimuna).

The context surrounding the kiss is anything but romantic. Okarun, in his typical fashion, has been cursed and is on the verge of death or permanent spiritual possession. Momo Ayase, driven by her fierce protectiveness and a sudden realization of Okarun's power potential, takes drastic action. The act itself is a desperate measure, not a confession of love, executed to save Okarun's life and stabilize his burgeoning spiritual power—a power that is key to fighting both the aliens and the yokai that plague their small town.

The kiss functions as a spiritual catalyst, a form of energy transfer that enables Okarun to harness the power needed to survive the encounter with the formidable Turbo Granny. It’s a classic example of Tatsu’s writing style: taking a major shonen trope (the power-up) and blending it with a major rom-com trope (the first kiss) under the most absurd, high-stakes circumstances imaginable. The immediate aftermath is pure chaos, leaving both characters flustered, confused, and irrevocably linked.

II. More Than Romance: The Supernatural Necessity of the Kiss

In the world of Dandadan, the kiss is less about romantic sparks and more about the mechanics of the supernatural. This single act introduces a critical element to the narrative: the symbiotic relationship between Momo and Okarun's powers. Their battle dynamic is unique because their strengths and weaknesses complement each other, especially when dealing with entities like Reiko Kashima or the Serpo aliens.

The kiss establishes a precedent for how Momo and Okarun's emotions and physical proximity directly influence their ability to fight. Okarun, who has the ability to see and interact with yokai, often needs a push—a surge of spiritual energy or emotional clarity—to fully utilize his potential. Momo, possessing her own innate psychic abilities (like her powerful eye beam), provides that anchor. Their relationship is, fundamentally, a necessity for survival in their bizarre reality.

This dynamic ensures that the romantic comedy (rom-com) elements are never separated from the supernatural action. Every blush, every awkward interaction, and every moment of closeness carries a potential spiritual consequence. The tension created by the unresolved romantic feelings, coupled with the constant threat of curses and extraterrestrial beings, is what gives Dandadan its unique flavor and high topical authority within the shonen genre. The kiss is the moment the door to this complex, interdependent relationship is violently kicked open.

III. The Five Pivotal Moments That Define Their Relationship Trajectory

While the Chapter 12 kiss is the most explosive turning point, the relationship between Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura is a tapestry woven from several key emotional and supernatural milestones. These moments collectively define their trajectory from skeptical acquaintances to an inseparable battle couple.

  1. The Initial Dare (Chapter 1): The entire series begins with a childish dare: Momo must prove aliens exist, and Okarun must prove yokai exist. This foundational conflict of belief immediately sets them on a collision course, forcing them to confront the strange realities of the world together.
  2. The Turbo Granny Kiss (Chapter 12): As detailed above, this moment transforms their relationship from one of forced alliance to one of spiritual necessity. It's the first physical and emotional breakthrough, albeit accidental and curse-driven.
  3. The Introduction of Jiji (Chapter 16 onwards): The arrival of Jiji (Seiko Ohta), a childhood friend and rival for Momo's affection, introduces a classic love triangle dynamic. This external pressure forces both Momo and Okarun to internally confront their growing feelings, even if they refuse to admit them out loud.
  4. The Reiko Kashima Arc and Emotional Support: During arcs involving powerful entities like the ghost Reiko Kashima, their emotional support for one another becomes paramount. Momo often acts as Okarun's emotional rock, reminding him of his worth and strength, solidifying a bond deeper than just fighting partners.
  5. The Ongoing Awkwardness and Denials: Even after the kiss and numerous close calls, their constant denial and awkward interactions are a defining feature. This sustained tension, a hallmark of Yukinobu Tatsu's writing, keeps the audience invested in their eventual romantic resolution, proving that the journey is just as important as the destination.

IV. The Anime Adaptation Hype: Science SARU's Challenge

The anticipation for the Dandadan anime adaptation, confirmed for a 2024 release, is enormous, and Chapter 12 is arguably the most highly awaited scene. The animation studio responsible, Science SARU, is renowned for its distinctive, fluid, and often psychedelic animation style, seen in works like *Devilman Crybaby* and *Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!*

Adapting the Turbo Granny chase and the subsequent kiss presents a unique challenge. The scene requires a perfect balance of breakneck action, genuine horror (Turbo Granny is terrifying), and the sudden, jarring intimacy of the kiss. Fans are eager to see how Science SARU will handle the transition of the scene's emotional weight—the raw desperation of Momo and the immediate, embarrassing aftermath—while maintaining the high-quality animation expected of a major Shonen Jump+ title.

The success of the anime will heavily rely on the studio's ability to capture the essence of the manga’s blend of supernatural and romantic comedy. The Chapter 12 kiss is the litmus test; if the adaptation can nail the absurdity, the action, and the emotional core of that moment, the rest of the series is set up for success, further cementing Dandadan's place as a modern masterpiece in the seinen manga landscape.

dandadan momo and okarun kiss
dandadan momo and okarun kiss

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