5 Years Later, One of Anime’s Biggest Mysteries Has Officially Been Solved

Chapter 252 of *Dandadan*, published on 9 November 2026, reveals the long-hidden, traumatic childhood of protagonist Ken Takakura, known as Okarun. The backstory deepens the meaning of his bond with Momo and reframes an early scene in which she stood up for him as the answer to his childhood hope that someone would come to his rescue.

Okarun’s parents separated, and he was left feeling unwanted; he later faced bullying, abuse and loneliness at home and school. He once considered suicide, but memories of happier times gave him the strength to keep living. In the present, Turbo Granny sees his memories while trying to bring him back from the rage caused by a mystical weapon, and a voice reminds him that someone did come: Momo.