Dandadan is a unique anime series blending supernatural action, humor, and intricate character dynamics. Based on the manga by Yukinobu Tatsu, the series has captivated fans worldwide not only because of its compelling story but also because of the stellar performances by its voice actors. In this post, we will dive into the voices behind the iconic characters of Dandadan, their roles, voice actors, and how they bring the series to life.
Overview of Dandadan’s World and Characters
Before we dive into the individual character profiles, let’s quickly set the stage for those who may be unfamiliar with the anime.
Dandadan is a fast-paced, supernatural action-comedy series that follows Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura, two high school students who find themselves entangled in the chaotic world of spirits, demons, and the supernatural. The story blends a variety of genres—action, horror, comedy, and a bit of romance—making it an exciting and unpredictable ride.
One of the key elements that make Dandadan stand out is its well-crafted characters, each of whom has a distinct voice and personality. This post will explore the voice actors behind these characters and how they contribute to the show’s success.
Momo Ayase – Voiced by Miku Itou
Character Overview: Momo Ayase is the strong-willed, determined female protagonist who teams up with Ken Takakura to battle supernatural forces. While she might appear tough and rebellious on the outside, she has a caring heart and is fiercely protective of her friends. Throughout the series, Momo’s character goes through significant growth, both in terms of her relationships and her courage in the face of danger.
Voice Actor Profile: Miku Itou is a seasoned voice actress known for her versatility. Born on October 26, 1986, in Tokyo, Japan, Itou has voiced a variety of characters across many different anime genres. Her performance as Momo is a perfect fit, as it balances both the character’s feisty nature and moments of vulnerability.
Other Notable Roles by Miku Itou:
- Ami Mizuno / Sailor Mercury in Sailor Moon Crystal
- Nyaruko in Haiyore! Nyaruko-san
- Moka Akashiya in Rosario + Vampire
Impact on Dandadan: Miku’s performance as Momo is dynamic, providing energy and enthusiasm when needed and emotional depth when the story calls for it. Her chemistry with Ken Takakura’s voice actor creates a compelling dynamic that drives much of the series’ emotional core.
Ken Takakura – Voiced by Kaito Ishikawa
Character Overview: Ken Takakura is the male protagonist of Dandadan. His journey is one of self-discovery as he struggles with his personal issues and his newfound role in the supernatural battles. Ken is sarcastic, humorous, and often the comic relief, but he also shows great growth as a character, especially in his interactions with Momo.
Voice Actor Profile: Kaito Ishikawa is a prolific voice actor born on October 13, 1989, in Tokyo, Japan. He has voiced many iconic roles in anime, known for his energetic, clear voice and strong delivery. Ishikawa brings Ken’s sarcastic, yet relatable, personality to life, making him one of the most memorable characters in the series.
Other Notable Roles by Kaito Ishikawa:
- Tobio Kageyama in Haikyuu!!
- Gen Asagiri in Reigen: The Mob Psycho 100
- Ayato Kirishima in Tokyo Ghoul
Impact on Dandadan: Ishikawa’s portrayal of Ken is key to balancing the humor and action in the series. His performance is full of witty one-liners and sarcastic remarks that lighten the mood, but he also conveys the more serious moments of the character’s journey effectively.
Oniyama – Voiced by Yuko Sanpei
Character Overview: Oniyama is one of the many supernatural creatures Momo and Ken encounter throughout their journey. Initially appearing as a seemingly menacing figure, Oniyama reveals layers of complexity as the story progresses. He plays a key role in the battles between the human and supernatural worlds.
Voice Actor Profile: Yuko Sanpei is a versatile voice actress who has voiced both menacing and light-hearted characters across anime. Her voice work as Oniyama stands out for its intensity and unpredictability, capturing the essence of the character’s mysterious nature.
Other Notable Roles by Yuko Sanpei:
- Koiwai in Daily Lives of High School Boys
- Satoru Fukube in Hyouka
- Nanako Usami in Locodol
Impact on Dandadan: Sanpei’s performance as Oniyama brings an eerie, unsettling quality to the character, which heightens the supernatural element of the show. Her voice work plays a significant role in establishing Oniyama’s dual nature, as both a potential ally and adversary.
The Father of Ken – Voiced by Koji Yusa
Character Overview: Ken’s father, although not a frequent presence in the story, serves as an important influence on Ken’s personal development. His brief but impactful appearances provide crucial insight into Ken’s backstory and motivations.
Voice Actor Profile: Koji Yusa is an experienced voice actor known for his ability to voice calm and authoritative characters. Yusa’s portrayal of Ken’s father brings a sense of stability and authority to the character, which contrasts with Ken’s more reckless nature.
Other Notable Roles by Koji Yusa:
- Takumi Usui in Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
- Nagisa’s father in Assassination Classroom
- Fai D. Flowright in Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
Impact on Dandadan: Yusa’s voice performance brings a much-needed depth to Ken’s backstory. The calm and composed nature of Ken’s father serves as a strong anchor for the emotional moments in the series, highlighting the importance of family.
The Demon Lord – Voiced by Takehito Koyasu
Character Overview: Takehito Koyasu voices one of the primary antagonists in Dandadan, the Demon Lord, whose power and malevolent influence drive much of the conflict in the series. The Demon Lord’s deep, commanding voice makes him a terrifying figure in the story.
Voice Actor Profile: Takehito Koyasu is known for his deep, commanding voice, which has made him one of the most famous voice actors in anime history. His ability to portray menacing characters with charisma and gravitas makes him the perfect fit for a villain like the Demon Lord.
Other Notable Roles by Takehito Koyasu:
- Ryoga Hibiki in Ranma ½
- Zodd in Berserk
- Dio Brando in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Impact on Dandadan: Koyasu’s voice work as the Demon Lord adds an element of fear and intensity to the series. His portrayal of the character is menacing, yet captivating, making him one of the most memorable antagonists in the anime.
Spirit of the Tower – Voiced by Rie Takahashi
Character Overview: The Spirit of the Tower is an enigmatic supernatural figure who aids Momo and Ken during their battles. Rie Takahashi’s portrayal of this character adds an air of mystery and elegance, with the voice shifting from serene to intense depending on the situation.
Voice Actor Profile: Rie Takahashi is a well-known voice actress in anime, especially famous for voicing cute or quirky characters. Her performance as the Spirit of the Tower is much more refined and atmospheric, showing her range as a voice actress.
Other Notable Roles by Rie Takahashi:
- Emilia in Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
- Megumin in KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
- Kaguya Shinomiya in Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Impact on Dandadan: Takahashi’s voice work adds a sense of grace and power to the Spirit of the Tower. Her performance is crucial in adding depth to the mystical elements of Dandadan.
The Alien – Voiced by Yuichi Nakamura
Character Overview: The Alien is a mysterious, somewhat comedic character who represents one of the supernatural entities that Momo and Ken encounter. Yuichi Nakamura’s voice work helps give the Alien both an ominous and humorous quality, making him an intriguing figure in the story.
Voice Actor Profile: Yuichi Nakamura is a popular voice actor known for his smooth, charismatic voice. His portrayal of the Alien balances humor with the tension needed for the character’s role in the plot.
Other Notable Roles by Yuichi Nakamura:
- Gray Fullbuster in Fairy Tail
- Reiji Ishida in The Irregular at Magic High School
- Akechi Kogoro in Detective Conan
Impact on Dandadan: Nakamura’s voice performance as the Alien gives the character an unpredictable vibe, which adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the narrative.
Tetsuya – Voiced by Daisuke Ono
Character Overview: Tetsuya is a secondary character in Dandadan, who plays a key role in the unfolding events as Momo and Ken move through various supernatural conflicts. Daisuke Ono’s performance adds a layer of depth to Tetsuya, making him both mysterious and relatable.
Voice Actor Profile: Daisuke Ono is one of Japan’s leading voice actors, known for his versatile range. He can voice both serious and humorous characters with ease, and his work as Tetsuya is no exception.
Other Notable Roles by Daisuke Ono:
- Jotaro Kujo in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
- Erwin Smith in Attack on Titan
- Sebastian Michaelis in Black Butler
Impact on Dandadan: Ono’s portrayal of Tetsuya helps ground the more fantastical elements of Dandadan, providing a sense of relatability among the more outlandish characters.
Kaito’s Mother – Voiced by Ami Koshimizu
Character Overview: Kaito’s mother is a supporting character who offers emotional support and guidance. Her appearances help highlight Kaito’s vulnerabilities and add emotional depth to his character arc.
Voice Actor Profile: Ami Koshimizu is known for her warm, soothing voice, which perfectly suits the nurturing role of Kaito’s mother.
Other Notable Roles by Ami Koshimizu:
- Kallen Stadtfeld in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
- Satsuki Kiryuin in Kill la Kill
- Hinagiku Katsura in Hayate the Combat Butler
Impact on Dandadan: Koshimizu’s voice work brings a sense of warmth and comfort to the character, enriching Kaito’s backstory and emotional development.
The Mysterious Girl – Voiced by Saori Hayami
Character Overview: The Mysterious Girl is a character who plays a pivotal role in the ongoing battles between the human world and supernatural entities. Her mysterious nature keeps viewers on edge.
Voice Actor Profile: Saori Hayami’s voice work is known for its ability to convey both innocence and underlying strength. She brings these qualities to the Mysterious Girl, making her both captivating and enigmatic.
Other Notable Roles by Saori Hayami:
- Yukino Yukinoshita in My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
- Shizune in Naruto Shippuden
- Kaguya Shinomiya in Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Impact on Dandadan: Hayami’s voice work enhances the mystery and allure of the Mysterious Girl, adding complexity to her role in the series.
Final Thought
The Dandadan cast brings an extraordinary array of voices that elevate the story and characters to a new level. From the protagonists, Momo and Ken, to the enigmatic and powerful supernatural figures they encounter, each voice actor leaves a lasting impression. Their performances make Dandadan a dynamic and unforgettable anime, showing just how important the cast is in bringing an anime to life.
