In Dandadan, Ken Takakura—nicknamed “Okarun”—is voiced by Natsuki Hanae in the Japanese version. In the English dub, the character is voiced by a different actor, but this article focuses first on the original Japanese performer behind Okarun.
Natsuki Hanae (Japanese Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
June 26, 1991
About Natsuki
Natsuki Hanae is one of Japan’s most prominent and versatile voice actors, widely recognized for leading roles in major anime franchises. Known for his expressive range, Hanae often portrays emotionally complex protagonists—balancing vulnerability, intensity, and humor. His performance as Ken Takakura (Okarun) in Dandadan showcases his ability to shift between awkward comedy and high-stakes supernatural tension.
He is affiliated with Across Entertainment and rose to prominence in the mid-2010s, quickly becoming a staple in both mainstream and critically acclaimed anime.
Hometown
Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Career Highlights
- Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – One of the most iconic modern shonen protagonists.
- Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul – A defining role that demonstrated his emotional depth and vocal intensity.
- Ken Takakura (Okarun) in Dandadan – A blend of awkward charm and supernatural panic.
- 9S in NieR: Automata (game) – A fan-favorite performance in gaming.
- Vanitas in The Case Study of Vanitas – A charismatic and layered lead role.
- Falco Grice in Attack on Titan: The Final Season – A key character in the series’ final arc.
Full Current Filmography
The following list reflects documented credits from major industry databases and may not be exhaustive.
Anime (Television)
- 2013 – Tari Tari (additional voices)
- 2014 – Aldnoah.Zero (Inaho Kaizuka)
- 2014–2015 – Your Lie in April (Takeshi Aiza)
- 2015–2018 – Tokyo Ghoul series (Ken Kaneki)
- 2015 – Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma (Takumi Aldini)
- 2016 – Twin Star Exorcists (Rokuro Enmado)
- 2017–present – Black Clover (Rill Boismortier)
- 2019–present – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Tanjiro Kamado)
- 2020–2023 – Attack on Titan: The Final Season (Falco Grice)
- 2021 – The Case Study of Vanitas (Vanitas)
- 2024 – Dandadan (Ken Takakura / Okarun)
Anime Films
- 2019 – Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (Tanjiro Kamado)
- 2023 – Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Village (Tanjiro Kamado)
Video Games
- 2017 – NieR: Automata (9S / YoRHa No.9 Type S)
- 2019 – Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles (Tanjiro Kamado)
- Various titles – reprising roles such as Tanjiro and 9S in crossover and mobile games
Other Media
- Frequent appearances in anime radio shows, variety programs, and YouTube content
Critical Reception
Natsuki Hanae is widely praised for his emotional delivery and vocal adaptability. His portrayal of Tanjiro Kamado has been განსაკუთრებით acclaimed for its sincerity and emotional resonance, helping anchor Demon Slayer’s global success.
Anime News Network’s encyclopedia notes his extensive and varied roles:
Anime News Network Encyclopedia Profile (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=110994)
His performance as Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul is often cited by fans and critics as a standout for its raw intensity, particularly during pivotal transformation scenes.
In gaming, his role as 9S in NieR: Automata has been praised for conveying psychological depth and narrative complexity, contributing significantly to the game’s critical acclaim.
Social Media
X: @hanae0626 (https://x.com/hanae0626)
YouTube: 花江夏樹 (https://www.youtube.com/@hanae0626)
(English Voice Actor)
Date of Birth
Not publicly documented
About
The English voice actor for Ken Takakura (Okarun) in Dandadan delivers a performance tailored to Western audiences while preserving the character’s core personality—awkward, earnest, and prone to panic under supernatural pressure. English dub actors in modern anime often balance faithful adaptation with natural-sounding dialogue, and Okarun’s role requires quick emotional shifts between comedy, fear, and determination.
Hometown
Not publicly documented
Career Highlights
- Ken Takakura (Okarun) in Dandadan – English dub performance bringing the character to global audiences
- Additional roles may include other anime, video games, or animated series depending on the actor’s broader career (full confirmed credits depend on official dub casting records)
Full Current Filmography
At the time of writing, complete verified filmography details for the English voice actor of Ken Takakura (Okarun) in Dandadan are limited in publicly accessible databases.
Anime (English Dub)
- 2024 – Dandadan (Ken Takakura / Okarun)
This list reflects documented credits from available sources and may not be exhaustive.
Critical Reception
As Dandadan is a relatively recent anime adaptation, critical reviews of the English dub performances are still emerging. Early audience impressions typically focus on how well the English actor captures Okarun’s nervous energy and comedic timing—two essential traits of the character.
For updated reviews and cast confirmations, refer to:
Anime News Network (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/)
Social Media
No verified official social media accounts for this specific actor role have been conclusively documented in relation to Dandadan at this time.
