I’m writing this because, as a fan of Japanese history myself, I found Nagayoshi Mori’s characterization to be surprisingly rich and unexpectedly tied to real-world samurai lore—giving the manga a fascinating twist I never saw coming.
Spoiler Alert: The following article contains major plot details about Nagayoshi Mori in Baban Baban Ban Vampire.
Overview of Baban Baban Ban Vampire
“Baban Baban Ban Vampire” (Japanese: ババンババンバンバンパイア) is a comedic manga series set primarily in a humble bathhouse called Koi no Yu. While the story focuses on the 450-year-old vampire Ranmaru Mori and his quest for “18-year-old virgin blood,” it also introduces Nagayoshi Mori—Ranmaru’s formidable and fiery older brother.
In Japan’s real historical accounts, Nagayoshi Mori was referenced as a fierce warrior, and the manga cleverly blends that concept by portraying him as a centuries-old vampire with a relentless streak of vengeance.
Nagayoshi Mori: A Brief Introduction
Nagayoshi first appears in the later volumes—roughly around Volume 6, Chapter 25—though his existence is hinted at prior. He and Ranmaru became vampires on the same day during the late Sengoku era. Ever since their lord Oda Nobunaga died at Honnō-ji, Nagayoshi has blamed Ranmaru for failing to save Nobunaga with his newfound vampiric powers, leading to a simmering hatred that has spanned centuries.
Key Traits
- Twisted Loyalty: Nagayoshi continues to revere and worship Nobunaga’s memory, refusing to let go of the past.
- Brutal Methods: Unlike Ranmaru, who tries to coexist peacefully with humans, Nagayoshi hunts indiscriminately. He believes raw power and intimidation are a vampire’s true nature.
- Grudge Against Ranmaru: He demeans his younger brother for “squandering” vampiric gifts on daily chores and comedic misfires.
Relationship with Ranmaru
By Volume 7, Chapter 31, Nagayoshi confronts Ranmaru at Koi no Yu. He ridicules Ranmaru’s attempts to protect an ordinary high school kid, Rihito, calling it a “waste of vampiric might.” The bathhouse becomes a stage for Nagayoshi’s onslaught, challenging everything Ranmaru has built for 10 years.
- Inner Conflict: Though Nagayoshi despises Ranmaru for Nobunaga’s demise, he can’t completely sever the bond of brotherhood. This clash turns comedic at times but also reveals the tragedy underlying their 450-year rivalry.
Key Episodes Featuring Nagayoshi Mori
- Volume 6, Chapter 25:
Nagayoshi’s name first surfaces, hinting at a ruthless vampire rumored to share Ranmaru’s lineage. Readers get glimpses of a figure still fixated on “finishing what Nobunaga started.” - Volume 7, Chapter 31:
Nagayoshi explodes onto the scene at Koi no Yu, challenging Ranmaru directly. Violence and comedic misunderstandings ensue, roping in side characters like Aoi Shinozuka and the boisterous Franken. - Volume 8, Chapter 33:
Additional flashbacks reveal how Nagayoshi survived the Sengoku era, forming multiple alliances only to betray them. His hostility toward Ranmaru intensifies during these chapters, culminating in a fierce showdown.
His Role with “Devils” or Any Death Scenes?
In the original storyline up to Volumes 9–10, there is no explicit mention of devils or any formal demonic pacts for Nagayoshi—he’s simply a vampire determined to reclaim the glory days of Nobunaga. As of the latest arcs, he remains very much alive. While he does face near-defeat at the hands of Ranmaru (and occasionally comedic upsets from other characters), no final death blow occurs.
Instead, part of the ongoing tension is whether Nagayoshi will eventually reconcile with Ranmaru or persist in wreaking chaos. Even comedic bits—like his bizarre aversion to certain superstitions—add depth to an otherwise terrifying foe.
FINAL THOUGHT
I really love how Nagayoshi Mori’s presence injects a sense of genuine danger into an otherwise comedic storyline. His single-minded pursuit and lingering historical resentment bring darker undertones to “Baban Baban Ban Vampire,” which I personally find exhilarating. It’s that perfect blend of comedic bathhouse mishaps and centuries-old samurai grudges that keeps me turning the pages.
Nagayoshi Mori stands out as a passionate, vengeful brother hell-bent on upholding Oda Nobunaga’s memory—while blaming Ranmaru for failing to protect their lord centuries ago. His introduction in mid-series volumes sparks fierce confrontations, comedic tangles, and an intense rivalry that challenges the peaceful bathhouse life Ranmaru has come to value. Whether Nagayoshi will ever abandon his quest for revenge—or join Ranmaru in forging a path forward—remains an exciting thread in the storyline.
Below are articles related to this topic. If you’re interested, feel free to explore!
