I’m writing this because I initially assumed Sakamoto was your typical vampire hunter fueled by a straightforward sense of justice, only to find out how wildly mistaken I was. The added twist of his character in “Baban Baban Ban Vampire” completely changed my view of what a vampire hunter can be!
Spoiler Alert: The following article contains major plot details about Umetaro Sakamoto.
Umetaro Sakamoto: A Teacher… and a Vampire Hunter?
Umetaro Sakamoto appears in “Baban Baban Ban Vampire” as a high school teacher—specifically, the history teacher for both Rihito Tatsuno and Aoi Shinozuka. From the onset, he seems like a stern but caring educator. However, by Volume 2 (Chapter 7), it’s revealed that beneath that calm exterior lies a secret: he is a vampire hunter descended from the famous samurai figure, Sakamoto Ryōma.
- His Origin: In Volume 3 (Chapter 10), we learn that Sakamoto’s lineage traces back to Sakamoto Ryōma, who, in this manga’s twist on history, was allegedly killed by the vampire Ranmaru Mori. Sakamoto’s original mission? Avenge his ancestor by destroying Ranmaru.
- His Role at School: Sakamoto uses his position as a teacher to get close to Ranmaru’s target, the unsuspecting 15-year-old Rihito. He also maintains a watchful eye on the entire class—particularly Aoi and Rihito—hoping to uncover Ranmaru’s vulnerabilities.
The Unexpected Twist: His True Motivation
While one might assume Sakamoto hunts vampires to protect students from a deadly threat, the reality is far more peculiar.
- Infatuation with the Vampire’s Bite (Volume 3 (Chapter 11))
Sakamoto once witnessed Ranmaru feeding on a human. He saw the victim’s strangely blissful expression and developed a burning obsession: he, too, wanted to be on the receiving end of that “rapturous moment.” This shocking reveal redefines his crusade against Ranmaru—not so much to eradicate him, but to become his prey. - Ongoing “Vow of Purity”
By Volume 3 (Chapter 12), Sakamoto confesses he’s stayed a virgin in hopes of offering Ranmaru prime “18-year-old virgin blood.” This ironically parallels Ranmaru’s own fixation on “18-year-old virgin blood”—though in Sakamoto’s case, it’s purely so he can experience being bitten at the height of its supposed perfection.
Dynamic with Ranmaru
- Past Vengeance vs. Present Obsession: Initially, Sakamoto claims he wants Ranmaru dead to settle an ancestral score. In Volume 3 (Chapter 13), it becomes clear that Sakamoto’s feelings are much more tangled—he can’t decide if he hates Ranmaru or wants to be drained by him.
- Awkward Alliances: As the teacher of both Rihito and Aoi, Sakamoto tries to gather intel on Ranmaru’s whereabouts and weaknesses. By Volume 4 (Chapter 16), he even forms a loose alliance with Rihito’s friend, Franken, hoping to sabotage Ranmaru’s plans while also keeping close for that elusive “bite.”
Does He Die? Is There a “Devil” Involvement?
Sakamoto is very much alive through the latest volumes (up to Volume 9), consistently stirring comedic chaos. There’s no sign of a demonic alliance or an actual devilish pact—Sakamoto’s actions revolve around his unusual personal obsession. Though he dresses in “hunter” gear and wields specialized firearms, his true end goal—let Ranmaru feed on him—continues to spark comedic tension rather than lead to a tragic death.
Key Episodes Involving Sakamoto
- Volume 2 (Chapter 7): Sakamoto’s initial appearance reveals his vampire-hunter background.
- Volume 3 (Chapter 11): We learn about his unsettling fascination with Ranmaru’s bite.
- Volume 3 (Chapter 13): Sakamoto corners Ranmaru, tries to coerce him into feeding, but inadvertently confuses Ranmaru even further.
- Volume 5 (Chapter 18): Sakamoto moves closer to Ranmaru’s territory (literally moving in next door) in hopes of fulfilling his bizarre dream.
FINAL THOUGHT
I personally find Sakamoto’s character to be a bold, comedic pivot from the typical “noble vampire hunter” trope. His motivation adds a distinct layer of hilarity and unpredictability—far beyond what I initially imagined. Every time he appears, I’m drawn in by how he balances sincere revenge with a downright bizarre longing for that fateful vampire bite.
Umetaro Sakamoto stands out in “Baban Baban Ban Vampire” for his odd dual-purpose: avenging an ancestor, yet wanting to experience the very fate he claims to oppose. This duality creates some of the manga’s most unexpected comedy and tension. As new chapters release (with Volume 10 upcoming), it remains to be seen whether Sakamoto will finally fulfill his twisted aspiration—or if another—even stranger—twist awaits.
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