The upcoming live-action film adaptation of Hiromasa Okujima’s “Baban Baban Ban Vampire” is generating buzz, especially with the release of a character video highlighting Ranmaru Mori, played by Ryo Yoshizawa. Alongside the video, a character song has been released, giving fans a deeper dive into the mind of the 450-year-old vampire. Here’s everything you need to know about Ranmaru Mori and the “Baban Baban Ban Vampire” phenomenon.
What is “Baban Baban Ban Vampire”?
“Baban Baban Ban Vampire” (ババンババンバンバンパイア, Baban Baban Ban Banpaia) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromasa Okujima. The manga began serialization in Akita Shoten’s Bessatsu Shōnen Champion magazine in October 2021. The series has gained popularity for its unique blend of comedy, and yaoi elements.
Manga
The manga series, written and illustrated by Hiromasa Okujima, launched on October 12, 2021. As of March 2025, it has been compiled into ten tankōbon volumes.
Anime
An anime television series adaptation, produced by Gaina, aired from January 11 to March 29, 2025, on TV Asahi’s IMAnimation programming block. Itsuro Kawasaki directed and wrote the anime, with Takahiro Tamano as assistant director, Yukiko Ban designing the characters, and Jun Ichikawa composing the music. The opening theme song is “Bloody Liar” by Blue Encount, and the ending theme song is “Ne-Chu-Show” by Botchi Boromaru. Netflix streams the series globally.
Live-Action Film
A live-action film adaptation is set to premiere in Japanese theaters on July 4, 2025. The film is directed by Shinji Hamasaki and written by Yūko Matsuda. It stars Ryo Yoshizawa as Ranmaru Mori and Rihito Itagaki as Rihito Tatsuno.
The Plot
“Baban Baban Ban Vampire” centers on Ranmaru, a 450-year-old vampire working part-time at an old public bathhouse. He desires the blood of an 18-year-old virgin and becomes fixated on Rihito, the 15-year-old son of the bathhouse owners. The story follows Ranmaru as he tries to protect Rihito’s virginity while navigating the comedic and often absurd situations that arise.
Ranmaru Mori: The Ageless Vampire
Ranmaru Mori is a central character in “Baban Baban Ban Vampire”.
Character Profile
- Age: 450 years old
- Occupation: Part-time worker at a public bathhouse
- Desire: The blood of an 18-year-old virgin
- Key Trait: Obsessive protection of Rihito’s virginity
Ryo Yoshizawa as Ranmaru Mori
Ryo Yoshizawa embodies Ranmaru Mori in the live-action film. Yoshizawa, known for his roles in other live-action adaptations such as Sougo Okita in the “Gintama” films, brings a unique charisma to the character.
The Character Video
The character video offers a glimpse into Ranmaru’s world, showcasing his eccentric personality and his interactions with Rihito. The video is packed with action, romance, and a peek into Ranmaru’s thoughts.
Ranmaru Mori’s Character Song
Adding another layer to Ranmaru’s character is his character song, passionately performed by Ryo Yoshizawa. The lyrics are simple yet catchy, emphasizing Ranmaru’s identity and his feelings for Rihito.
Lyrics (Romaji)
- Ba ba ba ba ba ba Vampire
- Ba ba ba ba ba ba Vampire
- Ba ba ba ba ba ba Vampire
- Ba ba ba ba ba ba Vampire
- Mori Ranmaru Mori Ranmaru Mori Ranmaru
- Yonhyaku gojuu sai (450 years old)
- Mori Ranmaru Mori Ranmaru Mori Ranmaru Vampire
- Mori Ranmaru Mori Ranmaru Mori Ranmaru
- Yonhyaku gojuu sai (450 years old)
- Mori Ranmaru Mori Ranmaru Mori Ranmaru Vampire
- No Rihito, No Life!
- No Rihito, No Life!
- No Rihito, No Life!
The song encapsulates Ranmaru’s obsession with Rihito and his long vampire existence, blending humor with a touch of darkness.
Cast and Staff
The live-action film boasts a talented cast and crew:
- Director: Shinji Hamasaki
- Screenplay: Yūko Matsuda
- Ranmaru Mori: Ryo Yoshizawa
- Rihito Tatsuno: Rihito Itagaki
- Aoi: Nanoka Hara
- Sakamoto: Shinnosuke Mitsushima
- Nagayoshi: Gordon Maeda
- Franken: Mandy Sekiguchi
- Nobunaga Oda: Shinichi Tsutsumi
Production Details
The film is produced by Shochiku and TV Asahi. Initially set to premiere on February 14, 2025, it was delayed due to circumstances related to Ryo Yoshizawa. The new release date is July 4, 2025.
Music
- Theme Song: “Ii Yu da na 2025 imase x mabanua MIX” by imase (remix of a classic 1966 song)
- Character Song: Ranmaru Mori performed by Ryo Yoshizawa
What to Expect
The live-action film promises a mix of action, romance, and comedy, staying true to the manga’s “Bloody Love Comedy” genre. With a blend of supernatural elements and comedic situations, viewers can anticipate a unique and entertaining experience.
Reception and Anticipation
Fans of the manga and anime are eagerly awaiting the live-action film. The release of the trailer and character video has only heightened anticipation, with many expressing excitement over Ryo Yoshizawa’s portrayal of Ranmaru Mori.
Boys’ Love (BL) Genre
“Baban Baban Ban Vampire” falls under the Boys’ Love (BL) genre, which features romantic and sexual relationships between men. Originally a genre of Japanese manga produced mainly by women for women, BL has expanded to include various forms of media from different countries.
Where to Watch
The anime adaptation of “Baban Baban Ban Vampire” is available for streaming on Netflix. As for the live-action film, it is set to open in Japanese theaters on July 4, 2025. International release details are yet to be announced.
Final Thoughts
The live-action film adaptation of “Baban Baban Ban Vampire” is shaping up to be a noteworthy addition to the BL genre. With a talented cast, a creative team, and a unique storyline, it promises to deliver a memorable experience for fans and newcomers alike. The character video and song featuring Ranmaru Mori offer a tantalizing glimpse into the quirky and captivating world of this vampire tale.
