Series & First Appearance
Yaya (夜々) makes her debut in the anime series Nobunagun, which premiered in January 2014. She is a character from the manga adaptation created by Masato Kato and illustrated by Saito Kōzō. While not the main focus of the story, Yaya serves as a key supporting character with a complex background.
Profile at a Glance
Yaya appears to be a teenage girl, although her true nature as a puppet masquerading as a human is a crucial aspect of her character. As Raishin’s puppet, she holds a notable role in the story and often finds herself in conflicted situations stemming from her feelings for him. Yaya is classified as a Banned Doll, possessing human-like traits and abilities that blur the line between puppet and human. Her signature traits are her charm and teasing nature toward Raishin, portraying both emotional depth and a playful demeanor.
Personality & Motivations
Yaya is characterized by her strong attachment to Raishin, often expressing her love through teasing and playful jealousy, especially when he interacts with other girls. This jealousy is compounded by her desire to become a real girl and his potential wife. While Yaya showcases love and tenderness, her past attempts on Raishin’s life reveal a darker side to her character, creating a blend of affection and menace that adds layers to her personality. Yaya often expresses the desire to overcome her puppet nature, which drives much of her motivation throughout the series.
Abilities / Powers
As a Banned Doll, Yaya possesses abilities that set her apart from standard puppets, including human-like emotions and physical resilience. Her combat style typically incorporates agility and clever tactics, making use of her human-like traits in battle. She has been noted to have more human organs than other characters, enabling her to endure significant damage, as seen when she took a cannon shot to protect another character. However, her abilities are often tethered to her emotional state, which can affect her performance in critical moments.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Yaya’s narrative is interwoven with Raishin’s journey, particularly her transformation from a potential threat to a loyal ally. Her initial attempts to take Raishin’s life highlight her tumultuous internal conflict and the extent of her emotional attachment. Over time, experiences with Raishin and other characters lead her to reassess her intentions, pivoting her from an antagonistic role to one of devoted companionship. This character arc emphasizes her growth, showcasing how love and loyalty can reshape one’s identity and purpose.
Notable Relationships
Yaya’s primary relationship is with Raishin, which serves as the core of her character motivation. She displays a sisterly connection with her puppet siblings, Irori (the older sister) and Komurasaki (the younger sister), which adds familial depth to her character. Their dynamics point to Yaya’s nurturing tendencies while also highlighting her need for companionship and belonging.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable moment occurs in Chapter 3, where Yaya’s jealousy surfaces after Raishin interacts with another female character. This scene encapsulates her duality—both playful and threatening—impacting how fans perceive her character. Another revealing moment is when Yaya makes a heartfelt confession about wanting to live as a real girl, echoing her internal struggle and desire for a genuine connection—showcasing emotional depth that resonates deeply with audiences.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Yaya’s character has gained considerable popularity, ranking high in member favorites within the community. She is voiced by Akari Kageyama in the Japanese version, while the English dub features a yet-to-be-announced actor. Yaya’s design is meticulously crafted to elicit empathy and intrigue, as she embodies elements of both beauty and danger, resonating with the broader themes of identity and humanity within Nobunagun. The animation style of the series complements her character, accentuating her emotional expressions and physical agility during fight sequences.
Yaya is an essential character whose layers of complexity contribute to Nobunagun’s exploration of love, identity, and humanity, making her a memorable figure in the series. Through her struggles and relationships, she embodies the challenges faced by those caught between conflicting identities and desires, a theme that resonates with many fans.
