Nihongō is a yari, a type of spear, and one of the three great spears of Japan, often called the Hinomoto Ichi no Yari, or the finest spear under the sun. He also carries the alternative name Nomitori no Yari, a reference to the famous anecdote in which his previous owner, Fukushima Masanori, lost him to Kuroda retainer Mother Taibei in a drinking contest. Historically, Nihongō began as an imperial treasure, passed from Emperor Ōgimachi to Ashikaga Yoshiaki, then to Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It is believed he received the name Nihongō during Hideyoshi’s era, and there is a theory that he was originally a tachi but was later remounted as a spear because of his exceptional thrusting ability. Unusually for a weapon, he holds the court rank of Shōsanmi, the Senior Third Rank.

In the anime Zoku Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru, Nihongō is a supporting character in the Hanamaru citadel. He is depicted as a laid‑back and easygoing individual with a pronounced fondness for alcohol. His speech and mannerisms often revolve around drinking; he frequently mentions sake and treats social occasions as opportunities to drink. Despite his relaxed attitude, he is confident in his abilities as a spear and takes pride in his rank and reputation. He does not seek out leadership but is comfortable taking command when the situation calls for it, remarking that his status makes him a natural choice for the role. His motivations are simple: he enjoys a good drink, values camaraderie, and fulfills his duty to protect history without excessive drama.

Nihongō is a member of the Kurodagumi, a loose group of blade warriors associated with the Kuroda clan. This group includes Heshikiri Hasebe, Hakata Tōshirō, and Nikkō Ichimonji. His relationships within the citadel are generally friendly and informal; he is particularly close to those who share his appreciation for sake. He does not experience a major character arc in the anime, instead serving as a steady, seasoned presence who offers practical wisdom and lighthearted commentary on the daily lives of the other sword warriors.

As a spear, Nihongō possesses high speed and thrusting power, making him effective in battle, especially when paired with support swords. His combat style is straightforward and efficient, reflecting his no‑nonsense personality. He is also notable for being one of the few spears to have attained a high court rank, which is a point of pride he sometimes mentions. In the Hanamaru citadel, he contributes to missions and enjoys the peaceful interludes with his comrades, embodying a balance of martial competence and leisurely contentment.