In general, testing transistors on the resistance setting is not useful. If your meter has a diode test setting, you should get ~0.7-1V from B to E. E to C will have a damper diode on many HOTs and should measure similarly or maybe down near 0.5V if it's a schottky type (uncommon on BJTs). The reverse of those should read "open", and neither should read as a short.
thanks for all the really helpful input guys. When I do a diode test for B > E (also a beep test on my fluke) I get a constant beep and a reading of 0.015. It just seems like a direct short to me. It reads around 40ohms and this is the same for the entire set of new 2sd1880s I ordered. I've done some HOT replacements over the years but I've never come across this.
Thanks to user "notherngames" I now have a schematic of the MS8-26SU which I am attaching here. It's fairly difficult to read, but the HOT is on the very bottom of the diagram toward the middle, just left of the 4 pin connector. Emitter is attached to ground and Base is the input, which is connected to a small transformer. Collector is 130v i believe coming from pin 1 of the large transformer and there is a protection diode connected to pin 2 of the transformer which goes back to the fuse F902.
The last HOT I connected blew my fuse (F902 2A) and the 2SC3306. I replaced more parts this time around hoping to avoid the calamity again but I'm afraid to turn it on with this HOT reading being so strange.
I would just love it if someone with a working Nanao would take a reading for me.