Kadokawa has officially unveiled a comprehensive promotional campaign for the forthcoming television anime adaptation of Katsuwo’s manga series, #I’m Looking For Zombie (#Zombie Sagashitemasu). The announcement, made this past Sunday, confirms that the series is scheduled to make its television debut on October 3. Alongside the premiere date, the production committee released the primary promotional video, the main visual, a final list of supporting cast members, and confirmed the musical artists for the project’s opening and closing themes.
The promotional video offers a first look at the series’ animation style and tone, providing viewers with a preview of the opening theme song, "Raki Raki," performed by Surii, and the closing theme, "Soft Apocalypse," by the band cadode. This visual update follows months of anticipation since the initial announcement of the project, which was confirmed in September 2025.
Narrative Premise and Setting
The series is categorized as a "zombie x youth comedy," set in a post-apocalyptic reality that diverges significantly from traditional survival horror tropes. The story takes place 13 years after "Red Day," a cataclysmic event that resulted in the infection and subsequent death of 90 percent of the global human population. These victims returned as zombies, forcing the remnants of humanity to retreat from major urban centers.
The narrative centers on a new generation of survivors—young people who have no firsthand experience of the world before the collapse. The story kicks off as the protagonist, Aki, accompanied by her friends Haru and Natsuki, embarks on a perilous journey to locate her missing father. This quest serves as the emotional anchor of the series, contrasting the bleak, zombie-ridden landscape with the optimism and determination of youth.
Expanded Cast and Character Profiles
The production team has rounded out the voice cast with several notable additions, providing deeper insight into the supporting characters Aki will encounter on her journey:
- Yoko Hikasa as Mikazuki: A survivor who ventured into the "outside world" long before Aki. Her character arc revolves around her visit to Aki’s base, driven by the search for a companion from whom she was separated during the chaos.
- Makoto Koichi as Taika: An auto mechanic, a profession that has become increasingly rare and valuable in the post-collapse landscape. Taika is introduced after being rescued from a zombie assault by Haru.
- Tomoyo Takayanagi as Takamo: The sharp-tongued and authoritative commander of the Ueno Base, who oversees one of the few remaining bastions of human order.
- Aino Shimada as Saigo: Introduced as Takamo’s 12-year-old younger brother, adding a layer of family dynamic to the Ueno Base setting.
- Kōsuke Toriumi as Aki’s Father: A pivotal character whose whereabouts remain a mystery. The narrative hinges on a promise he made to Aki before their separation, and the mystery of his survival status remains a primary driver of the plot.
Production and Creative Leadership
The anime is being produced by Studio Comet, a veteran animation house known for its work in the industry. The directorial chair is held by Shin’ya Une, whose previous credits include directing the third season of Rent-A-Girlfriend and serving as an episode director for Teasing Master Takagi-san and D.Gray-man Hallow.
Assisting in the direction is Kyohei Suzuki, bringing experience from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind. The series composition is a collaborative effort between Kenichi Yamashita, known for Actually, I Am…, and Aki Itami, recognized for her work on Forest of Piano. Character designs are being handled by Narumi Shimoji, while the musical score is composed by Kenta Higashiohji, whose recent credits include Pole Princess!!.
Broadcast and Distribution Schedule
The series will occupy the IMAnimation programming block on TV Asahi, airing on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. JST. The broadcast schedule is designed to maximize reach across Japan:
- TV Asahi: Premiere on October 3, followed by a weekly slot across 23 affiliated stations.
- BS Asahi: Broadcast starting October 3 at 1:00 a.m. JST (effectively October 4).
- AT-X: Premiere on October 5.
- Streaming Services: Japanese viewers will have access via ABEMA and d Anime Store starting October 3 at 12:00 midnight JST (effectively October 4).
The Source Material: Katsuwo’s Creative Legacy
The manga #I’m Looking For Zombie was launched by creator Katsuwo in Kadokawa’s Comic Dengeki DaiohG magazine in June 2022. The series saw a concise run, with the third and final volume published in January 2024. In a move to expand the reach of the series, Yen Press announced in July 2026 that it would license the manga for an English-language release, packaging the entire story into a complete omnibus format under the title #ImLookingForZombies.
Katsuwo has established a reputation for blending idiosyncratic comedy with unique settings. His previous work, Mitsuboshi Colors, also received a television anime adaptation in 2018, which was streamed by Sentai Filmworks. Similarly, his long-running project Hitori Bocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu (2013–2021) enjoyed critical success and was adapted into a television anime in 2019, which saw wide distribution via Crunchyroll.
Implications for the Genre
The adaptation of #I’m Looking For Zombie reflects a growing trend in the anime industry to pivot toward "cozy" or "youth-focused" takes on traditionally grim genres. By framing a zombie apocalypse through the eyes of a younger generation that views the collapse not as a tragedy, but as the only reality they have ever known, the series offers a fresh sociological lens on a saturated sub-genre.
Industry analysts suggest that the series’ brief three-volume manga run indicates a focused, fast-paced narrative. This pacing is often beneficial for television adaptations, as it allows the production team to cover the entire story arc without the need for filler content or the open-ended nature of ongoing manga series. For Kadokawa, the project represents a strategic move to capitalize on the success of established creators like Katsuwo while diversifying their catalog with high-concept, genre-blending titles.
As the October 3 premiere approaches, the focus for the production committee will now shift to marketing the series to international audiences, given the recent license acquisition by Yen Press. The combination of an established creator’s fanbase, a unique genre hook, and a high-profile broadcast slot on TV Asahi positions #I’m Looking For Zombie as a notable entry in the Fall 2026 anime season. Whether the series can successfully balance the dark implications of its setting with the lighthearted "youth comedy" tone will be the key metric for its reception by both domestic and global audiences.
