Kadokawa Reveals Full Promotional Details and October 3 Premiere Date for the Zombie Sagashitemasu Anime Adaptation

The production committee for the television anime adaptation of Katsuwo’s manga series Zombie Sagashitemasu, internationally titled #I’m Looking For Zombie, has officially confirmed its broadcast debut. As of this past Sunday, Kadokawa has unveiled the comprehensive promotional video, a primary key visual, an expanded cast list, and a finalized staff roster, setting the stage for an October 3 premiere within the IMAnimation programming block on TV Asahi and its network of 23 affiliated channels.

The series, which blends the visceral stakes of a post-apocalyptic survival narrative with the lighter tones of a youth-oriented comedy, is scheduled to air every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. JST. Following the primary broadcast, the series will extend its reach to BS Asahi on October 3 at 1:00 a.m. JST, and will subsequently be carried by AT-X beginning October 5. Digital distribution is also secured, with ABEMA and d Anime Store set to host the series in Japan starting at midnight JST on October 4.

Narrative Premise and World-Building

The source material, penned by the acclaimed manga artist Katsuwo—best known for the whimsical Hitori Bocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu and the vibrant Mitsuboshi Colors—presents a starkly different setting than his previous works. The story takes place thirteen years after "Red Day," a catastrophic event that saw 90 percent of the global population succumb to a virulent, fatal disease, only to reanimate as undead creatures.

In this desolated landscape, the remnants of human civilization have retreated from major urban centers, forming fortified bases to survive the persistent threat of the undead. The narrative centers on a new generation that possesses no memory of the world prior to the collapse. The journey begins when the protagonist, Aki, teams up with her companions Haru and Natsuki to embark on a perilous trek to find Aki’s long-lost father, whose disappearance remains a central mystery of the plot.

Expanded Cast and Character Dynamics

The latest announcement has introduced several pivotal characters who will play essential roles in the protagonists’ journey. Yoko Hikasa joins the cast as Mikazuki, a veteran survivor who ventured into the "outside world" before Aki and arrives at the base while searching for a lost comrade.

Makoto Koichi has been cast as Taoka, a rare and highly skilled female auto mechanic whom the character Haru rescues during a skirmish with zombies. The administrative side of the post-apocalyptic world is represented by Tomoyo Takayanagi, who voices the sharp-tongued commander of the Ueno Base, Takamo. Aino Shimada will provide the voice for Takamo’s 12-year-old brother, Saigo. Finally, veteran voice actor Kosuke Toriumi has been tapped for the role of Aki’s father, a figure whose fate remains ambiguous following a mysterious promise made to his daughter before his departure.

Production and Creative Leadership

The series is being produced by Studio Comet, with Shin’ya Une, recognized for his work on the third season of Rent-A-Girlfriend and Teasing Master Takagi-san, serving as the director. The production team also features Kyohei Suzuki as assistant director, drawing on his experience with JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind.

The screenwriting duties are shared by Kenichi Yamashita and Aki Itami, ensuring a balance between the comedic elements of the "youth comedy" genre and the narrative tension of the zombie horror setting. Character designs are being handled by Narumi Shimoji, while the musical score is composed by Kenta Higashiohji.

The promotional video further highlights the series’ auditory identity, featuring the opening theme song "Raki Raki" performed by Surii and the ending theme song "Soft Apocalypse" by the band cadode.

Chronology of the Manga

The adaptation represents the culmination of a three-year project cycle for the source material. Katsuwo launched the original manga in Kadokawa’s Comic Dengeki DaiohG magazine in June 2022. The title concluded its run in January 2024, spanning three compiled volumes.

The international availability of the series has also been bolstered by Yen Press, which announced in July that it will release the manga in a complete, omnibus format under the title #ImLookingForZombies. This acquisition aligns with the growing global appetite for Katsuwo’s work, which has consistently found success in transition from page to screen.

Broader Implications for the Genre

The adaptation of #I’m Looking For Zombie is significant for both the studio and the broader industry. By combining the "zombie" trope—a staple of Western and Japanese horror—with the "youth comedy" framework, the series attempts to subvert audience expectations. Historically, zombie narratives in anime have leaned heavily into survival horror or action-adventure (such as Highschool of the Dead or Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead). Katsuwo’s approach, which emphasizes the interpersonal relationships and coming-of-age dynamics of characters who have never known a stable society, offers a unique sociopolitical lens on the post-apocalyptic genre.

For Studio Comet, the production of this series serves as a litmus test for their ability to manage a genre-bending project. The involvement of established writers like Yamashita and Itami suggests a concerted effort to maintain the narrative integrity of the source material while optimizing it for a weekly episodic television format.

Industry Context and Distribution

The decision to utilize the IMAnimation programming block on TV Asahi underscores the confidence that the Kadokawa Corporation has in this IP. By leveraging a network of 23 affiliated channels, the series is positioned for high visibility during the autumn 2025 anime season.

Furthermore, the simultaneous digital release on platforms such as ABEMA and d Anime Store reflects the current industry standard of multi-channel distribution. As the boundary between traditional television broadcast and streaming continues to blur, the strategy for #I’m Looking For Zombie serves as a model for how mid-sized manga properties are being scaled for international markets.

The success of Katsuwo’s previous adaptations, particularly Mitsuboshi Colors and Hitori Bocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu, provides a strong foundation for this new venture. With a clear end-to-end production timeline, a dedicated cast of veteran voice actors, and a well-defined release strategy, the adaptation of #I’m Looking For Zombie is poised to be a notable entry in the upcoming autumn slate. The anticipation surrounding the mystery of Aki’s father and the integration of the "Red Day" lore suggests that the series will attract not only fans of Katsuwo’s earlier comedic works but also viewers interested in character-driven survival dramas.