"Zombie Land Saga" is a groundbreaking zombie idol anime about a group of "legendary" girls who have become zombies and become idols to save Saga Prefecture. While the plot was kept secret during promotional periods, the first episode revealed that the heroine dies in a traffic accident just minutes into the story and is resurrected as a zombie, the story is set in Saga Prefecture, and it's an idol comedy, sparking much buzz.
Yugiri's Profile
Source: Zombie Land Saga © Zombie Land Saga Production Committee
Born November 23, 1863 (October 13, Bunkyu 3), died December 28, 1882 (December 28, Meiji 15). She was 19 years old. She was 165cm tall and weighed 48kg. Her measurements were 94(I)/62/89cm. According to Tatsumi, she was a "legendary courtesan." She lived through the end of the Edo period and the Meiji era, and was apparently involved in the Meiji Restoration. She was originally from Kyoto, and claims to have lived in Shimabara.
Appearance and Skills
Source: Zombie Land Saga © Zombie Land Saga Production Committee
She is a pipe smoker. She is skilled in the shamisen and other musical instruments. She has the largest breasts of the group. She speaks in a roshi (traditional Japanese poetry) style. Her brown hair is tied in a heart shape on top of her head with a red hair clip and a skewered bun-shaped hairpin. She wears a Meiji-era schoolgirl uniform consisting of an orange diamond-patterned kosode (short sleeve kimono) and green hakama (traditional Japanese hakama).
Position in Franchouchou
Source: Zombie Land Saga © Zombie Land Saga Production Committee
After becoming a zombie, he has a large scar on his neck that appears to be from being decapitated. She understands that she has been resurrected in the present day as a zombie, and is active as an idol while feeling the changes of the times. Saki calls her "Yuugiri Nee-san," and she is loved by Sakura and the others as an older sister figure. Although she is the member who lived in the oldest era, she has adapted well to the present day and is devoted to her idol activities.
A Surprisingly Passionate Courtesan
Source: Zombie Land Saga © Zombie Land Saga Production Committee
Sakura and her friends are venting their frustrations in the park at night after practice isn't going well. However, Sakura tries to convey her passionate feelings to everyone, saying, "Even zombies can do it if they try hard and don't give up!", but is hit with a fierce slap from Yugiri in the middle. Yugiri then repeats the same thing, "Even zombies can do it if they don't give up." No matter how many times I watch it, I still don't understand why Yugiri slapped her, but it was a great punchline with an exquisite tempo. After that, they resumed practicing.
Franchouchou Gets Full-Scale Start
Source: Zombie Land Saga © Zombie Land Saga Production Committee
The next morning, Franchouchou begins their guerrilla live performance. Sakura forgets the lyrics. That's when Heisei and Showa idols Ai and Junko appear. Thanks to their appearance, the guerrilla live show is able to be completed, but only one little girl stays in the audience until the end. Showa idol Junko discovers the joy of singing and dancing with everyone, and Ai also looks happy to be an idol once again. With this, everyone is now determined to work hard at their idol activities, and Yugiri steps in to play a part in this.
A Skillful Courtesan
Source: Zombie Land Saga © Zombie Land Saga Production Committee
The rap during the live performance is also fantastic. The changing lights, Tatsumi's beatboxing, and Yugiri's shamisen. Yugiri doesn't seem to understand the format of modern live performances very well, but when it comes to performing on stage, her courtesan blood is stirring, as she behaves politely and is a really nice person who also plays the shamisen.
Franchouchou's Activities
Source: Zombie Land Saga © Zombie Land Saga Production Committee
It would be terrible if they were discovered to be zombies. That's why they haven't had a chance to go out before, but with Tatsumi out of the way, Franchouchou decides to go sightseeing. The seven take this opportunity to tour tourist spots. Come to think of it, I remember really loving this anime, "Saga Prefecture." In episodes 1 and 2, Franchouchou performed live on the spur of the moment, but in episode 3, they decided on their group name, had their own song, and finally began to follow the idol route. I was wondering if they would continue with the momentum of episodes 1 and 2, but will the story develop in a normal way from now on, as they begin their idol activities in earnest?
The Mystery of the Zombies
Source: Zombie Land Saga © Zombie Land Saga Production Committee
A scene where the members are soaking their feet in a foot bath while talking about Tatsumi and themselves. When Ai utters the words, "In Japan, we cremate, right?", the members of Franchouchou suddenly realize something. It's true that cremation is common in Japan, so bodies wouldn't remain, but their bodies do exist. I wonder if the mystery of the zombies will be revealed little by little in the future.
Summary
Looking through the comments on Twitter, I saw some people asking, "Isn't Tatsumi also a zombie?" That's interesting, too. Franchouchou begins their idol careers while hiding the fact that they're zombies. While there are many works that move forward while hiding something, the zombie x idol combination is still quite original. I can't wait for the featured episode featuring the courtesan, Yugiri. If you're interested, be sure to check out the anime!
