by Fans of Zombie Land Saga have more reasons to celebrate as the anime franchise continues to deepen its connection with its real-world setting. A new cooperation agreement has officially been signed between the Zombie Land Saga Production Committee and Saga City, marking the beginning of a fresh collaboration aimed at promoting tourism and local attractions through the beloved anime.
The signing ceremony was attended by Kaede Hondo, the voice actress behind protagonist Sakura Minamoto, who expressed her excitement about participating in upcoming projects designed to showcase the charm of Saga City to anime fans across Japan and beyond.
The initiative highlights the enduring popularity of Zombie Land Saga and its unique role in promoting regional tourism through anime.
Zombie Land Saga and Saga City Sign New Partnership
The official cooperation agreement brings together the Zombie Land Saga Production Committee and Saga City, which serves as one of the primary settings for the anime.
The partnership aims to create new opportunities for anime tourism by encouraging fans to visit real-life locations featured throughout the series.
Japan has long embraced anime pilgrimage tourism—known as seichi junrei—where fans travel to real locations that inspired scenes in their favorite anime. Thanks to Zombie Land Saga, Saga Prefecture has become one of the country’s most recognizable anime pilgrimage destinations.
Officials hope the renewed collaboration will further strengthen that connection while introducing even more visitors to the city’s culture, history, and attractions.
Kaede Hondo Attends the Signing Ceremony
Voice actress Kaede Hondo, who voices the series’ main heroine Sakura Minamoto, attended the signing ceremony and shared her enthusiasm for the new partnership.
Speaking at the event, Hondo said she is excited to see what kinds of announcements and promotional activities will be created through the collaboration.
She also expressed her hope that future projects will introduce fans to the many appealing locations throughout Saga City while strengthening the bond between the anime and its real-world setting.
Her participation reflects the close relationship between the cast and the local community that has supported the franchise since its debut.
Character-Themed Bus to Launch
One of the first projects announced under the new partnership is the introduction of a special character-wrapped sightseeing bus.
The bus will feature artwork inspired by Zombie Land Saga, allowing both residents and visitors to enjoy themed transportation while exploring the city.
Adding an extra touch for fans, the onboard announcements will be voiced by Sakura Minamoto, performed by Kaede Hondo herself.
The personalized announcements are expected to create a fun and immersive experience for visitors traveling between locations connected to the anime.
More Fan Events Planned
The cooperation agreement is only the beginning of a broader promotional campaign.
Saga City has confirmed that additional projects are already being planned for fans, with the goal of encouraging visitors to experience the region through the world of Zombie Land Saga.
Although further details have not yet been announced, the city hopes these initiatives will:
- Promote local tourism.
- Introduce visitors to real-life anime locations.
- Support regional businesses.
- Create memorable experiences for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
More announcements are expected in the coming months.
Voice Cast Event Scheduled for Next April
Another major attraction for fans is the upcoming voice cast event, scheduled to take place next April at SAGA Arena.
The venue itself holds special significance for fans, as it appeared in the Zombie Land Saga theatrical film, making it another important pilgrimage destination within the franchise.
The event is expected to feature appearances by members of the anime’s voice cast, allowing fans to celebrate the series together at one of its most recognizable real-world locations.
Additional information regarding tickets, performers, and event programming is expected to be announced closer to the event.
How Zombie Land Saga Helped Promote Saga Prefecture
Since premiering in 2018, Zombie Land Saga has become one of Japan’s best-known examples of regional revitalization through anime.
The story follows a group of girls from different eras who are mysteriously resurrected as zombies and form the idol group Franchouchou in an effort to revitalize Saga Prefecture.
By blending comedy, music, heartfelt drama, and local culture, the series introduced millions of viewers to real landmarks, traditions, and attractions throughout Saga.
Many locations featured in the anime have since become popular destinations for anime tourism, attracting visitors from across Japan and overseas.
Kaede Hondo Credits Saga’s Local Support
During the ceremony, Kaede Hondo reflected on one of the reasons behind the franchise’s lasting success.
According to Hondo, one of the biggest strengths of Zombie Land Saga has been the enthusiastic support it has received from the people of Saga Prefecture.
She explained that local communities embraced the project wholeheartedly, allowing the production team to creatively incorporate real locations and landmarks into the story.
This close collaboration enabled the anime to feature humorous and exaggerated scenes inspired by actual places in Saga while maintaining a strong sense of local identity.
Hondo suggested that this genuine partnership between the creators and the community has helped make the series feel authentic and memorable.
An Award-Winning Anime With Lasting Popularity
Over the years, Zombie Land Saga has earned widespread acclaim for its originality, memorable characters, music, and emotional storytelling.
The franchise has expanded beyond television to include:
- Multiple anime seasons.
- Live concerts and stage performances.
- Music releases.
- Merchandise and collaborations.
- A theatrical anime film.
It has also received recognition at various anime award ceremonies, further cementing its status as one of the most distinctive idol anime of recent years.
Its blend of supernatural comedy and regional promotion continues to make it stand out within the anime industry.
Why Anime Pilgrimage Tourism Matters
Anime tourism has become an increasingly important part of Japan’s travel industry.
By visiting real locations featured in anime, fans can experience their favorite series in a new way while supporting local businesses and communities.
Successful examples such as Zombie Land Saga demonstrate how animation can contribute to regional revitalization by:
- Increasing visitor numbers.
- Promoting local culture.
- Encouraging repeat tourism.
- Boosting local economies.
- Strengthening connections between fans and communities.
Saga City’s continued collaboration with the franchise reflects the long-term success of this approach.
Looking Ahead
With a new cooperation agreement, a character-themed sightseeing bus, Kaede Hondo’s voice announcements, and a major cast event at SAGA Arena planned for next April, Zombie Land Saga continues to strengthen its unique partnership with Saga City.
The collaboration celebrates not only the anime’s popularity but also its lasting impact on regional tourism and community engagement.
As additional projects are announced in the coming months, fans can look forward to even more opportunities to explore the real-world locations that inspired one of anime’s most beloved idol franchises while experiencing the charm of Saga through the eyes of Sakura Minamoto and the members of Franchouchou.
