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Highschool of the Dead Characters - Your Ultimate Survival Guide to the Apocalypse Crew

Navigating the zombie apocalypse in Highschool of the Dead is tough, but keeping track of its large cast of characters can be just as challenging. 

Whether you're a new survivor or a seasoned fan, this ultimate guide will break down everyone you need to know—from the main heroes you root for to the villains you love to hate. 

Get ready to master the who's who of the Fujimi High School survivor group!


The Main Cast: Your Core Survival Team

At the heart of the story is a group of students and their nurse who must rely on each other to survive. Here's the essential roster you'll be following throughout the series.

Character NameRole & TitleKey Traits & Survival Skills
Takashi KomuroThe Reluctant LeaderA decisive and protective teenager who steps up to lead the group, often wielding a baseball bat and later firearms .
Rei MiyamotoThe Spear-Wielding FighterA skilled member of the sōjutsu (spear) club who fights with a sharpened broomstick and later a rifle; Takashi's childhood friend with a complicated romantic history .
Saeko BusujimaThe Unrivaled SamuraiThe elegant and deadly president of the kendo club; a master swordswoman whose calm demeanor hides a fierce and sometimes dark passion for battle .
Saya TakagiThe Strategic GeniusThe pink-haired intellectual of the group; uses her high intellect to deduce zombie behavior and formulate escape plans .
Kohta HiranoThe Gun Nut & MarksmanA gun enthusiast who seems unassuming but becomes the group's most valuable long-range specialist with almost any firearm .
Shizuka MarikawaThe Nurturing NurseThe school nurse and only adult in the core group; provides medical expertise and often drives their vehicles, despite a sometimes ditzy personality .

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Character Stats at a Glance

For fans who love the details, here are some key statistics about the main Highschool of the Dead characters.

  • Takashi Komuro: A 17-year-old second-year student at Fujimi High School.
  • Rei Miyamoto: A fellow 17-year-old second-year student and Takashi's classmate.
  • Saeko Busujima: An 18-year-old third-year student and president of the kendo club.
  • Saya Takagi: A second-year student, placing her around 16-17 years old.
  • Kohta Hirano: A 16-year-old second-year student.
  • Shizuka Marikawa: The 27-year-old school nurse at Fujimi High School. She is also notably tall, standing at 176 cm (about 5'9").

Power Rankings: The Strongest Characters

In a world overrun by the dead, combat prowess is the ultimate currency. Based on feats and fan consensus, here are the strongest Highschool of the Dead characters.

Saeko Busujima

The undisputed queen of badassery. Her masterful sword skills, supernatural reflexes, and calm-under-pressure demeanor make her the most formidable fighter in the group.

Takashi Komuro

The relentless hero. While perhaps not as technically skilled as Saeko, Takashi's leadership, guts, and willingness to make brutal decisions (like killing his infected best friend) make him a powerhouse.

Kohta Hirano

The gun-toting otaku. In a close-range fight, he's vulnerable. But with a firearm in his hands, he becomes an unstoppable force, providing critical long-range support that keeps the entire group safe.

Rei Miyamoto

The graceful spear-wielder. Her training in the sōjutsu club allows her to move with balletic precision, turning even a simple broomstick into a deadly weapon against the undead.


Untangling the Web: Character Relationships

The stress of the apocalypse certainly stirs up drama and romance. Here's a quick guide to the complex Highschool of the Dead characters relationship dynamics.

The Complicated Triangle

The series begins with a tense love triangle between Takashi, Rei, and Rei's boyfriend, Hisashi. This dynamic is brutally resolved early on when Hisashi is infected and Takashi is forced to kill him.

The Primary Ship

Takashi and Saeko develop the most celebrated and "electrifying" relationship. Their bond is built on mutual respect and understanding, with Saeko confiding her dark secrets in Takashi, who accepts her completely.

The Slow-Burn Pair

Saya and Kohta have a unique love-hate relationship. Saya initially sees Kohta as a useless otaku, but she grows to respect his skills and develops a romantic attraction, even becoming jealous of his interactions with other women.

LGBTQ+ Implications

The series hints at a possible past romantic history between Shizuka and her best friend, the sniper Rika Minami. This is most prominently showcased in a hallucination-induced fantasy sequence in the OVA.


Survival Status: Do Any of the Main Characters Die?

This is one of the most common questions for any suspenseful series. Here’s the straightforward answer:

The Core Group Survives

In both the anime and the manga (which is incomplete due to the author's passing), none of the six main characters—Takashi, Rei, Saeko, Saya, Kohta, or Shizuka—die. 

They all manage to survive the events depicted in the animated series.

Significant Side-Character Deaths

While the main cast has plot armor, the story establishes stakes by killing off important side characters. 

Notable deaths include Asami Nakaoka, a police officer trainee who bonds with Kohta, and Hisashi Igou, Rei's boyfriend, who is turned into a zombie at the very beginning.


Beyond the Main Crew: Key Side Characters & Villains

The story is populated with memorable side characters who impact the plot.

Alice Maresato

A young girl the group rescues and protects. She becomes a surrogate little sister for everyone, especially Saya.

Rika Minami

Shizuka's best friend and a top sniper for Japan's Special Assault Team. Her well-stocked home and weapons cache provide a crucial safe haven for the group.

The Antagonist

  • Koichi Shido: A manipulative and sadistic teacher from Fujimi High School. He uses the crisis to brainwash a group of students and form a cult-like following, making him a dangerous human antagonist.
  • Tragic Side Characters: Characters like Kyoko Hayashi are among the many victims at the school who are killed and devoured by zombies during the initial outbreak, highlighting the brutality and chaos of the event.

I hope this guide helps you navigate the chaotic and thrilling world of Highschool of the Dead! The character dynamics are a huge part of what makes this series so memorable.

Who is your favorite character from the series? Let us know in the comments below!


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