
Since its inception in Canada in 2003, Zombie Walk for Kids has spread to England, Australia, Mexico, and, at last, Japan. And, like a proper infection, it’s really catching!
Though still focused mostly on major cities like Sapporo, Osaka, and Tokyo, the events are growing and gaining lots of shuffling, moaning followers. Just a few days ago, one was held at the Arakawa Amusement Park in Tokyo–and we have the horrifyingly adorable photos of zombie kids to prove it!
The event was for “kids 3 and up and their families,” so it was less Night of the Living Dead and more Nightmare Before Christmas, but that doesn’t mean it was any less fun. Even better, it was free to join! You can’t beat free, can you?
All around the event grounds, there were professional make-up artists zombifying the kids. Some of the make-up was so good, a mother wouldn’t recognize her kid if he walked up and bit her on the leg.
At first, the kids were kind of confused or nervous, not that we could blame them. But, children being children, it didn’t take them long to get into it, and some of them were even finishing their make-up by themselves. That’s right, take the initiative, little ones! Soon the miniature zombie horde will be unstoppable! Bwahahaha–uhhh, sorry.
With their make-up done, the kids changed into something a bit spookier and then it was time for the lessons! Explaining how best to shuffle and move around like the walking dead, an instructor gave the kids advice while demonstrating the techniques. Fortunately, they didn’t teach the kids how to go for the jugular.
With everyone ready, it was time for photos! Because what parent doesn’t want photos of their children dressed up in silly costumes for blackmail when they bring a new boyfriend or girlfriend home in their teens?
D’awwww! How adorable!
Photos/future blackmail secured, it was time to go for a walk around the park. Despite the clear and imminent danger of letting zombies loose in an amusement park, officials did nothing to hold back the horde.
The kids (and their parents) got to go on some of the rides, enjoying their flesh-eating family time. Regular park patrons, horrified out of their wits, couldn’t even run. Instead they just took photos. Pro-tip for the next zombie apocalypse you find yourself in: Don’t take photos–just run!
▼Wait…is that one of Santa’s little helpers? Gasp! Mr. Claus is using zombie labor!?
Just before lunch, the kids were gathered for one more photo shoot, and they showed off their nigh-perfect zombie shuffles and groans from beyond the grave.
▼We’re not sure what she is, but we are sure she’s the cutest thing you’ll see today.
Finally, if you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when a horde of zombie tykes swarm a merry-go-round, here’s a video showing the stomach-turning incident. Horrible! Horrible, we tell you!
The event was sponsored by the Japan Obaka Kids Association, which aims to “use children’s ‘obaka’ power to bring happiness to the world.” In case you’re wondering, “obaka” is the polite form of “baka,” or, in English, “stupid.” Think of Kids Say the Darnedest Things and it should make sense.
And we would gladly welcome more of that kind of “stupid” in the world. It was incredibly fun to watch the zombie kids running and playing–we wouldn’t even complain if they’d decided to bite us!
References: Japan Obaka Kids Association
Photos by RocketNews24














Is this the zombie apocalypse?! Horde of walking dead spotted shambling through Yoyogi Park
Hello Kitty theme park to be overrun by zombies this summer, young children barred from entering
Rural Japanese town overrun with elderly zombies in attempt to control wild boar population
Sanrio turns one of its most popular characters into a zombie for new Tokyo undead haunted house
USJ’s 2025 Halloween event will spook you by day and night with zombies galore and more
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Second-hand video game fukubukuro lucky bags reveal nostalgic surprises
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 4 of Winter Comiket 2019【Photos】
How should you respond when a Japanese person gives you a compliment?
This gachapon capsule machine dispenses real Akoya pearls, with certificates of authenticity
Take a look inside the Future Train, a unique new restaurant diner and cafe in Kyoto
Keeping up with the kids: Japanese high schoolers’ most popular slang of Spring 2022
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Ikea celebrates New Year in Japan with a fukubukuro lucky bag filled with surprises
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Devil Tribe taking over Tokyo’s Hello Kitty theme park, admission free for kids two and younger!
There’s a real-world Pokémon Sandshrew Park in Japan, and it’s adorable!【Photos】
We take part in a T-Rex race at Nara, Japan, turns out to be a wet and wild event
Leave a Reply