
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
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
JR releases prediction of peak Shinkansen crowdedness for Japan’s Obon travel season
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Life-size Legendary Pokémon Mega Rayquaza digitally greeting travelers at Tokyo train station [Vid]
Maximum entry fee for sento public baths in Tokyo increases slightly for adults next month
Starbucks Japan releases new “Afterword” collection that gives coffee waste a second life
Japan has a maid hotel you can stay in, and it’s now taking reservation applications
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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】
A letter from our reporter’s deceased mother arrives at just the right time
We take part in a T-Rex race at Nara, Japan, turns out to be a wet and wild event