Kohta Hirano is a 16-year-old high school second-year student who has long been regarded as an outcast due to his appearance and niche interests. Often the target of bullying, Kohta found solace in his passion for firearms and military equipment, which he studied extensively. His deep knowledge and training in marksmanship, obtained under the mentorship of a former mercenary, set him apart from his peers and allowed him to develop highly specialized skills that would later prove invaluable to his survival.

While Kohta’s quiet and unassuming nature often keeps him in the background during group discussions, his transformation during combat is stark. In high-pressure situations, Kohta becomes a focused and reliable fighter, keeping the group grounded and ensuring their survival with his exceptional shooting skills. His proficiency as a marksman makes him an irreplaceable member of Takashi Komuro’s group, to the point where Takashi once remarked that the group wouldn’t last a day without Kohta’s presence. Despite his relatively passive role in decision-making, Kohta’s contributions in battle cement his place as a vital member of the group, earning the respect and gratitude of his companions.

Kohta Hirano is short and overweight, a build that impacts his endurance and limits his capacity for physically taxing combat. Instead, he specializes in long-distance shooting, preferring stationary positions that allow him to utilize his expertise with firearms. His shoulder-length hairstyle features bangs extending outward from his temples, partially obscuring the sides of his face. Kohta is most often seen in the standard male student uniform of his high school, though his look is distinguished by his tactical additions. He frequently dons a tactical vest equipped with multiple pockets and an additional ammo belt to accommodate his vast collection of weapons and ammunition.

In the anime, Kohta undergoes a wardrobe change upon arriving at Saya Takagi’s house. He swaps his school uniform for green coveralls, a white t-shirt, white gloves, and brown sandals. This casual yet functional attire contrasts with his usual appearance but maintains his practicality in battle scenarios. Kohta’s design bears a striking resemblance to the mangaka of the same name, possibly serving as a homage or inspiration. Regardless of his attire, his ever-present assortment of weaponry solidifies his role as the group’s dependable marksman.

Before the outbreak, Kohta Hirano was a timid, carefree, and sanguine individual. Despite his cheerful facade, he harbored deep frustration stemming from the relentless bullying he endured at school. For the sake of maintaining a “normal” life, Kohta suppressed these feelings, masking his resentment. However, when the undead outbreak began, Kohta quickly adapted to the grim reality, embracing the survivalist mindset necessary to protect himself and his comrades. The dire circumstances allowed him to channel his long-suppressed frustrations into a new purpose, unleashing a more assertive and even combative side of his personality.

While Kohta generally maintains a cool and level-headed demeanor—often more so than his sharp-tongued companion Saya Takagi—he has displayed a darker, sadistic side in battle. This manifests in an unsettling, slasher-style smile whenever he kills the undead, reflecting his suppressed aggression and newfound catharsis in survival. Saya once observed that Kohta, alongside Takashi, is among the most likely to mentally “snap” if the group’s hardships persist. Despite these darker tendencies, Kohta has a softer, nurturing side, especially evident in his bond with Alice Maresato, with whom he spends time playing and offering comfort. Kohta also appears to harbor a crush on Saya, occasionally exhibiting jealousy when she grows close to Takashi. These layered traits make him a complex and valuable member of the group, both in battle and as a companion.

Kohta Hirano is an exceptional marksman with extraordinary skills in handling a wide range of firearms, from handguns to rifles and shotguns. His expertise extends beyond marksmanship, as he also possesses an in-depth understanding of firearm mechanics and physics. This knowledge has made him a critical asset to the group’s survival.

At the onset of the outbreak, Kohta ingeniously improvised a nail gun from common tools, which he effectively used as a makeshift weapon. As the group progressed to Rika Minami’s house, Kohta upgraded to an Armalite AR-10, a semi-automatic rifle he favored for its long-range scope, allowing him to eliminate threats from a safe distance. During a raid on the local police station, Kohta acquired an MP5SFK submachine gun, but later handed it to Saya Takagi for her defense. He also found and kept Saya’s mother’s Luger P08 pistol, adding it to his personal arsenal.

In addition to these weapons, Kohta showed foresight and preparedness by storing extra pistols in his backpack during the police station raid. This careful selection of weaponry and his adaptability in combat scenarios underscore his vital role as the group’s primary gunslinger and tactical expert.

• Takashi Komuro
  Kohta is loyal to Takashi and supports his leadership, often taking his orders during combat situations.

• Saeko Busujima
  Stein possesses advanced soul perception, allowing him to analyze the souls of others with incredible precision. This ability is instrumental in both combat and teaching.

• Saya Takagi
  Kohta shares a unique bond with Saya, who initially mocks him but grows to appreciate his knowledge and skills.

• Rei Miyamoto
  While their interactions are less pronounced, Kohta respects Rei and values her contributions to the group.