
Kotaro Tatsumi
Kotaro Tatsumi |
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Kanji | 巽 幸太郎 |
Rōmaji | Tatsumi Kōtarō |
Age: | Unknown |
Birthday: | Sometime between 1991-1992 |
Height: | 180 cm (5’11”) |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Mamoru Miyano |
English | Ricco Fajardo |
Kotaro Tatsumi (巽 幸太郎, Tatsumi Kōtarō), is the flamboyant and eccentric producer of the idol group Franchouchou in Zombie Land Saga. He is the mastermind behind the revival of the seven zombie girls, resurrecting them from various time periods to form an idol group that would revitalize Saga Prefecture. Although his loud, over-the-top personality can be grating, his genuine dedication to saving Saga and his idols’ success makes him an essential figure in their journey.
He was formerly known as Kotaro Inui (乾 幸太郎, Inui Kōtarō), sharing a past connection with Sakura Minamoto, one of the main protagonists of the series.
Background

Appearance in anime
Kotaro’s true identity and past remain a mystery for most of the series. However, it is eventually revealed that he was a classmate of Sakura Minamoto during high school and held deep feelings for her, though he never confessed them. After her tragic death, he was devastated and seemingly left Saga for Tokyo, where he studied and gained industry experience in entertainment and idol management.
At some point, Kotaro returned to Saga, and under unknown circumstances, he was given the means to resurrect the seven girls from different time periods. He took on the role of their manager and producer, creating the idol group Franchouchou with the goal of reviving Saga’s cultural identity and breaking its cycle of misfortune and decline.
Despite his brash and arrogant behavior, Kotaro is deeply committed to his mission, taking on countless responsibilities to ensure Franchouchou’s growth, arranging performances, designing promotional strategies, and keeping the group in check with his over-the-top, drill-sergeant-like attitude.
Appearance
Kotaro has a tall and lean build with a slightly rugged yet stylish appearance. He has messy brown hair, often slicked back, and piercing green eyes. He is almost always seen wearing sunglasses, rarely showing his eyes, which adds an air of mystery to his character.
He wears a flashy white suit with a red tie, making him stand out even more. His dramatic fashion choices, combined with his exaggerated mannerisms, contribute to his larger-than-life presence.
Personality
Kotaro Tatsumi is bold, loud, and theatrical, often making a grand entrance by kicking doors open and shouting dramatically. His intense enthusiasm and eccentric way of speaking make him both hilarious and exasperating to the members of Franchouchou.
Despite his brash and egotistical exterior, Kotaro is deeply passionate and caring, especially regarding Franchouchou and Saga’s revival. He frequently pushes the girls to their limits, appearing strict and demanding, but he always does so with their best interests in mind.
He has a sharp and strategic mind, demonstrating excellent showmanship and promotional instincts, though his reckless methods sometimes lead to disastrous yet comical results.
Though he hides his emotional vulnerabilities, moments in the series reveal that Kotaro is deeply affected by his past, particularly regarding Sakura Minamoto. His exuberant personality is a mask for the sorrow and regret he carries, which is subtly hinted at throughout the series.
Role in the Story
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Creating Franchouchou
Kotaro is the driving force behind Franchouchou, responsible for reviving the seven girls as zombies and forming them into an idol group. He trains them, schedules their performances, and relentlessly pushes them toward idol success. While his methods are unconventional, his vision and persistence eventually help the group gain recognition. -
Supporting the Girls’ Growth
Although he often berates and scolds the girls, Kotaro genuinely cares for them and wants them to succeed. He motivates them when they doubt themselves, adjusts performances to highlight their strengths, and even puts himself at risk to ensure their survival in the idol industry. Despite his tough love approach, moments of tenderness and encouragement show his fatherly bond with Franchouchou. -
Saga’s Revival and His Hidden Agenda
Kotaro’s true mission is to save Saga from its curse, a recurring misfortune that leads to the region’s decline. He collaborates with the mysterious bartender, who seems to have a deeper understanding of Saga’s supernatural fate. Kotaro’s motivation for reviving Franchouchou is more than just creating an idol group it is to break the cycle of tragedy that has plagued Saga for centuries. -
His Connection to Sakura Minamoto
Kotaro’s past with Sakura is one of the most emotional aspects of his character. He was her classmate in high school, and while she saw him as an acquaintance, Kotaro harbored unspoken feelings for her. Her sudden death devastated him, and his decision to revive her as part of Franchouchou shows how deeply he still cares for her. However, Sakura does not initially recognize him, and Kotaro chooses to keep his past identity hidden from her. Throughout the series, he subtly shows signs of affection and concern for Sakura, but keeps his distance emotionally, possibly out of guilt or fear of revealing the truth.
Relationships
Sakura Minamoto
Sakura is the most important person from Kotaro’s past, though she doesn’t remember their connection. While he treats her like the rest of Franchouchou, he often shows favoritism toward her and is clearly affected whenever she struggles or doubts herself.
Franchouchou
Kotaro considers all members of Franchouchou his responsibility. Though he shouts at them and acts dismissive, he deeply cares for them and works tirelessly to ensure their success. Over time, the girls come to trust him and see him as their eccentric but well-meaning mentor.
The Mysterious Bartender
Kotaro frequently meets with a bartender who seems to know more about Saga’s supernatural history. The bartender gives Kotaro cryptic advice, hinting that Kotaro’s mission is part of a greater destiny tied to Saga’s fate.
Romero (Zombie Dog)
Kotaro treats Romero, the zombie dog, like a beloved pet. While he often bosses him around, he also gives him affection, showing that despite his brash demeanor, he has a soft spot for animals.