
Saeko Busujima
Saeko Busujima |
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Kanji | 毒島冴子 |
Rōmaji | Busujima Saeko |
Age: | 17 |
Birthday: | Unknown |
Height: | 174 cm (5′ 8.5″) |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Miyuki Sawashiro |
English | Taylor Hannah |
Saeko Busujima (毒島 冴子, Busujima Saeko), is one of the main female protagonists in the anime and manga series Highschool of the Dead. A senior student at Fujimi High School, she is the captain of the Kendo Club and a formidable melee combatant. Calm, composed, and deadly in battle, Saeko serves as the unofficial point fighter and tactical backbone of the survivor group led by Takashi Komuro during the zombie apocalypse.
Saeko’s combination of elegance, discipline, and ruthlessness in battle makes her one of the most dependable members of the group, particularly during high-stress combat situations. Her inner conflict, revealed through moments of introspection, adds emotional depth to her character, blending vulnerability with her otherwise stoic and commanding demeanor.
Background

Appearance in anime
Prior to the outbreak, Saeko was a third-year high school student at Fujimi High, where she was known for her beauty, grace, and martial prowess. As the captain of the Kendo Club, she possessed refined skills in traditional swordsmanship and carried herself with quiet confidence.
She is the daughter of Master Busujima, a renowned martial arts instructor. Raised in a disciplined environment, Saeko learned the art of self-control and developed a strong sense of pride in her combat ability. Her adherence to bushido and her natural talent for sword fighting make her a key protector within the group once the world collapses.
Appearance
Saeko is a tall, slender young woman with long indigo hair, often tied with a ribbon, and violet eyes. She wears her Fujimi High School uniform, which includes a green skirt and white top with a green collar and black ribbon. After the outbreak, her uniform becomes progressively torn and stained from combat, symbolizing the harsh transition from student to survivor.
Despite the chaos, she maintains a refined and dignified appearance, and her poised movements and calm expressions make her stand out even in life-or-death scenarios.
Personality
Saeko is calm, intelligent, and composed, even under the most extreme stress. She rarely shows fear and remains level-headed during battle. Her quiet demeanor and strong leadership skills make her someone the group naturally follows and trusts.
However, beneath her stoic exterior lies a dark and conflicted side. Saeko secretly harbors a tendency toward violence, admitting that she sometimes enjoys the act of fighting. This self-awareness makes her question her morality, especially when others praise her as a protector. She also struggles with intimacy and vulnerability, especially in relation to Takashi.
Despite this, Saeko is fiercely loyal, dependable, and committed to the survival of the group. She leads by example and is willing to place herself in danger for the safety of others.
Role in the Story
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Kendo and Early Survival
When the outbreak begins at Fujimi High, Saeko quickly takes command of her Kendo Club expertise and uses her bokken (wooden sword) to protect her fellow students. Her disciplined mind and martial arts training make her one of the most effective combatants from the start. -
The Group’s Point Fighter
As the group escapes from the school and moves across the city, Saeko assumes the unofficial role of vanguard, leading melee engagements and clearing paths through crowds of the undead. Her skills prove essential in confined spaces and during ambushes, often turning the tide in otherwise deadly situations. -
Character Development and Takashi
Saeko’s relationship with Takashi Komuro deepens as the story progresses. In a key moment of emotional vulnerability, she confesses her past tendencies toward violence and fear of losing control. Takashi reassures her, accepting her darker side and offering her emotional support solidifying a bond of mutual trust and attraction between them. -
Receiving Her Sword
After proving her value as a fighter and protector, Saeko is gifted a katana by Souichiro Takagi, allowing her to fully embrace her warrior identity. With the real blade in hand, she becomes even more lethal and decisive, accepting both her strength and her humanity.
Relationships
Takashi Komuro
The group leader and one of the few people who sees Saeko beyond her calm exterior. Their relationship grows through mutual respect and shared trauma, with hints of romantic tension. Takashi’s acceptance of her inner darkness helps Saeko confront her past and move forward.
Rei Miyamoto
Another main fighter in the group, Rei and Saeko often work together in combat, though there is subtle tension due to their respective relationships with Takashi. Despite this, they develop mutual respect.
The Survivor Group
Saeko is trusted by all members of the group. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and handle close-combat threats makes her a central pillar of their survival. She is particularly protective of Alice and often mentors the younger characters.