Shizuka Marikawa is the school nurse at Fujimi Academy and one of the central figures in Highschool of the Dead. Known for her ditzy and carefree personality, Shizuka provides both comic relief and vital support to the group as they navigate the zombie outbreak. Her large bust and occasional clumsiness are often used as comedic elements in the story, but she remains a key figure thanks to her medical skills and nurturing personality.

At 27 years old, Shizuka is the only adult in the group and serves as both their caretaker and driver. Before the outbreak, she lived with her close friend Rika Minami, a top sniper in Japan’s Special Assault Team. Rika’s fortified home becomes a temporary safe haven for the group after their escape from Fujimi Academy. Despite her somewhat naive demeanor, Shizuka is highly resourceful, having driven a variety of vehicles, including a minibus, a military-grade Humvee, and briefly, an ATV.

Shizuka’s role extends beyond her medical expertise; she often acts as the group’s emotional anchor. While she is emotionally fragile and struggles with the uncertainty of the outbreak, Shizuka takes her responsibility as the “chaperone” of the group seriously, looking after their physical and emotional well-being. Despite her fears, she strives to maintain a sense of normalcy and optimism for the younger members of the group, particularly Alice Maresato.

Her medical training, though not yet complete, is impressive. Shizuka is able to stabilize injuries, treat wounds, and even help Kohta Hirano recover emotionally after he was forced to kill Asami Nakaoka. However, like the rest of the group, she harbors deep concerns about never seeing her family or friends again, which adds depth to her otherwise lighthearted personality.

Shizuka is a tall, curvaceous woman with blonde hair tied into a ponytail and hazel eyes. Her most noticeable physical traits are her large bust and slender frame, which often draw attention. She typically wears a nurse’s outfit or a white coat, emphasizing her role as a medic. Her attire changes during their travels, with her donning more practical clothing like tank tops and shorts for mobility and comfort. Despite her often clumsy demeanor, Shizuka carries herself with a gentle and caring aura.

As the sole adult in the group, Shizuka Marikawa takes it upon herself to care for and guide the younger members, despite her often ditzy and scatterbrained demeanor. While she may initially appear oblivious, Shizuka demonstrates a surprising depth of awareness, quickly grasping the severity of the outbreak and its implications. Her knowledge of history even leads her to compare the zombie apocalypse to the Black Death, earning her Saya Takagi’s acknowledgment as being “smarter than she looks.” Despite her occasional tendency to panic in dangerous situations, Shizuka remains capable of handling pressure when it matters most, especially when utilizing her medical expertise.

Shizuka’s caring nature extends deeply to the group, particularly toward Alice Maresato, whom she treats as her own child. She provides emotional support to the group during their journey, acting as a nurturing figure and a source of stability amidst the chaos. Her warmth and kindness help the group maintain their humanity in the face of despair, though she herself sometimes struggles with feelings of fear and insecurity about the future.

Shizuka’s personality also has its more playful and uninhibited side. She has a sexually oriented mind, often misinterpreting comments or situations in a suggestive manner, which sometimes leads to comedic moments. Her flirtatiousness, especially when drunk, has caused awkward situations, such as when she teased both Takashi Komuro and Kohta Hirano. Additionally, Shizuka has little modesty about her body, displaying comfort with nudity and showing no embarrassment when seen sleeping or walking outside unclothed, further reinforcing her carefree and open nature.

Her blend of compassion, resourcefulness, and comic relief makes Shizuka a vital and multifaceted member of the group.

Shizuka Marikawa does not typically engage in combat during the outbreak and is one of the few members of the group who does not rely on weapons for survival. Instead, her primary contribution is as the group’s driver, effectively maneuvering the Humvee M1025 and other vehicles to ensure everyone’s safety.

Later in the series, Shizuka acquires a Net Launcher, which she humorously stores inside her cleavage, showcasing her playful and unconventional approach to aiding the group. Despite her lack of combat skills, Shizuka’s resourcefulness and ability to provide medical care and logistical support make her an invaluable member of the team.

• Alice Maresato
  Shizuka takes on a motherly role for Alice, providing her with care, comfort, and a sense of stability amidst the chaos. She often keeps Alice close to protect her.

• Rei Miyamoto and Saeko Busujima
  As the oldest female in the group, Shizuka shares a strong bond with Rei and Saeko, often providing advice and emotional support to them.

• Rika Minami
  Shizuka has a close friendship with Rika, who offers her assistance during their journey by allowing them access to her fortified home. The two share a deep bond of trust and loyalty.

• Kohta Hirano and Takashi Komuro
  Shizuka often provides guidance and support to Kohta and Takashi, acting as a calming presence during stressful situations.