Bishoujo Zukan Teams Up with ZAUNTED to Create 'Cowaii Zukan'

Unveiling 'Cowaii Zukan': The Next Horror Sensation

Bishoujo Zukan, a unique media entity rooted in local culture, renowned for nurturing stars like Fumi Nikaido, is embarking on an innovative journey by collaborating with ZAUNTED, specialists in horror production. Together, they will create the gripping short-drama series titled 'Cowaii Zukan', set to captivate audiences in the winter of 2025. This series promises an exciting blend of horror and community storytelling, aimed at providing a thrilling experience for viewers both in Japan and beyond.

About the Project

The primary mission of this collaboration is to popularize horror as a concept for social contribution through 'Cowaii Zukan'. In a market where vertical video advertising is projected to grow significantly—estimated to reach 208.8 billion yen by 2028—this project aims to harness the growing trend of vertical content not just for advertising, but for a rich narrative experience as well.

With the storyline intricately woven together by the creative minds at SECRET GARDEN and helmed by the visionary director Hikaru Akase, 'Cowaii Zukan' aims to showcase the breadth of Japanese horror culture. The series is characterized by the combination of ‘kawaii’ (cute) and ‘kowai’ (scary), creating a new genre that mixes fear with charm in ways that resonate with global audiences.

The casting process will commence with auditions taking place on October 18, 2025, at a location in Tokyo. This audition is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring actors aged 15 to 29 and invites them to step into the limelight of this unprecedented horror project. It’s an open call for talent, with hopes to find the next big name in Japanese entertainment.

Why 'Cowaii Zukan' Matters

The growth of Bishoujo Zukan since its inception in 2002 speaks volumes about its impact on identifying and elevating fresh talent. By evolving from a free paper featuring beautiful girls across various locales to a multifaceted platform utilizing social media and live broadcasts, Bishoujo Zukan continues to attract acclaim for discovering the “next generation’s beautiful gems.” The link with ZAUNTED positions this new project as a significant player in promoting Japanese culture internationally through horror, an art form well-regarded globally yet uniquely Japanese in execution.

ZAUNTED has been pivotal in establishing scare attractions across Japan, including professionally crafted haunted houses that have made waves within the industry. It’s the perfect synergy; while Bishoujo Zukan has an established reputation for discovering and nurturing promising talent, ZAUNTED delivers the cutting-edge horror experience that can skyrocket these actors into the limelight. The concept of combining horror with cute aesthetics opens an avenue to engage audiences who might not typically seek out horror, thereby broadening the genre's appeal.

The Creatives Behind 'Cowaii Zukan'

Michael T. Yamaguchi - The Horror Magician

As the CEO of ZAUNTED, Yamaguchi expresses his fervor for infusing horror with creativity that shocks and engages. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in the horror genre and his excitement about creating content that resonates with a global audience.

Hikaru Akase - The Visual Creator

In charge of the visual details, Akase’s vision for 'Cowaii Zukan' promises artistry that captures both fright and delight, ensuring viewers are treated to a unique visual experience that reflects the heart of Japanese horror.

Koryo Nakamura - The Ideologist

Nakamura, representing Bishoujo Zukan, acknowledges the wealth of talent ready to emerge through this project. He believes that by promoting horror as a cultural element, more stars will shine on the international stage.

Join the Auditions!

The auditions are designed to discover new talent and encourage participation from anyone interested in stepping into a leading role in what promises to be an iconic series. Participants should prepare for a performance that brings out their individual charm and capabilities.

Make sure not to miss this chance to audition for 'Cowaii Zukan'! A world of horror awaits, and it just might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Don't forget to register via the designated line before the deadline.

Join us in redefining the horror genre through 'Cowaii Zukan', where fright meets beauty. Together, we aim to carve a niche for Japanese horror on the global stage, showcasing our unique storytelling and creative prowess.

Stay tuned for more updates on the series and the audition process. For now, prepare yourself for an adventure into the eerie and enchanting world of 'Cowaii Zukan'!