Production is officially underway for KONBINI ZOMBIES (working title), a UK-Japan co-produced zombie comedy set in a 24-hour Tokyo convenience store. The story follows a diverse group of employees as they fight off a sudden zombie outbreak in the middle of their night shift.

Directed and written by Morayo Akandé, a UK-born filmmaker who has lived in Japan for over five years and is fluent in Japanese, the film blends Japanese konbini culture with dry British humor. The screenplay draws heavily from Akandé’s own life experiences, creating what she calls a “new breed of zombie entertainment.”

Real Locations, Real Tokyo: Scouting with Support from Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Location scouting was conducted in early 2025 across Tokyo with assistance from the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB), which supports film and TV production through its "Tokyo Location Box" program. The team explored numerous konbini across the city to capture the unique atmosphere of Japan’s ever-present convenience stores.

The story centers around a fictional konbini called Happy Mart, where a group of quirky characters—including Mayumi, a student retaking college entrance exams; Amanda, a bicultural returnee; Jin-woo, a K-pop idol hopeful; Ken, a vegan host; and their passionate manager—band together to survive the undead invasion. With colorful visuals and comedic tension, the film aims to reflect social anxieties and self-worth issues through the lens of a seemingly mundane but highly symbolic konbini setting.

Comments from the Filmmakers

🎬 Director & Screenwriter: Morayo Akandé
“The idea for KONBINI ZOMBIES came over a decade ago when I first visited Tokyo. My suitcase was lost, and the local konbini became my lifeline. One night, I looked around the quiet store and thought, ‘What if a zombie appeared right now?’ That’s where it all began.

Living in Japan, I learned the language and spent countless hours inside konbini, talking to staff from all walks of life. I came to see these stores not just as convenient, but as the pulse of the local community. The film reflects those experiences, combined with the subtle, dry humor from my British roots.”

🎥 Executive Producer: Moyo Akandé
“When I first read Morayo’s script, I was instantly hooked. KONBINI ZOMBIES is a bold and original take on the zombie genre—both fresh and daring.

During our location tour in Tokyo, we visited dozens of unique konbini and immersed ourselves in Japanese culture. I even became a huge fan of melonpan! I believe this film will be unforgettable, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

🎬 Producer: Helen Gladders (Bird of the End, A24)
“Partnering with FLAG and filming in Japan is a dream. In January 2024, we scouted Tokyo with the help of Tokyo Location Box, experiencing firsthand the real-world settings behind Morayo’s script.

This film celebrates the people and culture working the frontlines of everyday life—konbini. And what better place for a zombie outbreak? KONBINI ZOMBIES is a love letter to this world, full of humor, chaos, and heart.”

🎬 Co-Producer: Hiroko Oda (FLAG)
“This project deeply reflects the Tokyo of today, as seen through Morayo’s sharp perspective. Much like how George A. Romero used zombies for social commentary, KONBINI ZOMBIES balances humor and entertainment with insightful social themes.

I’m thrilled to be part of a team that values collaboration and respects diverse creative backgrounds.”

Source : ORICON NEWS