A compilation of anime titles that start with 'Zu' (ず)
It’s a bit sudden, but if someone asked you to name an anime that starts with “zu” (ず), what titles would come to mind?
In reality, most people might be able to think of one title at best, and then struggle to come up with more.
To be honest, our research for this article revealed that there are very few titles that fit this criterion.
もちろん、「す」から始まるなら人気作品はいくらでも思い浮かびますが……。いずれにせよ、「ず」から始まる珍しいアニメタイトルが何か、この文章を読んで確かめてもらえたら嬉しいです！
A compilation of anime titles that start with 'Zu' (ず)
The Zukkoke Trio: The Spiraling Deity of the Kusunoki Mansion
Masamoto Nasu’s children’s book series The Zukkoke Trio has been adapted for anime and live-action dramas many times.
Among these, The Zukkoke Trio: The Spirited Lord of the Kusunoki Mansion, broadcast in 1995, was the first animated adaptation.
Given that the original series has been loved since 1978, you could say the anime finally arrived at last.
Centered on its elementary school protagonists, the story portrays a variety of events that unfold around them, and it boosts the feeling of enjoying each day to the fullest.
Zootopia
The animated film Zootopia won both the Annie Award and the Academy Award, becoming a major hit thanks to its high quality and entertainment value.
Set in an animal society with no humans whatsoever, it follows the exploits of Judy, a rookie rabbit police officer, and Nick, a fox con artist.
As they work together to solve problems, they also confront the social issues hidden within Zootopia.
Alongside the appeal of the distinctive characters and the missions they undertake, the film’s satirical edge and its warning-laden message to real-world society move audiences.
Zootopia can be enjoyed not only as an animated film, but also as a drama that addresses social issues.
Zunda Horizons
The anime Zunda Horizon features Tohoku Zunko, a character inspired by zunda mochi—Miyagi Prefecture’s local specialty—as its protagonist.
Created to support the Tohoku region, the character has expanded in many ways over time, and it feels like she’s finally made the leap into anime.
Since a VOCALOID voicebank was developed during Tohoku Zunko’s earlier projects, many songs in this anime also make use of that voice.
It’s a work that really conveys a sense of fun, with Zunko and characters from across Japan bustling about in a lively, musical-like atmosphere.
Zoobles
The toy “Zoobles!” released by Spin Master and Sega Toys was marketed not only in Japan but also overseas, including in the United States and South Korea.
It features a transformation from a sphere into a cute character, and it’s said to incorporate technology from Bakugan, which was sold for boys.
With a setting where the characters burst out of a candy factory, their candy-inspired, colorful designs strongly emphasize their cuteness.
Focusing on these round, adorable characters, the anime “Zoobles!” also aired starting in 2011.
Zukkoke Knight Don de la Mancha
The anime “Zukkoke Knight Don de la Mancha” aired starting in 1980.
It’s inspired by the novel Don Quixote by the Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes and packs in a lot of gag elements.
The protagonist, Don de la Mancha—whose real name is Don Quixote de la Mancha—has a light, breezy name that reflects the show’s easygoing atmosphere.
The opening theme, “Dondera Ondo: Feeling the Groove?” is another highlight: it starts with a bold, march-like feel and unfolds into a cheerful ondo rhythm, perfectly conveying the series’ bright mood.
I've Always Liked You: Confession Executive Committee
Here is an animated film created by HoneyWorks, a popular creator unit known for their work on YouTube and Nico Nico Douga.
Natsuki, a third-year student at Sakuraoka High School who has a crush on her childhood friend Yuu, hides her true feelings and ends up saying that Yuu is just someone she’s practicing a confession with.
Along the way, she gets confessed to by someone else, and you can enjoy all the heart-pounding, exciting moments typical of youth.
It’s also a fun work that ties in with their songs ‘Kokuhaku Yokou Renshuu’ (Confession Rehearsal), ‘Hatsukoi no Ehon’ (Picture Book of First Love), and ‘Yakimochi no Kotae’ (The Answer to Jealousy).
In conclusion
When we actually tried picking anime titles that start with any given character, we found it very interesting that some characters cluster with well-known popular titles, while others—like this time’s ‘zu’—have almost no applicable titles at all.
It’s true there aren’t many words that start with ‘zu’ to begin with… I’ll be glad if this was helpful for anime fans!