Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a Japanese zombie comedy anime that turns the familiar apocalypse story into an unexpectedly uplifting adventure about freedom, friendship and rediscovering the joy of living. Released in 2023, the series follows Akira Tendo, a young office worker whose exhausting corporate job has left him feeling more like a walking corpse than a living person. When a zombie outbreak suddenly transforms his world, he sees an opportunity to escape his miserable routine and finally experience life on his own terms.
Based on the manga created by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata, the anime combines colourful animation, outrageous humour, action and horror with a relatable message about burnout and personal fulfilment. Rather than focusing exclusively on survival, it asks an unusual question: what would you do if the end of the world gave you a reason to start living?
With its distinctive visual style, memorable characters and unconventional take on the zombie genre, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead offers something different from traditional post-apocalyptic anime.
Overview of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
- Original Japanese title: Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto
- English title: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
- Release year: 2023
- Country of origin: Japan
- Genre: Comedy, horror, action, survival
- Source material: Manga
- Animation studio: BUG FILMS
- Director: Kazuki Kawagoe
- Episodes: 12
- Seasons : 1 released
The Japanese title, Zon 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto, translates approximately to “100 Things I Want to Do Before I Become a Zombie.” This idea defines the entire series, giving its protagonist a clear goal even as society collapses around him.
The anime was produced by BUG FILMS, with Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions involved in production. Its creative team includes series composer Hiroshi Seko, character designer Kii Tanaka and music composer Makoto Miyazaki.
The combination of zombie horror and light-hearted comedy makes the series accessible to viewers who enjoy supernatural adventures as well as character-driven stories about overcoming difficult circumstances.
Story and Premise
At the beginning of the story, Akira Tendo is a 24-year-old employee at a company where long working hours, unreasonable demands and an unhealthy workplace culture have drained his enthusiasm for life. His days are dominated by exhausting assignments, and his dreams have gradually disappeared beneath the pressure of his job.
Everything changes when a zombie outbreak spreads through Japan.
While most people would see the disaster as the beginning of a nightmare, Akira experiences an unexpected sense of relief. For the first time in years, he no longer has to report to his oppressive workplace. The world may be falling apart, but he suddenly has the freedom to make his own decisions.
Akira responds by creating a bucket list of 100 things he wants to accomplish before becoming a zombie. His ambitions include reconnecting with people, enjoying everyday pleasures, travelling and pursuing experiences he previously postponed.
However, the list is not simply an excuse for comedy. As Akira encounters other survivors, he begins to understand that freedom comes with responsibilities, relationships require compromise, and surviving a disaster involves more than avoiding the undead.
The series balances energetic action sequences with quieter moments about fear, loneliness, personal growth and the importance of having something to look forward to.
A different approach to the zombie genre
Many zombie stories concentrate on scarcity, mistrust and the collapse of civilisation. Zom 100 uses these familiar elements but presents them through Akira’s unusually optimistic outlook.
Its colourful imagery and exaggerated humour frequently contrast with the frightening circumstances surrounding the characters. This contrast helps communicate the central idea that life should not be taken for granted, even when the future is uncertain.
The story also explores the pressures of modern working life, particularly the consequences of allowing employment to consume a person’s identity and well-being.
Main Characters
The characters are central to the anime’s appeal. Each survivor brings a different perspective on freedom, risk and what it means to live well.
Akira Tendo is the protagonist whose life changes dramatically after the zombie outbreak. Once an exhausted office worker, he becomes enthusiastic about completing his bucket list. His optimism, impulsiveness and strong sense of justice drive the story, while his experiences gradually reveal a more thoughtful side.
Shizuka Mikazuki is a logical, independent survivor who approaches the apocalypse through careful planning and risk assessment. Her practical attitude often contrasts with Akira’s spontaneous behaviour. She also maintains her own list of things to do to avoid becoming a zombie, reflecting her desire to survive through preparation.
Kenichiro Ryuzaki (Kencho) is Akira’s close friend from their university rugby days. Outgoing, sociable and often humorous, he brings energy to the group. Beneath his confident exterior, he has his own disappointments and ambitions, making his friendship with Akira an important emotional part of the series.
Beatrix Amerhauser is a German university student visiting Japan who has a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. Bold, energetic and capable, she embraces adventure despite the dangers around her. Her enthusiasm adds another dimension to the group’s travels and survival efforts.
Together, these four characters create an engaging mix of personalities. Their disagreements, shared adventures and evolving relationships help the series move beyond its initial zombie-comedy premise.
Voice Cast
The Japanese voice cast brings considerable personality to the main characters, helping the anime move between broad comedy, emotional conversations and tense encounters with zombies.
| Character | Japanese voice actor |
|---|---|
| Akira Tendo | Shuichiro Umeda |
| Shizuka Mikazuki | Tomori Kusunoki |
| Kenichiro Ryuzaki (Kencho) | Makoto Furukawa |
| Beatrix Amerhauser | Minami Takahashi |
Shuichiro Umeda’s performance captures Akira’s transition from workplace exhaustion to enthusiastic determination. Tomori Kusunoki gives Shizuka a measured, composed presence, while Makoto Furukawa brings Kencho’s outgoing personality and comic timing to life.
Minami Takahashi adds energy to Beatrix, whose enthusiasm and adventurous spirit fit the series’ unconventional approach to the apocalypse.
The Japanese performances are an important part of the anime’s identity. English-language dubbed versions are also available through selected distributors, although the availability of particular audio tracks can vary by platform and region.
Animation Studio and Production
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead was animated by BUG FILMS, the studio responsible for translating the manga’s energetic visual identity into a television series.
Director and creative team
Kazuki Kawagoe directed the anime, with Hanako Ueda serving as assistant director. Hiroshi Seko handled series composition, shaping the narrative for television, while Kii Tanaka worked on character designs. Junpei Fukuchi was responsible for zombie designs, and Makoto Miyazaki composed the music.
The production team had to balance several distinct visual requirements: ordinary contemporary settings, frightening undead creatures, exaggerated comedy and vibrant action. The contrast between these elements is one of the adaptation’s most recognisable characteristics.
Colour and visual storytelling
One of the anime’s defining features is its use of colour. Instead of presenting the apocalypse entirely through muted greys and gloomy backgrounds, the series often employs vivid reds, yellows and other saturated colours.
This approach reflects Akira’s changing outlook. The world is dangerous, but his renewed enthusiasm allows him to see opportunities where others see only catastrophe.
The animation also uses exaggerated expressions and dynamic movement to strengthen the comedy. When the story shifts into horror or action, the visual presentation becomes more intense, giving the series a distinctive rhythm.
Source material and adaptation
The anime adapts the manga written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata. The manga began serialization in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X magazine in 2018.
Haro Aso is also known for creating Alice in Borderland, another manga that explores survival under extraordinary circumstances. However, Zom 100 takes a noticeably more comedic approach, combining dangerous situations with a story about reclaiming one’s life.
The television adaptation brings the manga’s premise, characters and major themes to an animated audience while adding voice performances, music, movement and colour to its storytelling.
Seasons and Episodes
As of October 2026, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead has one released anime season consisting of 12 episodes. A second season has not been officially confirmed in the information available for this article.
The episodes follow Akira’s efforts to complete his bucket list while navigating the zombie outbreak and meeting other survivors.
| Episode | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Akira of the Dead |
| 2 | Bucket List of the Dead |
| 3 | Best Friend of the Dead |
| 4 | CA of the Dead |
| 5 | Hero of the Dead |
| 6 | RV of the Dead |
| 7 | SA of the Dead |
| 8 | Sushi & Hot Springs of the Dead |
| 9 | Treehouse of the Dead |
| 10 | Hometown of the Dead I |
| 11 | Hometown of the Dead II |
| 12 | Hometown of the Dead III |
The episode titles reflect the series’ playful approach to zombie storytelling, often connecting each instalment to a new experience, destination or challenge.
The final three episodes form a connected storyline, taking Akira and his companions into a new stage of their journey. Together, the 12 episodes establish the series’ central themes while leaving the broader manga story beyond the television adaptation.
Release History
The anime premiered in Japan in July 2023. Its international release brought it to viewers across multiple streaming platforms, helping it reach an audience beyond Japan.
However, the original broadcast did not proceed entirely according to its initial schedule. Production and broadcast delays affected several episodes, with the final three episodes eventually arriving on December 25, 2023.
These interruptions became a notable part of the anime’s release history because viewers had to wait longer than expected for the season’s conclusion.
The series was distributed internationally through platforms including Crunchyroll, Hulu and Netflix in selected markets. Exact availability depends on the country and the service’s current catalogue.
The franchise also expanded beyond animation. A live-action Japanese film adaptation, starring Eiji Akaso as Akira Tendo, was released in 2023. Although it shares the manga’s premise, the film is a separate adaptation rather than a continuation of the television anime.
Reception and Popularity
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead attracted attention for its unusual premise, striking colours and combination of zombie horror with workplace satire. Its central idea resonated with viewers familiar with burnout, repetitive routines and the feeling of putting personal ambitions aside for work.
The series also benefited from an established manga audience and international distribution. Its connection to Haro Aso, the creator of Alice in Borderland, helped make the new adaptation interesting to readers already familiar with his work.
What makes the anime stand out?
The anime’s most distinctive feature is its contrast between a frightening apocalypse and Akira’s enthusiastic attitude towards life. This gives familiar zombie encounters a different emotional meaning: danger remains real, but so does the possibility of finding freedom and purpose.
The bright animation and comedic exaggeration contribute to its identity, while its more serious moments give the characters room to develop beyond their initial personalities.
The delayed broadcast schedule, however, disrupted the viewing experience for some fans. The season ultimately concluded with all 12 episodes released, allowing viewers to follow the complete animated season.
Its reception reflects a combination of strengths and challenges: a memorable concept, an identifiable visual style and an appealing central message, alongside a production schedule that attracted attention for reasons beyond the story itself.
Why Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Remains Popular
Several qualities help explain why the series continues to interest anime fans.
1. A relatable central theme
Akira’s dissatisfaction with his working life provides a recognisable starting point. His transformation encourages viewers to consider whether their daily routines leave enough room for friendships, hobbies and personal ambitions.
2. A fresh take on zombies
Rather than treating every encounter as an exercise in fear, the anime frequently turns dangerous situations into opportunities for humour, adventure and unexpected self-discovery.
3. Memorable characters
Akira, Shizuka, Kencho and Beatrix approach survival differently. Their contrasting personalities create entertaining interactions and allow the series to explore several ideas about risk, responsibility and freedom.
4. A distinctive visual identity
The vivid colours, exaggerated expressions and energetic action distinguish the series from darker zombie dramas. Its presentation reinforces the idea that Akira is experiencing a world that has become strangely more colourful despite its dangers.
5. A balance of comedy and emotion
Beneath its jokes, the anime examines the consequences of overwork, the value of meaningful relationships and the importance of pursuing personal goals. These themes give its adventures an emotional foundation.
For viewers looking for a series that combines action, comedy, horror and an optimistic outlook, Zom 100 offers a distinctive alternative to more conventional survival stories.
Conclusion
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead transforms a zombie apocalypse into a story about reclaiming the life that existed before the world fell apart. Through Akira Tendo’s determination to complete his bucket list, the anime explores freedom, friendship, workplace burnout and the importance of making time for meaningful experiences.
Its adaptation of Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata’s manga, combined with BUG FILMS’ colourful animation and a lively Japanese voice cast, gives the series a recognisable identity. Although its original broadcast experienced delays, the first season ultimately delivered 12 episodes that introduce viewers to Akira’s unusual approach to surviving the end of the world.
For anime fans who enjoy unconventional protagonists, zombie action and comedy with a thoughtful message, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a memorable series worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many episodes does Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead have?
The first season contains 12 episodes. They originally aired in 2023, with the final three episodes released on December 25 after broadcast delays.
2. Will Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead have a second season?
As of October 2026, a second season has not been officially confirmed in the information available for this article. The original manga provides additional story material, but its existence does not guarantee another anime season.
3. Is Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead based on a manga?
Yes. The anime adapts the Japanese manga written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata. The manga began serialization in 2018 in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X magazine.
