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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2023 · 128 min · Japanese
Echo score 68
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Directed by
Yûsuke Ishida
Starring
Akari Hayami, Kazuki Kitamura, Mukau Nakamura, Doronzu Ishimoto, Eiji Akaso, Mai Shiraishi

When a zombie apocalypse descends, Akira Tendo, burdened by a soul-crushing corporate job, unexpectedly finds liberation. He creates a bucket list of 100 experiences to enjoy before the end, embracing a newfound sense of freedom. From simple tasks like cleaning to more adventurous pursuits, Akira resolutely tackles each item, maintaining an optimistic outlook amidst the chaos and making the most of his time.

Action Sci-Fi Fantasy Horror Comedy Cast, crew & box office
On this page (10)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (5)
  3. 3 Character relationship map
  4. 4 Where & when it takes place
  5. 5 Themes & meaning (3)
  6. 6 Character & meaning questions
  7. 7 The book behind the movie
  8. 8 Movie threads
  9. 9 Movies like Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
  10. 10 Every angle
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5 main characters · contains spoilers

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Akira Tendo (Eiji Akaso)

    Akira Tendo is a 24-year-old office employee who transitions from a life of monotony to one filled with adventure amid a zombie apocalypse. Initially disheartened and trapped in a toxic work environment, Akira finds purpose as he embraces his aspirations and seeks to live authentically, showcasing bravery and leadership throughout his journey.

    • 👨‍💻 Office Worker
    • 🌍 Adventurer
    • 💔 Heartbroken

  • Gonzô Kosugi (Kazuki Kitamura)

    Gonzô Kosugi, Akira's boss, represents the oppressive work culture that contributes to Akira's disillusionment. As the chaos unfolds, Kosugi's authoritarian style leads to conflict within the survivor group, challenging Akira to step into his own leadership role and fight for his ideals.

    • 👔 Boss
    • 🧟‍♂️ Zombie

  • Ohtori

    Ohtori is Akira's co-worker and love interest, embodying the struggles of human connection in a bleak world. Her tragic transformation into a zombie serves as a major turning point for Akira, driving him to make the most of his life and cherish his relationships.

    • 💔 Love Interest
    • 🧟‍♀️ Tragic Heroine

  • Kencho (Shuntarô Yanagi)

    Kencho is Akira's friend who provides a source of hope and camaraderie during the tumultuous times. His playful nature and supportive attitude motivate Akira to pursue his bucket list dreams, fostering a sense of brotherhood amid the chaos.

    • 🤝 Friend
    • ⚔️ Survivor

  • Shizuka Mikazuki (Mai Shiraishi)

    Shizuka is a survivor who initially disapproves of Akira's reckless methods but gradually recognizes his bravery. Through her evolution during the apocalypse, she reflects the growing importance of trust and collaboration in the face of danger.

    • 👩‍🎤 Survivor
    • ❤️ Potential Love Interest

Last updated: October 21, 2026 at 17:48

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5 characters · 7 connections · contains spoilers

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Character Relationship Map

Who is connected to whom in Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead: family, love, friendships, rivalries and hidden ties, colour-coded. Pick a character to see their side of the story, or a connection to see what brings two characters together.

How much of the story to show
ATAkira TendoEiji AkasoGKGonzô KosugiKazuki KitamuraOOhtoriKKenchoShuntarô YanagiSMShizukaMikazukiMai Shiraishi

Last updated: October 21, 2026 at 17:48

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Setting

Where and When Does Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Take Place?

The setting of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Contemporary

The events unfold in contemporary times, reflecting a modern setting where typical daily life is abruptly disrupted by a catastrophic zombie outbreak. This time period highlights the impact of technology and bioengineering, which serve as the catalyst for the horrors that ensue.

Location

Tokyo, Aquarium

The movie takes place in Tokyo, a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling streets, modern architecture, and rich cultural heritage. As the city descends into chaos during a zombie apocalypse, iconic locations, such as an aquarium, transform into both a sanctuary and a battleground for survival.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🐠 Aquarium

Last updated: October 21, 2026 at 17:48

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3 major themes

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Heroism

    The theme of heroism is central to Akira's journey as he transforms from a disillusioned office worker into a courageous figure in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. As he navigates absurd adventures and overcomes personal fears, he discovers the power of friendship and bravery, showcasing how moments of crisis can inspire remarkable strength.

  • Chaos

    Chaos reigns as societal norms collapse in the wake of the zombie invasion, prompting characters to confront their realities and priorities. The unpredictability of the apocalypse forces Akira and his companions to embrace spontaneity, highlighting the stark contrast between their former mundane lives and the wild, unpredictable nature of survival.

  • Redemption

    Redemption plays a significant role as Akira and others strive to make the most of their new circumstances. Through his bucket list, Akira seeks not only personal fulfillment but also to support his friends' dreams, underscoring the importance of second chances and living life to its fullest, even in dire situations.

Last updated: October 21, 2026 at 17:48

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Character & theme questions

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does the movie take place?

The movie is set in Tokyo, Japan, a bustling metropolis that becomes the backdrop for the zombie apocalypse. Key locations include the city streets and an aquarium that serves as both a sanctuary and battleground for survival.

  • tokyo setting
  • aquarium location
  • japan zombie movie
Q2

What time period is the movie set in?

The story takes place in contemporary times, reflecting a modern setting where everyday life is abruptly disrupted by a catastrophic zombie outbreak. Technology and bioengineering serve as the catalyst for the horror that unfolds.

  • contemporary era
  • modern setting
  • time period
Q3

Who is Akira Tendo?

Akira Tendo is a 24-year-old office worker who transforms from a disillusioned corporate employee into a courageous leader during the zombie apocalypse. Initially trapped in a toxic work environment, he finds purpose by creating a bucket list of 100 experiences to pursue before the world ends.

  • akira tendo
  • protagonist
  • main character
Q4

What are the main themes in the movie?

The three central themes are heroism, chaos, and redemption. Akira's journey showcases heroism as he transforms from a burnt-out worker into a brave leader. Chaos explores how societal collapse forces characters to embrace spontaneity. Redemption focuses on making the most of new circumstances and living life fully.

  • themes
  • heroism
  • chaos
  • redemption
  • meaning
Q5

What does Akira's bucket list represent?

Akira's bucket list represents his journey from corporate drudgery to authentic living. Rather than merely surviving the zombie apocalypse, he sees it as an opportunity for freedom, using the list to pursue personal fulfillment and support his friends' dreams.

  • bucket list
  • freedom
  • liberation
  • personal growth
Q6

Who is Gonzô Kosugi?

Gonzô Kosugi is Akira's former boss at the corporation, representing the oppressive work culture that contributed to Akira's initial disillusionment. His authoritarian leadership style creates conflict within the survivor group, challenging Akira to step up and fight for his ideals.

  • gonzo kosugi
  • boss
  • corporate villain
  • antagonist
Q7

Who is Ohtori in the movie?

Ohtori is Akira's co-worker and love interest, representing the struggle for human connection in a bleak world. Her transformation into a zombie becomes a major emotional turning point for Akira, driving him to cherish relationships and live life more fully.

  • ohtori
  • love interest
  • co-worker
  • tragic character
Q8

Who is Kencho?

Kencho is Akira's friend who provides hope and camaraderie during the chaos. His playful nature and supportive attitude motivate Akira to pursue his bucket list dreams, fostering a sense of brotherhood amid the apocalypse.

  • kencho
  • friend
  • supportive character
Q9

Who is Shizuka Mikazuki?

Shizuka Mikazuki is a survivor who initially disapproves of Akira's reckless methods but gradually recognizes his bravery. Her evolution during the apocalypse reflects the growing importance of trust and collaboration in dangerous times.

  • shizuka mikazuki
  • survivor
  • trust
  • character growth
Q10

What is the tone of the movie despite the zombie apocalypse?

Despite the constant threat of zombies, the tone is notably hopeful and optimistic. The protagonist reframes the catastrophe as an opportunity for freedom and personal fulfillment, blending high tension with moderate humor through absurd situations.

  • tone
  • hopeful
  • humor
  • zombie comedy
  • tonal contrast
Q11

What role does the aquarium play in the story?

The aquarium serves as both a sanctuary and battleground in the story. It represents a moment of respite from the chaos and becomes an iconic location where survival scenarios play out amid the zombie-infested city.

  • aquarium
  • sanctuary
  • survival location
  • symbolism

Movie threads

More Movies Like Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies with a Liberating Apocalypse like Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

Finding freedom and exhilarating purpose amidst the collapse of society. If you enjoyed the blend of zombie chaos and personal freedom in Zom 100, explore these stories where the end of the world sparks a journey of self-discovery. These movies feature characters who embrace the chaos, finding adventure and purpose in a broken world.

  • liberating
  • adventurous
  • chaotic
  • optimistic
  • darkly humorous
  • survivalist
  • Tone: hopeful, adventurous, whimsical
  • Pacing: variable, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows characters who reframe a catastrophic event as a chance for liberation. Instead of pure survival horror, the story becomes a quest for personal fulfillment, often involving a list of goals, a road trip, or a series of whimsical adventures carried out with defiant optimism.

Why they belong together: They are grouped by their unique tonal blend of high-stakes survival with a lighthearted, adventurous spirit. The core appeal is the emotional shift from dread to liberation, focusing on the exhilarating feeling of breaking free from constraints, even in the direst circumstances.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead movie poster

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

2023
Night of the Zoopocalypse movie poster

Night of the Zoopocalypse

2025
The Postman movie poster

The Postman

2025
The Lost Future movie poster

The Lost Future

2010
The Postman movie poster

The Postman

1984
Slay movie poster

Slay

2024
The Postman movie poster

The Postman

1997
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie poster

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

2023

Movies about Bucket Lists in Dark Worlds like Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

A determined pursuit of personal goals against a bleak or dangerous backdrop. Fans of Zom 100's unique premise of a zombie bucket list will enjoy these films. Discover similar stories where characters use a list of goals to find purpose, create hope, or simply survive with a sense of humor in a grim or dangerous setting.

  • quest-driven
  • bittersweet
  • darkly humorous
  • purposeful
  • episodic
  • hopeful
  • Tone: bittersweet, hopeful, darkly humorous
  • Pacing: variable, episodic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot is driven by the protagonist's commitment to completing a list of items, which serves as both a narrative framework and a thematic device. The journey to tick off each item provides episodic adventures, character growth, and a bittersweet reflection on what makes life worth living, even when it's ending.

Why they belong together: These movies share the specific narrative device of a 'bucket list' used as a coping mechanism and a source of motivation. The similarity lies in the structure—episodic quests driven by a list—and the tone, which balances the darkness of the setting with the lightness of the personal mission.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead movie poster

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

2023
Love and Monsters movie poster

Love and Monsters

2020
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie poster

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

2024
Wander to Wonder movie poster

Wander to Wonder

2023
Earthbound movie poster

Earthbound

2021
The Lost Thing movie poster

The Lost Thing

2010
Waterworld movie poster

Waterworld

1995
The Story of the Voyages movie poster

The Story of the Voyages

1983

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Every angle

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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