Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead follows Akira Tendo, a disillusioned office worker who rediscovers his zest for life during a zombie apocalypse, completing 100 bucket list goals with his friends Shizuka Mikazuki and Kencho.
The series blends dark comedy with existential themes of freedom, societal critique, and finding purpose in chaos.
This curated list highlights 25 quotes that embody the show’s irreverent spirit and philosophical undertones across its manga and anime arcs.
Finally… I’m free from overtime!
(Episode 1: “Akira of the Dead”)
Akira Tendo
Akira’s twisted euphoria upon realizing the apocalypse liberates him from corporate slavery
Zombies don’t care about your job title or savings account
(Chapter 5: “The New Rules”)
Shizuka Mikazuki
Shizuka’s pragmatic worldview during their first supply run, rejecting societal hierarchies
Let’s turn this apocalypse into the ultimate playground!
(Episode 3: “Bucket List of the Dead”)
Akira Tendo
Declaration while painting his list, reframing survival as intentional living
Surviving isn’t enough – we need to feel alive
(Chapter 12: “The Beer Run”)
Kencho
Philosophy during their risky brewery raid for “Drink All You Want” list item
In a world without bosses… who decides our worth?
(Episode 7: “Salaryman No More”)
Akira Tendo
Existential crisis during abandoned office revisit, confronting past trauma
Run toward what sparks joy, not just away from teeth
(Chapter 22: “Zombie Surfing”)
Shizuka Mikazuki
Advice during Osaka escape, shifting Akira’s survival strategy
My résumé’s irrelevant – now I’m certified in zombie jousting!
(Episode 5: “Extreme Sports Apocalypse”)
Akira Tendo
Celebrating unconventional skills gained during theme park list item
We’re not escaping death… we’re chasing life
(Chapter 30: “The Midnight Drive-In”)
Kencho
Poetic observation during outdoor movie night with stolen projector
Why fear retirement when the world already ended?
(Episode 10: “Pension Plan Zombies”)
Akira Tendo
Mocking corporate ladder mentality during nursing home rescue mission
This bloodstain? Call it my promotion to Human Class: Alive
(Chapter 8: “Performance Review”)
Akira Tendo
Dark humor while barricading his apartment, rejecting workaholic past
Zombies rot outwardly – we rotted inwardly first
(Episode 6: “The Last Broadcast”)
TV Announcer
Final news broadcast message critiquing pre-apocalypse societal decay
I don’t need vacation days when every day’s Saturday!
(Chapter 15: “Endless Weekend”)
Akira Tendo
Embracing perpetual freedom during fishing trip list item
Survival tip: Yesterday’s liabilities become today’s weapons
(Episode 4: “Office Warfare”)
Shizuka Mikazuki
Utilizing office supplies against undead former coworkers
My last performance review gave me 0% survival chance… bet they’re zombies now
(Chapter 18: “Employee of the Month”)
Akira Tendo
Cathartic joke while destroying his old workplace
Guts make better paint than spreadsheets ever did
(Episode 2: “Canvas of the Dead”)
Akira Tendo
Creating zombie blood art for “Express Yourself” list goal
Apocalypse rule #1: No refunds on risks taken
(Chapter 25: “The Bungee Jump”)
Kencho
Encouraging Akira during daring undead bungee jump challenge
They’re not chasing us – we’re leading the dance!
(Episode 8: “Zombie Samba”)
Akira Tendo
Reframing a horde chase as musical adventure in Rio parody
My new resume: Professional hope dealer
(Chapter 40: “The Hope Convoy”)
Shizuka Mikazuki
Leading survivors while distributing bucket list items as morale boosters
Zombie capitalism’s scarier – at least the undead eat you fast
(Episode 12: “Mall of the Dead”)
Kencho
Critique during department store raid witnessing survivors hoarding goods
I’m not living post-apocalypse… I’m finally pre-living!
(Chapter 50: “The Pre-Life Crisis”)
Akira Tendo
Rejecting doomsday rhetoric during hot air balloon list item
They want brains? Joke’s on them – mine’s corporate mush!
(Episode 9: “Brain Drain”)
Akira Tendo
Self-deprecating joke during library knowledge preservation mission
True freedom’s writing your own HR policies
(Chapter 33: “Employee Handbook of the Dead”)
Shizuka Mikazuki
Establishing survivor camp rules emphasizing mutual joy over productivity
My severance package? A world without severance!
(Episode 11: “Golden Parachute”)
Akira Tendo
Celebratory scream after burning his old employment contracts
Zombies remind us: Live before you’re just surviving
(Chapter 60: “The Memorial”)
Kencho
Eulogy for fallen survivor, rejecting nihilism
Bucket list #100: Prove living beats existing
(Finale Chapter: “The Last Checkbox”)
Akira Tendo
Final list entry embodying the series’ core philosophy
