The ending of this Japanese zombie comedy proves that even zombie outbreaks have a silver lining!
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a 2023 Japanese satirical comedy helmed by Yusuke Ishida and featuring Shuntaro Yanagi, Mai Shiraishi, Eiji Akaso, and Kazuki Kitamura in key roles. Zom 100 follows Eiji Akaso as a corporate employee who finally decides to live his life jovially and embark on a journey to fulfill his bucket list when a zombie outbreak sends a sudden sabbatical his way. In a particularly hopeful ending for its fun protagonists, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead hints at a possibility for future adventures as well for its leading trio.
‘Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ Story Summary
In anticipation of commencing his first full-time employment, Tendo Akira (Eiji Akaso) eagerly steps into the realm of Master Shot’s commercial production division, where the guidance of Chief Kosugi (Kazuki Kitamura) awaits. The initial days encompass everything Tendo had envisioned, with the promise of a fulfilling professional journey. However, this idyllic facade gradually crumbles as an incessant deluge of tasks descends upon him, threatening to engulf his enthusiasm and vitality.
The concept of overtime on his maiden day seems relatively ordinary, an unavoidable aspect of acclimatizing to the new role. Yet, this semblance of routine soon spirals into an unrelenting pattern, a relentless cycle that erodes Tendo’s zest for life. Each passing day sees his workload increasing, consuming not just his time, but his very essence. Amidst this tumultuous predicament, Tendo’s staunchest confidant, Kencho (Shutaro Yanagi), extends a lifeline of advice. Encouraging him to recalibrate his perspective, Kencho advocates for a bold departure from the suffocating quagmire of overwork. Tendo instead of listening to Kencho gets angry and screams at him because of frustration and ends up fighting over a college football match they lost.
Tendo remains trapped in the clutches of his corrosive work environment, the relentless pressure gradually chipping away at his spirit. Amidst this abyss, a solitary beacon emerges in the form of Ohtori (Yui Ichikawa), a senior producer, who extends a rare solace to Tendo, offering a semblance of respite and understanding. A span of twelve months unfolds, and Tendo’s existence remains ensnared within the confines of the noxious work environment. Each day seems to blend into the next, an unending cycle of toxicity that relentlessly erodes his well-being.
Tendo Finds A Silver Lining Amidst A Zombie Outbreak
As the sun rises on another day of impending struggle, Tendo steps out from his dwelling, bracing himself for yet another grueling ordeal. However, as he steps onto the unforgiving streets, a chilling sight meets his eyes – a writhing mass of zombies – an eerie manifestation of the chaos that has engulfed the world. Yet, amidst the impending danger and the apocalyptic scene, an unexpected realization dawns upon Tendo. His very first thought, amidst the impending doom, is an exhilarating revelation – he is free from the shackles of his oppressive job. The weight of his toxic work environment, which had for so long suffocated him, suddenly lifts and gets replaced by a surge of liberation. It’s a stark reminder of how precious and fragile the concept of freedom truly is.
Swiftly, Tendo navigates his way to the safety of his building’s terrace, a vantage point that offers a brief respite from the chaos below. There, atop the world that’s seemingly falling apart, he allows himself a moment of celebration. His jubilant cries pierce through the air, a triumphant proclamation of his newfound emancipation.
Yet, even in the midst of this upheaval, Tendo’s thoughts turn to an unexpected source – Ohtori – the senior producer who had shown him a glimmer of comfort amidst the darkness. It’s a moment of clarity amidst the chaos, a decision fueled by an innate sense of humanity and love. Determined, Tendo embarks on a perilous journey, descending the side of the building using a precarious pipe as his makeshift lifeline.
Tendo encounters a pregnant couple along his path, despite the dire circumstances, his concern for their well-being shines through. He pauses, taking a moment to inquire if they require anything from the market – a simple yet profound display of compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity. And so, as the world burns and the threat of zombies looms large, Tendo’s actions become a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Amidst the chaos, he forges ahead, driven by a dual purpose – to save the one person who had extended a hand of kindness and to extend his own kindness to others in need.
Tendo locates Ohtori, alongside the zombified Director. He conquers the Director, but Ohtori falls victim to the bite, transforming into a zombie. Expressing his long-hidden affection, Tendo bids her farewell. Upon returning home, the vanished pregnant couple’s bloodied dwelling unveils the grim reality to Tendo. The magnitude of the situation crystallizes, and Tendo’s pursuit of a desired life reaches its zenith. Becoming zombie sustenance seems preferable to surrendering his aspirations. Tendo compiles a bucket list before succumbing to zombification. Methodically, he embarks on fulfilling each ambition.
Tendo Finds Friends In Shizuka And Kencho
In the midst of his journey, Tendo crosses paths with a girl at a supermarket, whose perspective contrasts sharply with his own. While Tendo embraces aiding others, she contends that such efforts only attract further complications. Their paths diverge, each holding their beliefs. As they part ways, Tendo’s solitude prompts reflections on his closest friend, Kencho. Learning of Kencho’s survival, Tendo stages a daring rescue, mending their strained relationship and offering an apology for past conduct.
Achieving reconciliation, Kencho becomes a pillar of support as Tendo unveils his aspiration to become a post-apocalyptic superhero. United, they devise a plan to reach the Marine Paradise Aquarium in Ibarakai, renowned for its shark suit, a safeguard against shark attacks, that will enable Tendo’s ambitions. With a steel suit, zombies won’t be able to bite Tendo; this will be his super suit. Embarking for the sanctuary, the trio aids survivors en route – bus driver, flight attendants, and the market girl, Shizuka (Mai Shiraishi). The group’s unity shatters as contagion claims members one by one. Tendo, Kencho, and Shizuka endure, forging an unbreakable bond. During the journey, their camaraderie blossoms, striving to fulfill Tendo’s goals from the bucket list while en route to the sanctuary.
Past Trauma Refuses To Leave Tendo’s Side
Within the confines of the aquarium, Tendo’s ordeal rekindles, encountering a haunting specter from his past – Chief Kosugi – the very figure to whom he once reported at his previous job. The aquarium is governed by the same oppressive approach as Master Shot, with Kosugi at the helm. Tendo’s recruitment mirrors his prior experience, plunging him back into the abyss of toxic work dynamics. Kencho and Shizuka share a heavy heart, witnessing their once-vibrant friend, now toiling ceaselessly under remorseless Kosugi’s rule.
The pregnant couple, recipients of Tendo’s prior goodwill, also inhabits this realm. Amidst the grimness, the husband pledges escape aid, but Tendo resigns to the toxic grind. Shizuka stumbles upon Tendo’s bucket list, triggering a public confrontation. Undeterred, she exposes the bitter truth – that Tendo’s already a “zombie” here. Fueled by Shizuka’s conviction, Tendo recommits to pursuing his aspirations, ready to sever ties with Kosugi’s oppressive grip.
‘Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ Ending Explained
Amidst the aquarium’s labyrinth, a lone zombie infiltrates a supply truck, triggering an unholy invasion. Kosugi’s veneer of leadership crumbles as he prioritizes his own safety. Tendo and companions secure the enclave of the Shark Exhibition, yet the contained shark bears grim signs of its own feasting. A transformation unfolds in the form of a zombie shark with legs who starts hunting the trio of Tendo, Kencho, and Shizuka. Shizuka devises her own method against zombies, while Tendo faces the monstrous shark. Aware of the shark’s vulnerability, Tendo hurls batteries at the shark, electrocuting the creature through his steel suit.
Do Tendo, Shizuka, and Kencho Make It Out Alive?
At the end of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, with the zombies left trapped inside the aquarium, the survivors begin stuffing their cars with supplies in a bid to leave in search of a new haven. Surprisingly, Kosugi reappears to take back his mantle. However, united by their new leader, the survivors renounce the stifling dominion of Kosugi’s world. Empowered, they embark on a shared path, embracing newfound freedom. Tendo, Kencho, and Shizuka depart, charting a future driven by collective dreams and a harmonious union transcending past constraints.
On this new journey, Tendo asks Kencho and Shizuka to add to his bucket list. Kencho notes down his wish to become a comedian and bring laughs into the lives of people whereas Shizuka expresses her desire to become a doctor who saved lives. When Tendo’s turn finally comes, he first cuts across his wish of being a superhero who saves live – something he has already achieved. Thereon, he goes on to write down his latest addition to the bucket list – making being a superhero his new job! As the three friends drive toward a hopeful future in a land of the dead, supported by his companions and his aspirations, Tendo metamorphoses into the hero he aspires to be and chooses the life he always desired.
Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead is available to stream on Netflix.
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