Episode 1

**Akira of the Dead** (アキラ オブ ザデッド, *Akira obu zadeddo*?) is the first episode of *Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead* anime adaptation.

## Synopsis

Tendou Akira, who joined a black company and is now in his third year, is facing a despairing daily routine. However, suddenly, a zombie pandemic occurs! Chased by a horde of zombies, Akira finds himself in a dire situation, but within it, he has a flash of inspiration about "words that can change one's life."

## Summary

Akira is engrossed in a zombie show, wishing his own life could be as exciting. Next, we see Akira securing a position in the Production Department three years ago, a job he had always aspired to have. Just before his meeting with Kosugi, the Department Chief, Akira accidentally collides with Saori, an employee from the accounting department. Saori kindly provides Akira with some insights into the business and wishes him luck on his first day.

Following his initial day at work, Akira attends a company gathering at a bar. They inquire about Akira's college experience and other topics. While at the bar, Akira notices Saori and resolves to make a positive impression on her by working diligently. Unexpectedly, everyone's demeanor undergoes a transformation, and they become mindless worker drones. Akira notices their peculiar behavior in the workplace and wonders about the cause. Despite enduring numerous sleepless nights on the job, Akira returns home feeling exhausted. Despite the lack of rest, he remains determined to give it his all.

Akira is informed about the company's employee-friendly policies, including annual paid vacations, anniversary leave, and mental health days. However, Akira sarcastically highlights other aspects of the job that are far from reality. A year goes by, and Kosugi assigns Akira a task to be completed within a week since Takahashi is temporarily unavailable. Satori kindly brings Akira some food as he has been working non-stop, even past his lunch break. Akira jokingly mentions that Satori is the only one keeping him sane, but later discovers she is actually the CEO's mistress, which changes his perspective.

Despite the absence of Satori as a motivation, Akira wonders why he continues working for the production company. He contemplates finding another job but realizes he may not have the time and doesn't want to burden his team. As he enters his third year, Akira becomes increasingly stressed, to the point where he contemplates suicide. Seeking solace, he watches TV shows discussing workplace etiquette and the importance of worker safety and well-being.

Once again, Akira wakes up feeling sleep-deprived. He notices a reminder letter on his door regarding an unpaid fee for his bike space. Akira decides to discuss the matter with the building manager, but he receives no response and finds the manager's door open. To his surprise, the manager has turned into a zombie. Suddenly, Akira finds himself being chased by an army of zombies, questioning the unfolding events. After some reflection, Akira finds joy in the zombie apocalypse, as it means he no longer has to go to work.

Akira discovers a safe spot amidst the zombie chaos and ponders how to make the most of his newfound free time. Additionally, he expresses concern for Satori's well-being but admits that he would rather face being devoured by zombies than keep his feelings for her concealed. Arriving at Satori's apartment, he realizes that his boss has turned into a zombie. Akira takes the opportunity to inform his boss about his resignation, utilizing his rugby skills to tackle him out of the window, resulting in his demise. Noticing Satori's transformation into a zombie, Akira bravely declares his love for her.

Subsequently, Akira ventures out at night to visit a store, reflecting on the direction he wants his life to take. The episode concludes with Akira entering the store, purchasing a Sharpie and a notebook, and transforming it into a comprehensive bucket list containing 100 goals to accomplish.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

* Akira Tendou
* Saori Ohtori
* Gonzou Kosugi

## Gallery

### Storyboard

Episode 1 Storyboard #1Episode 1 Storyboard #2Episode 1 Storyboard #3Episode 1 Storyboard #4
### Illustrations

Hanako Ueda (Key Animation) Illustration #1Hanako Ueda (Key Animation) Illustration #1Håvard Skjeggestad Dale (Key Animation) IllustrationTakata Koutarou Illustration
## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 BUG FILMS (@BUG\_FILMS). TVアニメ『#ゾン100 ～ゾンビになるまでにしたい100のこと～』ご視聴ありがとうございました ◤￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣ 　 　　第1話 原画公開 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿◢ @Zom100\_anime\_JP #BUGFILMS (in Japanese).
2. ↑ Hanako Ueda (@hanamaru\_hnkc). 第1話ご視聴ありがとうございました～！#ゾン100 (in Japanese).
3. ↑ Hanako Ueda (@hanamaru\_hnkc). 本日発表されましたアニメ『ゾン100』を副監督させて頂くことになりました！川越監督と足並み揃えて頑張ります！よろしくお願いします！ #ゾン100 (in Japanese).
4. ↑ Håvard Skjeggestad Dale (@Habarudo). Thank you for watching Zom100 #1! Working on the first episode was a blast! I drew a LOT of zombies! ゾン100の1話ご覧になって、ありがとうございます！ 1話参加できてすごく楽しかったです。ゾンビいっぱい描きました! #Zom100 #ゾン100
5. ↑ Takata Koutarou's Official Twitter (@kosamehal). Reference link: 告知ー。本日7/9、MBS/TBS系17;00より「ゾン100」アニメ始まりますー。よろしくお願いしますー！ (in Japanese) (Retrieved July 9, 2023).