There’s no such thing as a former mercenary. For anime fans, 2025 began with a bang: the long-awaited continuation of the historical detective series Pharmacist's Monologue and the sequel to the popular isekai Solo Leveling arrived. But one title truly shone: the brand-new 11-episode action series, Sakamoto Days, quickly topping Netflix Japan's charts.
Table of Contents
- It really is an excellent anime. Let’s break down why!
- Contrasts form the foundation of the narrative
- Top-notch animation in Sakamoto Days
- Killing is bad: this message dominates the first four episodes
- While the series is still ongoing, we’d like to suggest some cool stuff to hang on
It really is an excellent anime. Let’s break down why!
Sakamoto Days adapts Yuto Suzuki's manga (launched in 2020), quickly gaining a huge following for its blend of action and humor. Protagonist Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary assassin—a nightmare for criminals and an idol to his colleagues—unexpectedly fell for a cheerful grocery store cashier. He retired, married, became a father, and embraced a peaceful life running a small shop. That is, until Shin, his former partner and protégé, arrived, tasked with eliminating him. After all, you can't just quit being a killer. Now, the domesticated assassin must protect his family.
The series' highlight? Absurd battles where Sakamoto catches bullets with chewing gum and defends himself with a ladle!
Sakamoto Days' spectacular fight scenes are a standout. Each episode introduces a new antagonist with elaborate killing techniques. However, Sakamoto rarely uses weapons; instead, he relies on quick thinking and reflexes, creatively adapting everyday objects: chopsticks, chewing gum, pens, spatulas, and ladles become tools of survival. He dodges lethal strikes at superhuman speeds.
Don't take the events too seriously; it's a comedy. You either accept Sakamoto's near-invulnerability or turn it off. The series humorously contrasts his omnipotence with his physique.
Contrasts form the foundation of the narrative
Character portrayals, storylines, and tone constantly juxtapose. Sakamoto, a principled family man with a dark past, eagerly helps neighbors, fearing divorce more than assassins. He employs the downtrodden, like Shin, even paying overtime. His adversaries are equally complex, possessing rich backstories and unexpected empathy. In Sakamoto Days, the deadly can become harmless, and vice versa; a potential killer might switch sides, while a pizza delivery guy could be a psychopath.
Top-notch animation in Sakamoto Days
TMS Entertainment (Dr. Stone, Detective Conan) handles the adaptation, delivering top-tier shonen animation. Fight scenes utilize dramatic shadow contrasts and fluid motion, conveying dynamic movement effectively. Sakamoto moves with the grace of a professional fighter, while Shin's maneuvers evoke classic Hollywood action heroes.
Killing is bad: this message dominates the first four episodes
Half the screen time focuses on uplifting family comedy with a diverse cast; the other half delves into criminal intrigue and action. The fights aren't just spectacle; they reveal character depth and enhance interpersonal dynamics.
Sakamoto Days is enjoyable, blending humor, well-choreographed battles, and lighthearted scripting. Its moral resonates, and the series constantly surprises. Given its pace and source material, it's unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
While the series is still ongoing, we’d like to suggest some cool stuff to hang on
Spy x Family
Studios: Wit Studio, CloverWorks
Superagent Lloyd Forger creates a fake family to get close to his target, recruiting Yor (a hired assassin) and Anya (a mind-reading girl). The family atmosphere, comedy, and action mirror Sakamoto Days, with similar protagonists and sidekicks.
Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband
Studio: J.C. Staff
Legendary yakuza Tatsu becomes a househusband, finding humor and absurdity in everyday tasks. The shared humor and the protagonist's unique perspective resonate with Sakamoto Days.
The Fable
Studio: Tezuka Productions
Hitman Akira Sato must live a normal life for a year. Similar premise and setting, but with a darker tone and more dramatic exploration of themes.
Hinamatsuri
Studio: Feel
Yakuza member Nitta takes in Hina, a girl with telekinetic powers. Nitta's balancing of a dangerous past with domestic responsibilities mirrors Sakamoto.
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan
Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen
Former mercenary Himura Kenshin seeks redemption, helping those in need. Sakamoto Days can be seen as a modern Rurouni Kenshin, sharing similar themes, balance of comedy and action, and cast dynamics.
Assassination Classroom
Studio: Lerche
A powerful alien teacher challenges his students to assassinate him. The use of contrasts and challenging of stereotypes mirrors Sakamoto Days.
Buddy Daddies
Studio: P.A. Works
Hitmen Kazuki and Rei become unlikely parents. The struggle to balance crime and childcare mirrors Sakamoto's challenges.
