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 shines: the brand-new 11-episode action series, Sakamoto Days, which swiftly topped 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, adapted from Yuto Suzuki's manga (launched in 2020), quickly amassed a devoted following for its unique blend of action and humor. Protagonist Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary assassin—a nightmare for criminals and an idol to his peers—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, reappeared, tasked with eliminating him. After all, you can't simply 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. It's gloriously over-the-top!
Sakamoto Days' standout feature is its spectacular fight choreography. Each episode introduces a new antagonist with elaborate killing techniques. Yet, Sakamoto rarely uses weapons; his combat relies on quick thinking and reflexes, creatively adapting everyday objects. He catches bullets with chopsticks, deflects them with chewing gum, fights with pens, blocks attacks with spatulas and ladles, and dodges lethal strikes at superhuman speeds.
The series shouldn't be taken too seriously; it's a comedy as much as an action spectacle. You either embrace Sakamoto's near-invulnerability or walk away. The show cleverly satirizes its protagonist's omnipotence, contrasting hilariously with his physique.
Contrasts form the foundation of the narrative
Character portrayals, storylines, and tone frequently juxtapose. Sakamoto is a principled family man with a dark past, helping neighbors and fearing divorce more than assassination. He employs the downtrodden, like Shin, offering jobs and 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) delivers animation adhering to the best shonen traditions. Fight scenes are particularly impressive, utilizing strong shadow contrasts and fluid motion to convey dynamic movement.
Sakamoto's movements possess the grace of a professional fighter, while Shin's evoke classic Hollywood action heroes.
Killing is bad: this message dominates the first four episodes
The series balances uplifting family comedy with criminal intrigue and action. Fights aren't mere spectacle; they reveal character depth and enhance relationships. Sakamoto Days is enjoyable, blending humor, well-choreographed battles, and a lighthearted script. Its moral resonates, and the series constantly surprises.
While the series is still ongoing, we’d like to suggest some cool stuff to hang on
Spy x Family
Studios: Wit Studio, CloverWorks
Commonalities: Family atmosphere, comedy, and action. Sakamoto and Lloyd share similarities: seasoned professionals who remain calm under pressure, consistently succeed, and perform the impossible. Anya and Shin even have similar superpowers.
Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband
Studio: J.C. Staff
Commonalities: Humor and absurdity. The protagonists are experienced individuals who view even mundane tasks differently. Everyday life becomes extraordinary.
The Fable
Studio: Tezuka Productions
Commonalities: Premise and setting. The Fable is darker than Sakamoto Days, offering more drama and complex themes.
Hinamatsuri
Studio: Feel
Commonalities: Nitta is like John Wick with a daughter, balancing a dangerous past with domestic responsibilities, similar to Sakamoto.
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan
Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen
Commonalities: A modern parallel to Rurouni Kenshin; both left violent pasts and strive for ordinary lives, balancing comedy and action, and gathering allies unaware of their true danger.
Assassination Classroom
Studio: Lerche
Commonalities: Playing with contrasts. Characters defy expectations and challenge stereotypes.
Buddy Daddies
Studio: P.A. Works
Commonalities: Mercenaries attempting normal lives, struggling to balance crime and childcare, mirroring Sakamoto's challenges.
