Sakamoto Days is the perfect mix of action and absurdity

There’s no such thing as a former mercenary. For anime fans, 2025 began with a bang: the return of the historical detective series Pharmacist's Monologue and the sequel to the popular isekai Solo Leveling. But one standout is the brand-new 11-episode action series, Sakamoto Days, already topping Netflix Japan's charts. It's truly excellent, and here's why.

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

Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman, traded assassinations for a life with his cashier wife and daughter. Now, his past catches up.

Sakamoto Days adapts Yuto Suzuki's manga (launched in 2020), quickly gaining popularity for its action-comedy blend. Protagonist Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary assassin, unexpectedly fell for a grocery store cashier, retiring to a peaceful life running a small shop. His quiet existence is shattered by the arrival of Shin, his former partner, tasked with eliminating him—because you can't just quit being a killer. Sakamoto must protect his family from his deadly past.

The series shines with absurd battles: Sakamoto catches bullets with chewing gum and fights with kitchen utensils!

Sakamoto Days' spectacular fight scenes are a highlight. Each episode introduces a new antagonist with unique killing techniques. Sakamoto, however, rarely uses weapons, relying on wit and reflexes, creatively adapting everyday objects: chopsticks, chewing gum, pens, spatulas, ladles—all become weapons in his arsenal. His superhuman speed and agility are incredible.

The series shouldn't be taken too seriously; it's a comedy. Sakamoto's near-invulnerability is either embraced or a deal-breaker. The show cleverly satirizes his omnipotence, contrasting it with his ordinary physique.

Contrasts form the foundation of the narrative

The show masterfully juxtaposes characters, storylines, and tone. Sakamoto, a principled family man with a dark past, balances household chores with the fear of divorce over assassinations. He even employs former adversaries, offering jobs and overtime! His adversaries are equally complex, possessing rich backstories and unexpected empathy. The lines between deadly and harmless constantly blur. A potential killer might change sides, while an ordinary pizza delivery guy could be a psychopath.

Top-notch animation in Sakamoto Days

TMS Entertainment (Dr. Stone, Detective Conan) delivers top-tier shonen animation. Fight scenes are dynamic, with masterful shadow play and fluid motion. Sakamoto's grace contrasts with Shin's classic Hollywood action hero style.

Killing is bad: this message dominates the first four episodes

The series balances intense action with heartwarming family comedy. The fights aren't just spectacle; they reveal character depth and enhance relationships. Sakamoto Days is enjoyable, blending humor, well-choreographed battles, and a lighthearted script. Its moral compass 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

Superagent Lloyd Forger creates a fake family to infiltrate his target's life. His "wife" is a secret assassin, and his "daughter" can read minds. The family dynamic blends comedy and action, with similar protagonists to Sakamoto, both skilled professionals who remain calm under pressure and achieve the impossible. Anya and Shin even share similar superpowers.

Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband

Legendary yakuza Tatsu becomes a househusband, finding everyday tasks absurdly challenging. The humor and absurdity are similar to Sakamoto Days, with a protagonist who approaches even mundane tasks with his unique perspective.

The Fable

Hitman Akira Sato ("The Fable") must live a normal life for a year. The premise and setting are similar to Sakamoto Days, though with a darker tone and more dramatic exploration of themes.

Hinamatsuri

Yakuza member Nitta finds a girl with telekinetic powers and becomes a reluctant father figure. Like Sakamoto, he balances a dangerous past with domestic responsibilities.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

Former mercenary Himura Kenshin seeks redemption, helping those in need. Sakamoto Days can be seen as a modern take on Rurouni Kenshin, both showcasing former mercenaries leading ordinary lives, balancing action and comedy, and gathering unlikely allies.

Assassination Classroom

A powerful alien teacher gives his students a year to assassinate him before he destroys Earth. The show plays with contrasts, similar to Sakamoto Days, challenging expectations and stereotypes.

Buddy Daddies

Hitmen Kazuki and Rei become unlikely parents. Their struggle to balance crime and childcare mirrors Sakamoto's challenges.