Sakamoto Days is the perfect mix of action and absurdity

For anime fans, 2025 kicked off with an exciting lineup, featuring the highly anticipated continuation of the historical detective series "Pharmacist's Monologue" and the sequel to the beloved isekai "Solo Leveling." However, one title that has captured the attention of viewers is the brand-new 11-episode action series "Sakamoto Days," which has already claimed the top spot on Netflix Japan's charts.

Sakamoto Days: A Retired Hitman's New Life

"Sakamoto Days" is an adaptation of Yuto Suzuki's manga, which began in 2020 and quickly amassed a large following due to its unique blend of action and humor. The protagonist, Taro Sakamoto, was once a legendary assassin within Japan's assassins' association, a nightmare for criminals and an idol among his peers. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he fell deeply in love with a cheerful cashier at a local grocery store. Choosing happiness over his deadly profession, Sakamoto retired, got married, became a father, and settled into a peaceful existence running a small shop.

His tranquil life is disrupted when Shin, his former partner and protégé, reappears. Acting on orders from their boss, Shin aims to eliminate Taro, proving that one can't simply walk away from the world of killing. Now, Sakamoto must protect not only himself but also his wife and young daughter from his past catching up with him.

What makes "Sakamoto Days" truly engaging are its absurd battles. Taro catches bullets with chewing gum and defends himself with everyday objects like a ladle, showcasing his ingenuity and quick thinking.

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Spectacular Fight Scenes and Humorous Tone

The series stands out with its spectacular fight scenes, where each episode introduces a new antagonist with unique killing techniques. Sakamoto rarely uses traditional weapons, instead relying on his reflexes and quick thinking to adapt everyday items into tools of defense. From catching bullets with chopsticks to deflecting them with chewing gum, and even fighting with pens and spatulas, his methods are both inventive and humorous.

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While the action is intense, "Sakamoto Days" is not to be taken too seriously. It's a comedy at heart, poking fun at Sakamoto's near-invulnerability and contrasting it with his domestic life.

Contrasts Form the Foundation of the Narrative

The series thrives on contrasts. Sakamoto, a principled family man with a dark past, is juxtaposed against his adversaries, who are equally complex and often have empathetic backstories. His everyday life is filled with helping neighbors and fearing divorce more than any assassin. Sakamoto's willingness to take in the downtrodden, like Shin, and give them jobs at his store further highlights these contrasts.

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Top-Notch Animation

The animation, handled by TMS Entertainment, known for "Dr. Stone" and "Detective Conan," adheres to the best shonen traditions. The fight scenes are particularly impressive, with high-contrast shadows and fluid motion that effectively convey dynamic movement and smart pacing.

Killing is Bad: A Dominant Theme

The first four episodes emphasize the moral stance that killing is bad. The series balances this message with uplifting family comedy and criminal intrigue, focusing on character depth and interpersonal dynamics rather than just spectacle.

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"Sakamoto Days" is a delightful watch, blending humor, well-choreographed battles, and a lighthearted scripting approach. Its moral message resonates universally, and the series continually surprises its audience, maintaining a high pace based on its rich source material.

Similar Anime to Watch While Waiting for More Episodes

Spy x Family

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**Studios:** Wit Studio, CloverWorks

Superagent Lloyd Forger takes on a mission to create a fake family to get closer to his target. He recruits Yor, a city hall worker who is secretly an assassin, and Anya, a mind-reading girl, as his daughter. Together, they build a cozy home, unaware of each other's secrets.

**What’s in common?** Both "Sakamoto Days" and "Spy x Family" feature a family atmosphere mixed with comedy and action. The protagonists, Sakamoto and Lloyd, are seasoned professionals who remain calm in danger and perform the impossible. Their sidekicks, Anya and Shin, share similar superpowers.

Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband

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**Studio:** J.C. Staff

Tatsu, once the legendary yakuza known as the Immortal Dragon, retires to become a househusband. He navigates everyday tasks with the intensity of a battlefield, cooking meals and keeping the house tidy while his wife pursues her career.

**What’s in common?** Both series are filled with humor and absurdity, featuring protagonists who have seen it all and approach everyday life with a unique perspective.

The Fable

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**Studio:** Tezuka Productions

Akira Sato, known as The Fable, is a hitman forced to live as a law-abiding citizen for a year. Boredom leads him back to the mafia, but his story is darker in tone than "Sakamoto Days."

**What’s in common?** The premise of a hitman trying to live a normal life is shared, though "The Fable" delves deeper into drama and complex themes.

Hinamatsuri

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**Studio:** Feel

Yakuza member Nitta finds a girl with telekinetic powers, Hina, inside a giant iron egg. He takes her in, and their relationship evolves into a father-daughter dynamic.

**What’s in common?** Both Nitta and Sakamoto balance their dangerous pasts with domestic responsibilities, finding humor and heart in their new lives.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

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**Studios:** Gallop, Studio Deen

Set during the Meiji era, former mercenary Himura Kenshin seeks redemption by helping those in need.

**What’s in common?** "Sakamoto Days" can be seen as a modern-day "Rurouni Kenshin." Both protagonists left their violent pasts behind to live ordinary lives, balancing comedy and action while defending the weak.

Assassination Classroom

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**Studio:** Lerche

An alien promises to destroy Earth in a year but first becomes a teacher to a class of misfits, challenging them to kill him before the deadline.

**What’s in common?** Both series play with contrasts, featuring characters that defy expectations and challenge stereotypes.

Buddy Daddies

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**Studio:** P.A. Works

Hitmen Kazuki and Rei must balance their freelance assassinations with parenting when a young girl, Miri, enters their lives.

**What’s in common?** Both "Sakamoto Days" and "Buddy Daddies" feature mercenaries trying to lead normal lives, struggling to balance crime and childcare.