Sakamoto Days: A Blend of Action and Absurdity

For anime enthusiasts, 2025 kicked off with a spectacular lineup, including the eagerly awaited continuation of the historical detective series *Pharmacist's Monologue* and the sequel to the beloved isekai *Solo Leveling*. However, the anime that has truly captured the spotlight is the brand-new 11-episode action series *Sakamoto Days*, which has swiftly soared to the top of Netflix Japan's charts.

Why Sakamoto Days is an Excellent Anime

*Sakamoto Days* is a thrilling adaptation of Yuto Suzuki's manga, which debuted in 2020 and quickly amassed a dedicated following due to its unique blend of action and humor. The story revolves around Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary assassin within Japan’s assassins’ association, feared by criminals and revered by his peers. 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, married, became a father, and settled into a tranquil existence running a small shop.

However, his peaceful life is disrupted when his former partner-in-crime and protégé, Shin, reappears, acting under orders from their boss to eliminate Taro. The series excels in showcasing absurd yet captivating battles where Sakamoto ingeniously uses everyday items like chewing gum to catch bullets and a ladle to defend himself.

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The standout feature of *Sakamoto Days* is its spectacular fight scenes, where each episode introduces a new antagonist with elaborate killing techniques. Yet, Sakamoto rarely resorts to weapons, relying instead on his quick thinking and reflexes to adapt everyday objects to the situation at hand. Whether it's catching bullets with chopsticks, deflecting them with chewing gum, fighting back with pens, blocking attacks with spatulas and ladles, or dodging lethal strikes at superhuman speeds, the series is a testament to creativity and humor.

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Contrasts Form the Foundation of the Narrative

*Sakamoto Days* thrives on the juxtaposition of character portrayals, storylines, and tone. Taro Sakamoto, a principled family man with a dark past, contrasts sharply with his former life as an assassin. He's dedicated to helping his neighbors with household chores and fears divorce more than any assassin. His willingness to take in the downtrodden, like Shin, and provide them with jobs at his store, showcases his compassionate side.

His adversaries are equally complex, with rich backstories and a capacity for empathy. The series blurs the lines between good and evil, where a potential killer might switch sides, and a seemingly innocuous pizza delivery guy could reveal a darker side.

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Top-Notch Animation in Sakamoto Days

Produced by TMS Entertainment, known for acclaimed works like *Dr. Stone* and *Detective Conan*, *Sakamoto Days* boasts animation that adheres to the best shonen traditions. The fight scenes are particularly striking, with enhanced shadow contrasts and fluid motion that effectively convey dynamic movement through smooth transitions and smart pacing.

Sakamoto's movements are graceful and precise, reminiscent of a professional fighter, while Shin's maneuvers evoke the flair of classic Hollywood action heroes.

Killing is Bad: This Message Dominates the First Four Episodes

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The series strikes a balance between family comedy and criminal intrigue. While half the screen time is dedicated to the uplifting and diverse cast of characters in a family setting, the other half delves into action and criminal undertones. The fight scenes are not just for spectacle; they reveal character depth and enhance interpersonal dynamics.

*Sakamoto Days* is a delightful watch, blending humor, well-choreographed battles, and a lighthearted scripting approach. Its moral message resonates universally, and the series constantly surprises its audience, setting a high pace from the outset and promising more excitement to come.

While the Series is Still Ongoing, Here Are Some Cool Anime to Check Out

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 seemingly modest city hall worker, as his wife, and Anya, a clever little girl, as his daughter. Unbeknownst to each other, Yor is a hired assassin, and Anya can read minds.

**What’s in common?**

Both *Sakamoto Days* and *Spy x Family* feature a mix of family atmosphere, comedy, and action. The protagonists, Sakamoto and Lloyd, are seasoned professionals who remain calm under pressure and excel at their tasks. Additionally, 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. His daily life now involves battling supermarket sales, cooking meals, and keeping the house tidy while his wife pursues her career. The anime humorously depicts sketches from his daily life.

**What’s in common?**

Both series highlight humor and absurdity. Tatsu, like Sakamoto, brings a unique perspective to everyday tasks, turning them into amusing challenges.

The Fable

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**Studio:** Tezuka Productions

Akira Sato, known as The Fable, is a notorious hitman forced to live as a law-abiding citizen for a year. He takes up a job as a courier and tries to adapt to normal life, but boredom leads him back to the mafia.

**What’s in common?**

Both *Sakamoto Days* and *The Fable* share similar premises and settings, though *The Fable* delves into darker themes and explores complex character dynamics.

Hinamatsuri

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**Studio:** Feel

When a giant iron egg falls on yakuza member Nitta, he discovers Hina, a girl with telekinetic powers, inside. He takes her in on the condition that she helps him with work, gradually treating her like a daughter.

**What’s in common?**

Nitta's story parallels Sakamoto's, balancing a dangerous past with domestic responsibilities, showcasing the challenges of adapting to family life.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

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**Studios:** Gallop, Studio Deen

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

**What’s in common?**

*Sakamoto Days* can be seen as a modern-day *Rurouni Kenshin*, with both protagonists leaving behind violent pasts to live ordinary lives, balancing action and comedy while defending the weak and gathering allies unaware of their true nature.

Assassination Classroom

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**Studio:** Lerche

An alien promising to destroy Earth in a year takes a job as a teacher for a class of misfits, challenging them to kill him before the deadline.

**What’s in common?**

Both series play with contrasts, challenging stereotypes and expectations with characters who defy their roles and reveal unexpected depths.

Buddy Daddies

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**Studio:** P.A. Works

Hitmen Kazuki and Rei's lives are transformed when they take in the energetic girl Miri, juggling their assassin careers with unexpected parental duties.

**What’s in common?**

Both *Sakamoto Days* and *Buddy Daddies* explore the theme of mercenaries trying to lead normal lives, struggling to balance their dangerous professions with newfound family responsibilities.