"Sakamoto Days: Action Meets Absurdity Perfectly"

For anime enthusiasts, 2025 kicked off with a thrilling lineup, including the much-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 widespread attention is the brand-new 11-episode action series *Sakamoto Days*, which has swiftly climbed to the top of Netflix Japan's charts.

Why Sakamoto Days is an Excellent Anime

*Sakamoto Days* is truly an exceptional anime, and here's why it stands out. The series is an adaptation of Yuto Suzuki's manga, which debuted in 2020 and quickly amassed a significant following due to its unique blend of action and humor. The protagonist, Taro Sakamoto, was once a legendary assassin within Japan's assassins' association, feared by criminals and revered by his peers. However, his life took a surprising 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 embraced a peaceful life running a small shop.

The plot thickens when his former partner-in-crime and protégé, Shin, reappears, acting on orders to eliminate Taro. The notion that one cannot simply quit being a killer becomes a central theme as the now-domesticated assassin must protect his family from his past. The highlight of the series is undoubtedly the absurd yet entertaining battles where Sakamoto uses everyday items ingeniously, like catching bullets with chewing gum or defending himself with a ladle.

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The series is renowned for its spectacular fight scenes, where each episode introduces a new antagonist with elaborate killing techniques. Sakamoto's reliance on quick thinking and reflexes, rather than conventional weapons, adds a refreshing twist. He catches bullets with chopsticks, deflects them with chewing gum, fights back with pens, blocks attacks with spatulas and ladles, and dodges lethal strikes at superhuman speeds.

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While the action is intense, *Sakamoto Days* doesn't take itself too seriously, embracing its comedic elements. Viewers must accept Sakamoto's near-invulnerability or miss out on the fun, as the series humorously contrasts his omnipotence with his ordinary physique.

Contrasts Form the Foundation of the Narrative

The narrative thrives on contrasts, with character portrayals, storylines, and overall tone often juxtaposing each other. Sakamoto embodies the life of a principled family man with a dark past, eagerly assisting neighbors with household chores while fearing divorce more than any assassin. He takes in the downtrodden, like Shin, offering them jobs at his store and even paying overtime.

His adversaries are equally complex, with rich backstories and empathy. In *Sakamoto Days*, the line between deadly and harmless blurs, as potential killers can switch sides, and seemingly innocuous characters might reveal darker sides.

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Top-Notch Animation in Sakamoto Days

The adaptation by TMS Entertainment, known for *Dr. Stone* and *Detective Conan*, adheres to the best shonen traditions. The animation excels in the fight scenes, with shadow contrasts and fluid motion effectively conveying dynamic movement through smooth transitions and smart pacing. 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

The series balances grotesque violence with uplifting family comedy, featuring a diverse cast. The focus is not solely on the spectacle of fights but on revealing character depth and enhancing interpersonal dynamics. *Sakamoto Days* blends humor, well-choreographed battles, and a lighthearted scripting approach, resonating with a moral message that appeals to everyone.

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While *Sakamoto Days* is still ongoing, here are some other series you might enjoy while waiting for the next episode:

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, recruiting Yor, a modest city hall worker, as his wife, and Anya, a clever little girl, as his daughter. The twist? Yor is a hired assassin, and Anya can read minds. The family atmosphere, mixed with comedy and action, mirrors *Sakamoto Days*. Both Sakamoto and Lloyd are seasoned professionals who remain calm in danger and perform the impossible, with Anya and Shin sharing similar superpowers.

Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband

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**Studio:** J.C. Staff

Once the legendary yakuza known as the Immortal Dragon, Tatsu retires to become a househusband, facing everyday challenges like supermarket sales and cooking. The humor and absurdity echo *Sakamoto Days*, as Tatsu, like Sakamoto, views mundane tasks through a unique lens, making them seem like battles.

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. The premise and setting share similarities with *Sakamoto Days*, but *The Fable* offers a darker tone and deeper exploration of complex themes.

Hinamatsuri

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**Studio:** Feel

When a giant iron egg falls on Nitta, a yakuza member, he discovers Hina, a girl with telekinetic powers, inside. He takes her in, treating her like a daughter. Nitta's balancing act between his dangerous past and domestic responsibilities is reminiscent of Sakamoto's journey.

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 helping those in need. *Sakamoto Days* can be seen as a modern-day *Rurouni Kenshin*, with both protagonists striving for ordinary lives while defending the weak, balancing comedy and action.

Assassination Classroom

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**Studio:** Lerche

An alien promises to destroy Earth in a year but first takes a job as a teacher for a class of misfits, challenging them to kill him within that time. The series plays with contrasts, much like *Sakamoto Days*, where characters break expectations and challenge stereotypes.

Buddy Daddies

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**Studio:** P.A. Works

Hitmen Kazuki and Rei face new challenges when the energetic girl Miri enters their lives, forcing them to juggle assassinations with parenting. Their struggle to balance crime and childcare mirrors Sakamoto's challenges as he navigates family life alongside his dangerous past.