Sakamoto Days: Action & Absurdity Blend

For anime fans, 2025 began with a bang! The year saw the return of beloved series like Pharmacist's Monologue and Solo Leveling, but one newcomer quickly stole the spotlight: the electrifying 11-episode action series, Sakamoto Days, which soared to the top of Netflix Japan's charts. This isn't just another action anime; it's a unique blend of action, humor, and surprisingly heartwarming family dynamics that deserves a closer look.

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 To

Sakamoto Days follows Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman who traded assassinations for aprons. Once a legendary killer, feared throughout Japan's underworld, Sakamoto found unexpected happiness with a cheerful grocery store cashier, leading him to embrace a peaceful life as a family man and shopkeeper. But his past catches up when Shin, his former partner and protégé, arrives with orders to eliminate him—because, apparently, you can't just quit being a killer.

The series' charm lies in its absurdly entertaining fight scenes. Sakamoto, now a family man, faces off against a colorful cast of assassins, rarely resorting to traditional weapons. Instead, he utilizes everyday objects with incredible skill and ingenuity, turning chopsticks, chewing gum, pens, spatulas, and ladles into surprisingly effective weapons. He deflects bullets with seemingly impossible reflexes, making for hilariously over-the-top action sequences.

The humor is a key ingredient, perfectly balancing the action. Sakamoto's near-invulnerability is played for laughs, contrasting sharply with his ordinary physique and domestic life. The series doesn't take itself too seriously, embracing the absurdity of its premise with gusto.

Contrasts Form the Foundation of the Narrative

The show masterfully juxtaposes seemingly disparate elements. Sakamoto, a family man with a deadly past, balances household chores with the occasional life-or-death struggle. His adversaries are equally complex, often possessing surprisingly sympathetic backstories that defy simple villain archetypes. The lines between deadly and harmless are constantly blurred, creating unexpected twists and turns.

Top-Notch Animation in Sakamoto Days

Animated by TMS Entertainment (Dr. Stone, Detective Conan), Sakamoto Days boasts stunning visuals, particularly in its action sequences. The animation style is dynamic and fluid, showcasing Sakamoto's grace and Shin's Hollywood-esque fighting prowess.

Killing is Bad: This Message Dominates the First Four Episodes

The series cleverly balances intense action with heartwarming family moments. While the fights are spectacular, they serve a purpose beyond mere spectacle; they reveal character depth and strengthen the bonds between characters. The underlying message against violence is subtly woven into the narrative, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Sakamoto Days is a refreshing take on the action genre, blending humor, thrilling action, and surprisingly heartwarming family moments. Its fast pace, engaging characters, and unexpected twists make it a highly enjoyable watch. The series is a consistently surprising and entertaining journey.

While the Series is Still Ongoing, We'd Like to Suggest Some Cool Stuff to Hang On To

If you enjoyed Sakamoto Days, you might also appreciate these anime:

Spy x Family

Studios: Wit Studio, CloverWorks. A spy, an assassin, and a telepath form a fake family—with hilarious and action-packed results.

What's in Common? Family dynamics, comedy, and action; both feature incredibly capable protagonists who remain calm under pressure.

Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband

Studio: J.C. Staff. A retired yakuza becomes a househusband, finding unexpected challenges in domestic life.

What's in Common? Humor and absurdity; both feature protagonists who approach everyday tasks with unique perspectives.

The Fable

Studio: Tezuka Productions. A hitman is forced to live a normal life, leading to unexpected consequences.

What's in Common? Premise and setting; a darker, more dramatic take on the theme of retired assassins.

Hinamatsuri

Studio: Feel. A yakuza member takes in a girl with telekinetic powers, leading to an unlikely family bond.

What's in Common? The balance between a dangerous past and domestic responsibilities.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen. A former mercenary seeks redemption while helping those in need.

What's in Common? Themes of redemption and balancing violence with peace; a blend of action and lighthearted moments.

Assassination Classroom

Studio: Lerche. A class of students attempts to assassinate their powerful alien teacher.

What's in Common? Playing with contrasts and subverting expectations.

Buddy Daddies

Studio: P.A. Works. Two assassins unexpectedly become guardians to a young girl.

What's in Common? Mercenaries struggling to balance their dangerous professions with unexpected parental duties.