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For anime enthusiasts, 2025 kicked off with an exciting lineup, including the long-awaited continuation of the historical detective series "Pharmacist's Monologue" and the sequel to the beloved isekai "Solo Leveling." However, the standout title 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 a Must-Watch Anime
"Sakamoto Days" is an adaptation of Yuto Suzuki's manga, which began in 2020 and rapidly garnered a large following due to its unique blend of action and humor. The protagonist, Taro Sakamoto, was once a legendary assassin in Japan’s assassins’ association, a nightmare for criminals and an idol among his peers. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he fell 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 life running a small shop.
The plot thickens when Shin, his former partner-in-crime and protégé, reenters his life on orders to eliminate Taro. Now, the domesticated assassin must protect himself, his wife, and his young daughter from his past. The series shines with its absurd battles where Taro catches bullets with chewing gum and defends himself with a ladle, showcasing his quick thinking and adaptability.
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Spectacular Fight Scenes
"Sakamoto Days" is renowned for its spectacular fight scenes, where new antagonists with elaborate killing techniques appear in each episode. Sakamoto rarely uses weapons, instead relying on his reflexes and ingenuity to turn everyday objects into tools of defense. From catching bullets with chopsticks to deflecting them with chewing gum, and using pens, spatulas, and ladles as weapons, his combat style is both inventive and humorous.
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A Blend of Comedy and Action
While "Sakamoto Days" is packed with action, it's also a comedy at heart. The series humorously plays with Sakamoto's near-invulnerability, contrasting it with his ordinary physique. This comedic approach invites viewers to either embrace the absurdity or miss out on the fun.
Contrasts Form the Narrative Foundation
The narrative of "Sakamoto Days" thrives on contrasts. Sakamoto is a principled family man with a dark past, helping neighbors with chores while fearing divorce more than any assassin. His adversaries are complex, with rich backstories and empathetic traits. The series explores how the line between good and evil blurs, with potential killers switching sides and ordinary individuals revealing unexpected dangers.
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Top-Notch Animation
Produced by TMS Entertainment, known for "Dr. Stone" and "Detective Conan," "Sakamoto Days" boasts top-notch animation that adheres to the best shonen traditions. The fight scenes are particularly impressive, with high contrast shadows and fluid motion that enhance the dynamic movement and pacing.
A Message Against Killing
In the first four episodes, the series emphasizes that killing is wrong, balancing grotesque violence with uplifting family comedy. The action scenes are not just for spectacle; they reveal character depth and enhance interpersonal dynamics, making "Sakamoto Days" both enjoyable and thought-provoking.
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Similar Anime to Enjoy While Awaiting New 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, to form his family. The blend of family atmosphere, comedy, and action in "Spy x Family" mirrors "Sakamoto Days," with both protagonists being seasoned professionals who balance danger and domesticity.
Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband
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**Studio:** J.C. Staff
Tatsu, once the feared yakuza known as the Immortal Dragon, retires to become a househusband. His daily life is filled with humor and absurdity as he navigates household tasks with the intensity of his former life. Like "Sakamoto Days," "Gokushufudou" showcases a protagonist who has seen it all, finding new challenges in the mundane.
The Fable
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**Studio:** Tezuka Productions
Akira Sato, aka The Fable, a notorious hitman, is forced to live as a law-abiding citizen for a year. His struggle to adapt to normal life while reconnecting with the mafia mirrors Sakamoto's challenges, though "The Fable" takes a darker tone.
Hinamatsuri
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**Studio:** Feel
When a yakuza member, Nitta, finds a girl with telekinetic powers in a giant iron egg, he takes her in, balancing his criminal life with newfound parental responsibilities. Similar to "Sakamoto Days," "Hinamatsuri" explores the balance between a dangerous past and domestic life.
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. "Rurouni Kenshin" shares themes of leaving a violent past behind and striving for a peaceful life, much like "Sakamoto Days," with a mix of comedy and action.
Assassination Classroom
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**Studio:** Lerche
An alien teacher, Koro-sensei, promises to destroy Earth unless his students can kill him within a year. The series plays with contrasts, much like "Sakamoto Days," where characters challenge stereotypes and expectations.
Buddy Daddies
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**Studio:** P.A. Works
Hitmen Kazuki and Rei must balance their freelance assassinations with parenting after a young girl enters their lives. Their struggle to juggle crime and childcare echoes Sakamoto's challenges in navigating family life alongside his dangerous past.
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