There’s no such thing as a former mercenary. For anime fans, 2025 began with a bang: the long-awaited continuation of the historical detective series Pharmacist's Monologue and the sequel to the popular isekai Solo Leveling arrived. But one standout title is the brand-new 11-episode action series, Sakamoto Days, already topping Netflix Japan's charts.
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
It really is an excellent anime. Let’s break down why!
Sakamoto Days adapts Yuto Suzuki's manga, launched in 2020, quickly gaining a large following for its blend of action and humor. Protagonist Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary assassin—a nightmare for criminals and an idol to colleagues—unexpectedly fell for a cheerful grocery store cashier. He retired, married, became a father, and embraced a peaceful life running a small shop. That is, until Shin, his former partner and protégé, arrives, tasked with eliminating him—because you can't just quit being a killer. Now, the domesticated assassin must protect his wife and daughter.
The series' best part? Absurd battles where Sakamoto catches bullets with chewing gum and defends himself with a ladle!
Sakamoto Days' standout feature is its spectacular fight scenes. Each episode introduces a new antagonist with elaborate killing techniques. Yet, Sakamoto rarely uses weapons, relying on quick thinking and reflexes, adapting everyday objects: catching bullets with chopsticks, deflecting them with chewing gum, fighting with pens, blocking attacks with spatulas and ladles, and dodging lethal strikes at superhuman speeds.
Don't take the events too seriously; it's a comedy. You either accept Sakamoto's near-invulnerability or switch off. The series humorously contrasts his omnipotence with his physique.
Contrasts form the foundation of the narrative
Character portrayals, storylines, and tone constantly juxtapose. Sakamoto is a principled family man with a dark past, helping neighbors, fearing divorce more than assassins. He takes in the downtrodden, like Shin, giving them jobs and overtime! His adversaries are complex, with rich backstories and empathy. In Sakamoto Days, something deadly can become harmless—and vice versa. A potential killer might switch sides, while a pizza delivery guy could be a psychopath.
Top-notch animation in Sakamoto Days
TMS Entertainment (Dr. Stone, Detective Conan) handles the adaptation, adhering to the best shonen traditions. Fight scenes showcase maximum shadow contrasts and fluid motion, conveying dynamic movement smoothly. Sakamoto, often underestimated, moves with a fighter's grace, while Shin's maneuvers evoke classic Hollywood action heroes.
Killing is bad: this message dominates the first four episodes
Half the screen time focuses on uplifting family comedy with a diverse cast; the other half delves into criminal intrigue and action. Fights aren't mere spectacle; they reveal character depth and enhance dynamics.
Sakamoto Days is enjoyable: blending humor, well-choreographed battles, and lighthearted scripting. Its moral resonates, and the series constantly surprises. Given its pace and source material, it's unlikely to slow down.
While the series is still ongoing, we’d like to suggest some cool stuff to hang on
Spy x Family
Studios: Wit Studio, CloverWorks
Superagent Lloyd Forger creates a fake family to get closer to his target. He recruits Yor, a city hall worker, as his wife, and Anya, a clever girl, as his daughter. They build a cozy home, unaware of each other's secrets: Yor is an assassin, and Anya can read minds.
What’s in common? A family atmosphere mixed with comedy and action. Sakamoto and Lloyd are seasoned professionals, calm under pressure, always succeeding, and performing the impossible. Anya and Shin even have similar superpowers.
Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband
Studio: J.C. Staff
Tatsu, the legendary yakuza "Immortal Dragon," retires to become a househusband, battling supermarket sales, cooking, and keeping the house tidy while his wife works. The anime is a collection of sketches from his daily life.
What’s in common? Humor and absurdity. The protagonist has seen it all; even everyday tasks are different through his eyes. A supermarket becomes a battlefield, and household mistakes warrant severe punishment from his wife.
The Fable
Studio: Tezuka Productions
Akira Sato, "The Fable," a notorious hitman, goes into hiding. His boss assigns him a year-long mission to live as a law-abiding citizen. He takes a job as a courier, buys a parrot, watches TV, but boredom sets in, and he reconnects with the mafia.
What’s in common? The premise and setting. The Fable is darker than Sakamoto Days. If you want something similar but with more drama and complex themes, this is a great choice.
Hinamatsuri
Studio: Feel
A giant iron egg falls on Nitta, a yakuza member, revealing Hina, a girl with telekinetic powers. He takes her in, and she helps with work. Gradually, he treats her like a daughter.
What’s in common? Nitta is like John Wick with a daughter instead of a dog. Like Sakamoto, he balances a dangerous past with domestic responsibilities.
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan
Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen
Set during the Meiji era, Himura Kenshin, a former mercenary, seeks redemption, helping those in need.
What’s in common? Sakamoto Days can be seen as a modern-day Rurouni Kenshin. Both left violent pasts behind and strive for ordinary lives. Neither encourages violence but defends the weak. Comedy and action balance each other out.
Assassination Classroom
Studio: Lerche
A powerful alien promises to destroy Earth in a year but first becomes a teacher for misfits. He tells his students they must kill him, or the planet will perish.
What’s in common? Playing with contrasts. Koro-sensei is an alien with human traits, while his students are ordinary kids with an extraordinary mission. In Sakamoto Days, characters also break expectations and challenge stereotypes.
Buddy Daddies
Studio: P.A. Works
Hitmen Kazuki and Rei work together until Miri, an energetic girl, enters their lives. They juggle assassinations with parenting, hiding their profession and handling unexpected parental duties.
What’s in common? Mercenaries trying to lead normal lives. They’re terrible parents at first but gradually improve. Their struggle to balance crime and childcare mirrors Sakamoto's challenges.
