Sakamoto Days is the perfect mix of action and absurdity

Sakamoto Days: A Hilarious Blend of Action and Domesticity

2025 kicked off with a bang for anime fans, delivering sequels to beloved series like Pharmacist's Monologue and Solo Leveling. However, one newcomer quickly ascended to the top of Netflix Japan's charts: the electrifying 11-episode action-comedy, Sakamoto Days. This review delves into why this fresh anime is a must-watch.

Sakamoto, a retired hitman, traded assassinations for aprons, falling head over heels for a grocery store cashier and embracing family life. His peaceful existence shatters when Shin, his former protégé, resurfaces with orders to eliminate him. The premise alone is intriguing: a seemingly ordinary family man concealing a deadly past.

Sakamoto Days, an adaptation of Yuto Suzuki's popular manga, seamlessly blends action and humor. Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary assassin, now wields spatulas and ladles with the same deadly precision he once used with weapons. The series is punctuated by absurdly creative fight scenes where Sakamoto deflects bullets with chewing gum and chopsticks, showcasing his incredible reflexes and resourcefulness.

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Spectacular Action and Unexpected Humor:

The animation, courtesy of TMS Entertainment (known for Dr. Stone and Detective Conan), is top-notch. Fight sequences are dynamic and fluid, showcasing Sakamoto's grace and Shin's Hollywood-esque action hero moves. The humor stems from the stark contrast between Sakamoto's seemingly invincible abilities and his ordinary, even slightly clumsy, demeanor. The series cleverly subverts expectations, making light of his near-invulnerability while maintaining a thrilling narrative.

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Contrasting Characters and Themes:

The narrative masterfully plays with contrasts. Sakamoto, a principled family man, fears divorce more than any assassination. His adversaries, while dangerous, are not simply one-dimensional villains; many possess complex backstories and surprising depths. The series constantly subverts expectations, blurring the lines between harmless and deadly, friend and foe.

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A Moral Compass in a World of Chaos:

The first four episodes establish a strong moral core, emphasizing the importance of family and the consequences of violence. The series balances intense action sequences with heartwarming family moments, creating a unique and engaging viewing experience. The fights themselves are not just spectacle; they reveal character depth and strengthen relationships.

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Similar Anime Recommendations:

While Sakamoto Days stands alone, several anime share similar themes or styles:

• Spy x Family: A family-centric comedy-action series featuring a super-spy, an assassin, and a mind-reading child. The parallels between Sakamoto and Lloyd Forger are striking, both masters of their respective fields balancing dangerous professions with family life.

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• Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband: A hilarious look at a retired yakuza embracing domestic life. The absurdity and unexpected humor resonate with Sakamoto Days' comedic approach.

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• The Fable: A hitman forced to live a normal life, offering a darker, more dramatic take on a similar premise.

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• Hinamatsuri: A yakuza member raising a girl with telekinetic powers, highlighting the unexpected bonds formed between unlikely individuals.

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• Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: A former assassin seeking redemption, offering a historical counterpart to Sakamoto's journey.

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• Assassination Classroom: A unique premise where students must assassinate their teacher, showcasing contrasting characters and unexpected dynamics.

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• Buddy Daddies: Two hitmen unexpectedly become parents, mirroring Sakamoto's struggle to balance his past with his present responsibilities.

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Sakamoto Days is a refreshing and highly entertaining anime. Its blend of action, humor, and surprisingly heartwarming moments makes it a standout series. The fast pace, coupled with its strong source material, promises a thrilling and unpredictable journey.