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 isn't your typical anime fare. Let's delve into why it's so captivating:

A Retired Hitman's Unexpected Life:

Sakamoto Days, adapted from Yuto Suzuki's popular manga, centers around Taro Sakamoto, a legendary assassin who traded his deadly profession for a peaceful life running a small grocery store with his wife and daughter. His quiet existence is shattered when Shin, his former protégé, arrives with orders to eliminate him. The ensuing chaos features absurdly inventive fight sequences where Sakamoto utilizes everyday objects – chopsticks, chewing gum, even spatulas – to disarm his opponents with superhuman reflexes.

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Spectacular Action and Unexpected Humor:

The series' standout is its brilliantly choreographed fight scenes. Each episode introduces new antagonists with unique killing methods, contrasted with Sakamoto's resourceful and often comical combat style. The show embraces the absurdity of its premise, playfully acknowledging Sakamoto's near-invulnerability while highlighting his surprisingly relatable anxieties, like the fear of divorce.

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Contrasting Characters and Themes:

The narrative thrives on contrasts. Sakamoto, a principled family man with a deadly past, balances helping neighbors with thwarting assassins. His adversaries are surprisingly complex, possessing backstories that defy simple mercenary stereotypes. The series masterfully blurs the lines between deadly and harmless, keeping viewers guessing.

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Top-Notch Animation:

Produced by TMS Entertainment (known for Dr. Stone and Detective Conan), Sakamoto Days boasts stunning animation, particularly in its action sequences. Fluid movements and dynamic shadow play enhance the already thrilling fight choreography.

A Moral Compass Amidst the Mayhem:

The first four episodes emphasize the anti-violence message, balancing intense action with heartwarming family moments. The fights themselves aren't just spectacle; they reveal character depth and strengthen relationships.

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Similar Anime Recommendations:

If you enjoyed Sakamoto Days, consider these:

• Spy x Family: A family-centric comedy-action series with similar themes of balancing dangerous professions with domestic life. The protagonists share striking similarities in their competence and calm under pressure.

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• Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband: A hilarious take on a retired yakuza adjusting to domestic life, sharing the absurdity and unexpected humor of Sakamoto Days.

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• The Fable: A darker, more dramatic take on the retired assassin trope, exploring complex themes with a similar premise.

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• Hinamatsuri: Features a yakuza member raising a girl with telekinetic powers, echoing the blend of dangerous past and domestic responsibilities.

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• Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: A historical action series with a former mercenary seeking redemption, mirroring Sakamoto Days' themes of a violent past and a desire for a peaceful life.

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• Assassination Classroom: Plays with contrasts, similar to Sakamoto Days, featuring unlikely characters and unexpected scenarios.

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• Buddy Daddies: Centers on two assassins forced into parenthood, sharing the struggle to balance their dangerous profession with unexpected parental duties.

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Sakamoto Days is a refreshing and highly entertaining anime. Its unique blend of action, humor, and surprisingly heartwarming moments makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre.