"Sakamoto Days: Action Meets Absurdity Perfectly"

For anime enthusiasts, 2025 kicked off with a bang, featuring the much-anticipated 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.

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*Sakamoto Days* is truly an exceptional anime, and here's why it captivates audiences so effectively:

Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary assassin within Japan's assassins' association, traded his deadly profession for a life of love and domesticity. After falling for a cheerful cashier, he retired, married, and started a family, running a small shop. But his past catches up when his former partner, Shin, arrives to eliminate him under orders from their boss. Sakamoto must now protect his newfound family from the dangers of his old life.

The series excels in its absurd yet thrilling battle sequences, where Sakamoto ingeniously uses everyday items like chewing gum, chopsticks, and spatulas to fend off attackers. These scenes showcase his remarkable reflexes and creativity, adding a unique flavor to the action.

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The animation in *Sakamoto Days*, handled by TMS Entertainment, is top-tier, adhering to the best shonen traditions. The fight scenes are dynamic with fluid motion and sharp shadow contrasts, making every move visually striking. Sakamoto's grace and Shin's Hollywood-inspired maneuvers are particularly noteworthy.

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Despite the action, the series emphasizes a strong moral stance against killing, which is evident in the first four episodes. It balances criminal intrigue with uplifting family comedy, showcasing a diverse cast and deep character development through its action sequences.

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Contrasts form the foundation of the narrative

The narrative of *Sakamoto Days* thrives on contrasts. Sakamoto, a former assassin, now lives as a principled family man, helping neighbors and fearing divorce more than any threat. His enemies are complex, with rich backstories and moments of empathy, challenging the typical mercenary stereotype.

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Top-notch animation in Sakamoto Days

TMS Entertainment's work on *Sakamoto Days* showcases exceptional animation, especially in the fight scenes. The fluid motion and shadow contrasts highlight the dynamic action, making Sakamoto's movements both graceful and powerful.

Killing is bad: this message dominates the first four episodes

The series dedicates significant screen time to family comedy and character development, emphasizing the moral message against killing. The action sequences not only entertain but also deepen the audience's understanding of the characters.

While the series is still ongoing, we’d like to suggest some cool stuff to hang on

Spy x Family

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**Studios:** Wit Studio, CloverWorks

Superagent Lloyd Forger creates a fake family to infiltrate his target's life, unknowingly involving an assassin and a mind-reading daughter. The blend of family dynamics, comedy, and action mirrors *Sakamoto Days*, with characters like Sakamoto and Lloyd both excelling in their professions while navigating family life.

Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband

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**Studio:** J.C. Staff

Tatsu, the former yakuza known as the Immortal Dragon, now tackles domestic life with the same intensity he once used in his criminal career. The humor and absurdity of his new life echo the comedic elements in *Sakamoto Days*.

The Fable

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**Studio:** Tezuka Productions

Akira Sato, aka The Fable, is forced to live as a law-abiding citizen for a year, providing a darker take on the retired assassin trope seen in *Sakamoto Days*. This series delves deeper into the psychological and societal aspects of leaving a life of crime.

Hinamatsuri

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**Studio:** Feel

When yakuza member Nitta finds Hina, a girl with telekinetic powers, he adopts her, balancing his criminal life with newfound parental responsibilities. This series shares the theme of balancing a dangerous past with family life, similar to Sakamoto's journey.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

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**Studios:** Gallop, Studio Deen

Himura Kenshin, a former mercenary seeking redemption, parallels Sakamoto's quest for a peaceful life. Both series blend intense action with lighter domestic scenes, showcasing the struggle to leave violence behind.

Assassination Classroom

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**Studio:** Lerche

An alien teacher challenges his students to kill him before he destroys Earth, blending humor and action much like *Sakamoto Days*. The series plays with contrasts and stereotypes, adding depth to its narrative.

Buddy Daddies

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**Studio:** P.A. Works

Hitmen Kazuki and Rei take on parenting duties after a young girl enters their lives, struggling to balance their criminal careers with family life. This mirrors Sakamoto's challenges, highlighting the universal theme of balancing past and present.