There’s no such thing as a former mercenary. For anime fans, 2025 began with a bang: the long-awaited return of the historical detective series Pharmacist's Monologue and the sequel to the popular isekai Solo Leveling. But one standout title is the brand-new 11-episode action series, Sakamoto Days, already topping Netflix Japan's charts. It's truly excellent, and here's why.

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

Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary assassin—a nightmare for criminals and an idol to his 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, shows up with orders to eliminate him. After all, you can't simply quit being a killer. Now, the domesticated assassin must protect himself, his wife, and his young 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, creatively adapting everyday objects—chopsticks, chewing gum, pens, spatulas, ladles—to deflect attacks and dodge lethal strikes at superhuman speeds.

Don't take the events too seriously; it's as much comedy as action. Sakamoto's near-invulnerability is either immediately accepted or a reason to switch off, but the series cleverly pokes fun at his omnipotence, contrasting hilariously 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, fearing divorce more than any assassin, yet eagerly helping neighbors and employing downtrodden individuals like Shin, even paying overtime. His adversaries are equally complex, with rich backstories and surprising empathy. In Sakamoto Days, the 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) delivers animation adhering to the best shonen traditions. Fight scenes utilize dramatic shadow contrasts and fluid motion, effectively conveying dynamic movement. Sakamoto moves with the grace of a professional fighter, while Shin's maneuvers evoke classic Hollywood action heroes.

Killing is bad: this message dominates the first four episodes

The series balances grotesque violence with uplifting family comedy featuring a diverse cast. Fights aren't mere spectacle; they reveal character depth and enhance interpersonal dynamics. Sakamoto Days is enjoyable, blending humor, well-choreographed battles, and lighthearted scripting. Its moral resonates, and its constant surprises keep it engaging. Given the source material's pace, 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 close to his target, recruiting Yor (a hired assassin) as his wife and Anya (a mind-reading girl) as his daughter. The commonality? Family atmosphere mixed with comedy and action. Sakamoto and Lloyd share striking similarities: seasoned professionals remaining 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

Legendary yakuza Tatsu becomes a househusband. The commonality? Humor and absurdity. Everyday tasks are viewed through his experienced eyes, turning the supermarket into a battlefield and household mistakes into severe punishment from his wife.

The Fable

Studio: Tezuka Productions

Hitman Akira Sato must live a law-abiding life for a year. The commonality? Premise and setting. The Fable is darker than Sakamoto Days, offering more drama and complex themes.

Hinamatsuri

Studio: Feel

Yakuza member Nitta finds a telekinetic girl, Hina, and takes her in. The commonality? Nitta is like John Wick with a daughter, balancing a dangerous past with domestic responsibilities.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen

Former mercenary Himura Kenshin seeks redemption. The commonality? Sakamoto Days is a modern Rurouni Kenshin; both left violent pasts behind, strive for ordinary lives, defend the weak, balance comedy and action, and gather allies unaware of their true danger.

Assassination Classroom

Studio: Lerche

A powerful alien teacher must be killed by his students. The commonality? Playing with contrasts. Koro-sensei is an alien with human traits, and his students are ordinary kids with an extraordinary mission, mirroring Sakamoto Days' characters who challenge expectations.

Buddy Daddies

Studio: P.A. Works

Hitmen Kazuki and Rei become parents. The commonality? Mercenaries trying to lead normal lives, struggling to balance crime and childcare, mirroring Sakamoto's challenges.