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 explores why it's a must-watch.

Sakamoto, a retired hitman, traded assassinations for aprons, embracing a peaceful life with his wife and daughter. His mundane existence is shattered when Shin, his former protégé, arrives with a deadly mission: eliminate Sakamoto. After all, there's no such thing as a former mercenary.

Based on Yuto Suzuki's popular manga (launched in 2020), Sakamoto Days masterfully blends over-the-top action with heartwarming family comedy. The series' standout is its absurdly creative fight choreography. Sakamoto, a master of improvisation, utilizes everyday objects – chopsticks, chewing gum, pens, even spatulas and ladles – to disarm and defeat his adversaries. The sheer ridiculousness of it all is part of the charm.

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The animation, courtesy of TMS Entertainment (Dr. Stone, Detective Conan), is top-notch, especially during the action sequences. Fluid movements and dynamic shadow play enhance the already exhilarating fight scenes. Sakamoto's seemingly effortless grace contrasts hilariously with his ordinary physique.

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Contrasting Elements Fuel the Narrative:

The series thrives on contrasts. Sakamoto, a principled family man with a deadly past, balances household chores with thwarting assassination attempts. His adversaries, far from being one-dimensional villains, possess complex backstories and surprising depths. The line between deadly and harmless is constantly blurred, keeping viewers guessing.

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Beyond the Action:

While the action is spectacular, the series dedicates significant screen time to heartwarming family moments, showcasing a diverse and relatable cast. The fights aren't just spectacle; they reveal character depth and drive the plot forward.

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Sakamoto Days is a delightful watch, expertly blending humor, stunning action, and a surprisingly heartwarming message. Its fast pace and engaging source material promise a thrilling ride.

Similar Anime Recommendations:

Here are some anime that share similar themes or styles with Sakamoto Days:

• Spy x Family: A family-centric comedy-action series featuring a super-spy, an assassin, and a mind-reading child. Shares the blend of action and family dynamics, and the protagonists' surprising competence.

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• Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband: A hilarious look at a retired yakuza who becomes a househusband. Shares the comedic absurdity and the protagonist's unexpected transition to a normal life.

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• The Fable: A hitman forced to live a normal life. Offers a darker tone but shares the premise of a former mercenary navigating a mundane existence.

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• Hinamatsuri: A yakuza member takes in a girl with telekinetic powers. Shares the unexpected family dynamic and the contrast between a dangerous past and domestic responsibilities.

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• Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: A former mercenary seeking redemption. Shares the theme of a violent past juxtaposed with a peaceful present, and the balance of action and comedy.

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• Assassination Classroom: A class of misfits attempts to assassinate their teacher, a powerful alien. Shares the use of contrasting elements and the subversion of expectations.

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• Buddy Daddies: Two hitmen unexpectedly become parents. Shares the theme of mercenaries struggling to balance their dangerous profession with family life.

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