Alexander "peter bjorn" Fadin There’s no such thing as a former mercenary. For anime fans, 2025 started off with a bang: there's the long-awaited continuation of the historical detective series Pharmacist's Monologue and the sequel to the popular isekai Solo Leveling . One title that stands out is the brand-new 11-episode action series Sakamoto Days, which has already topped Netflix Japan's charts.
It really is an excellent anime. Let’s break down why!
Sakamoto is a retired hitman who fell in love with a cashier and started a family. Now his old acquaintances are out for revenge.
Sakamoto Days is an adaptation of Yuto Suzuki's manga, which began in 2020 and quickly gained a large following thanks to its blend of action and humor. The protagonist, Taro Sakamoto, was once a legendary assassin in Japan’s assassins’ association a nightmare for criminals and an idol for his colleagues. But then something unexpected happened: Sakamoto fell head over heels for a cheerful cashier at a local grocery store. He decided to pursue happiness, retired from his deadly profession, got married, became a father, and settled into a peaceful life.
Now he runs a small shop and knows nothing about killings until Shin, his former partner-in-crime and protégé, shows up. Acting on orders from their boss, Shin is tasked with eliminating Taro. After all, you can't just quit being a killer. The now-domesticated assassin must protect not only himself but also his wife and young daughter.
The best part of the series? Absurd battles where Taro catches bullets with chewing gum and defends himself with a ladle.
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The standout feature of Sakamoto Days is its spectacular fight scenes. In every episode, a new antagonist appears with elaborate killing techniques. However, Sakamoto rarely uses weapons during combat; instead, he relies on quick thinking and reflexes, skillfully adapting everyday objects to fit the situation.
- He catches bullets with chopsticks.
- He deflects them with chewing gum.
- He fights back using pens.
- He blocks attacks with spatulas and ladles.
- And he dodges lethal strikes at superhuman speeds.
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The events shouldn’t be taken too seriously because this isn’t just an action-packed series it’s also a comedy. You either immediately accept Sakamoto's near-invulnerability or turn off the show with a straight face. The series itself doesn’t shy away from poking fun at its protagonist's omnipotence, which contrasts hilariously with his physique.
Contrasts form the foundation of the narrative
Character portrayals, storylines, and overall tone often juxtapose each other. Sakamoto is a principled family man with a dark past. He eagerly helps neighbors with household chores and fears divorce more than any assassin. He takes in the downtrodden, like Shin, giving them jobs at his store—and even pays overtime!
His adversaries, meanwhile, are just as complex as he is. Many have rich backstories and aren’t devoid of empathy. A broken heart might take years to heal, so don’t expect them all to fit neatly into the stereotype of bloodthirsty mercenaries. In Sakamoto Days , something deadly can turn harmless—and vice versa. A potential killer might switch sides, while a random pizza delivery guy could reveal himself to be a psychopath.
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Top-notch animation in Sakamoto Days
The adaptation was handled by TMS Entertainment, known for works like Dr. Stone and Detective Conan. As such, the animation adheres to the best shonen traditions. This is especially evident in the fight scenes, where shadow contrasts are cranked up to maximum, and motion fluidity effectively conveys dynamic movement through smooth transitions and smart pacing.
Sakamoto is often underestimated, yet he moves with the grace of a professional fighter. Meanwhile, Shin's maneuvers evoke memories of classic Hollywood action heroes.
Killing is bad: this message dominates the first four episodes
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So half the screen time focuses not on grotesque violence but on uplifting family comedy featuring a diverse cast of characters. The other half delves into criminal intrigue and action. The beauty lies in how the fights aren’t merely spectacle they reveal character depth and enhance interpersonal dynamics.
Sakamoto Days is simply enjoyable to watch. It blends humor, well-choreographed battles, and a lighthearted scripting approach. Its moral resonates with everyone, and the series constantly seeks ways to surprise—successfully finding them. With its high pace set early on and based on the source material, it’s unlikely to rest on its laurels anytime soon.
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 accepts an important mission: create a fake family to get closer to his target. He recruits Yor, a modest city hall worker, as his wife, and Anya, a clever little girl, as his daughter. Together, they build a cozy home without realizing each other's secrets Yor is actually a hired assassin, and Anya can read minds.
What’s in common?
A family atmosphere mixed with comedy and action. The characters share striking similarities: Sakamoto and Lloyd are both seasoned professionals at the top of their game. They remain calm in the face of danger, always come out on top, and perform the impossible. Plus, the sidekicks Anya and Shin even have identical superpowers.
Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband
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Studio: J.C. Staff
Once upon a time, Tatsu was the legendary yakuza known as the Immortal Dragon, feared by every stray dog. But one day, he decided to retire and become a househusband. Now, Tatsu battles supermarket sales, cooks meals, and keeps the house tidy while his wife pursues her career. The anime is a collection of sketches from his daily life.
What’s in common?
Humor and absurdity. The protagonist is that kind of guy who has seen it all. Even everyday tasks seem different through his eyes. A supermarket truly becomes a battlefield for him, and any household mistakes warrant severe punishment (literally) from his wife. All this is spiced up with
The Fable
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Studio: Tezuka Productions
Akira Sato, better known as The Fable, is a notorious hitman forced to go into hiding. His boss assigns him a year-long mission to live as a law-abiding citizen who cannot kill. Fable agrees, taking a job as a courier, buying a parrot, and spending days watching TV. But soon, boredom sets in, and he reconnects with the mafia.
What’s in common?
The premise and setting. The Fable is darker in tone than Sakamoto Days . If you’re looking for something similar but with more drama and exploration of complex themes, this is a great choice.
Hinamatsuri
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Studio: Feel
One day, a giant iron egg falls on Nitta, a yakuza member. Inside, he finds Hina, a girl with telekinetic powers, and decides to take her in under the condition that she helps him with work. Gradually, Nitta begins treating her like a daughter.
What’s in common?
Nitta is essentially the anime version of John Wick, but with a daughter instead of a dog. Just like Sakamoto, he balances his dangerous past with domestic responsibilities.
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan
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Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen
Set during the Meiji era, Himura Kenshin is a former mercenary seeking redemption. He wanders the land helping those in need along the way.
What’s in common?
Sakamoto Days can be seen as a modern-day Rurouni Kenshin . Both left their violent pasts behind and strive to live ordinary lives. Neither encourages violence but will always defend the weak. Comedy and action balance each other out: intense battles alternate with light-hearted domestic scenes. Another similarity is the cast—they both gather allies who don’t fully understand how dangerous they truly are.
Assassination Classroom
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Studio: Lerche
An incredibly powerful alien promises to destroy Earth in a year but first takes a job as a teacher for a class of misfits. He tells his students that they must kill him within the remaining time or the planet will perish.
What’s in common?
Playing with contrasts. Koro-sensei is an alien with human traits, while his students are ordinary kids tasked with an extraordinary mission. In Sakamoto Days , the characters also break expectations and challenge stereotypes.
Buddy Daddies
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Studio: P.A. Works
Hitmen Kazuki and Rei are used to working together until their lives change when the energetic girl Miri bursts into them. Now, they must juggle freelance assassinations with parenting, hide their profession, and handle unexpected parental duties.
What’s in common?
Mercenaries trying to lead normal lives. They’re terrible parents at first but gradually improve. Their struggle to balance crime and childcare mirrors the challenges faced by Sakamoto as he navigates family life alongside his dangerous past.
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