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

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

It really is an excellent anime. Let’s break down why!

Sakamoto Days adapts Yuto Suzuki's manga (launched in 2020), quickly gaining a large following for its action-comedy blend. Protagonist Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary assassin—a nightmare for criminals and an idol to 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, arrives to eliminate him—because you can't simply quit being a killer. Now, the domesticated assassin must protect his family.

The series' highlight? Absurd battles where Sakamoto catches bullets with chewing gum and defends himself with a ladle!

Sakamoto Days' spectacular fight scenes are a standout. Each episode introduces a new antagonist with elaborate killing techniques. However, Sakamoto rarely uses weapons, relying on quick thinking and reflexes, creatively adapting everyday objects: catching bullets with chopsticks, deflecting them with chewing gum, fighting with pens, blocking attacks with spatulas and ladles, and dodging lethal strikes at superhuman speeds.

Don't take the events too seriously; it's a comedy. You either accept Sakamoto's near-invulnerability or turn it off. The series playfully pokes fun at his omnipotence, contrasting hilariously with his physique.

Contrasts form the foundation of the narrative

Character portrayals, storylines, and tone frequently juxtapose. Sakamoto is a principled family man with a dark past, eagerly helping neighbors, fearing divorce more than assassination, and employing the downtrodden (like Shin) at his store, even paying overtime. His adversaries are equally complex, possessing rich backstories and empathy. Expect the unexpected: deadly things 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) handled the adaptation, adhering to the best shonen traditions. Fight scenes showcase maximum shadow contrast and fluid motion, effectively conveying dynamic movement.

Sakamoto's movements are graceful, while Shin's evoke classic Hollywood action heroes.

Killing is bad: this message dominates the first four episodes

Half the screen time focuses on uplifting family comedy with a diverse cast; the other half delves into criminal intrigue and action. Fights aren't mere spectacle; they reveal character depth and enhance interpersonal dynamics.

Sakamoto Days is enjoyable, blending humor, well-choreographed battles, and a lighthearted script. Its moral resonates, and the series constantly surprises. Given its pace and source material, 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 closer to his target, recruiting Yor (a city hall worker) as his wife and Anya (a mind-reading girl) as his daughter. They build a cozy home, unaware of each other's secrets (Yor is an assassin).

What’s in common? A family atmosphere mixed with comedy and action. Sakamoto and Lloyd are seasoned professionals who remain calm under pressure and perform the impossible. Anya and Shin share similar superpowers.

Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband

Studio: J.C. Staff

Tatsu, the legendary yakuza "Immortal Dragon," retires to become a househusband, battling supermarket sales and household chores while his wife works. The anime is a collection of sketches from his daily life.

What’s in common? Humor and absurdity. The protagonist has seen it all, making even everyday tasks seem extraordinary.

The Fable

Studio: Tezuka Productions

Akira Sato ("The Fable"), a notorious hitman, must live as a law-abiding citizen for a year. He takes a courier job, buys a parrot, and watches TV, but boredom leads him back to the mafia.

What’s in common? Premise and setting. The Fable is darker than Sakamoto Days, offering more drama and complex themes.

Hinamatsuri

Studio: Feel

A yakuza member, Nitta, finds a girl with telekinetic powers (Hina) inside a fallen iron egg and takes her in, gradually treating her like a daughter.

What’s in common? Nitta is like John Wick with a daughter instead of a dog, balancing a dangerous past with domestic responsibilities, similar to Sakamoto.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen

Set during the Meiji era, Himura Kenshin, a former mercenary, seeks redemption, helping those in need.

What’s in common? Sakamoto Days can be seen as a modern-day Rurouni Kenshin. Both left violent pasts behind, striving for ordinary lives, defending the weak, balancing comedy and action, and gathering allies unaware of their true danger.

Assassination Classroom

Studio: Lerche

A powerful alien promises to destroy Earth but first becomes a teacher for misfits, telling them to kill him to save the planet.

What’s in common? Playing with contrasts. Koro-sensei is an alien with human traits, and his students have an extraordinary mission, similar to the unexpected characters in Sakamoto Days.

Buddy Daddies

Studio: P.A. Works

Hitmen Kazuki and Rei must juggle assassinations with parenting after a girl, Miri, enters their lives.

What’s in common? Mercenaries trying to lead normal lives, struggling to balance crime and childcare, mirroring Sakamoto's challenges.