A Hilarious Yet Action-Packed Ride Into the World of Assassins
Overview
Anime has always had a way of turning the most unlikely concepts into absolute gold, and Sakamoto Days is a perfect example. Imagine the deadliest hitman in the world, a legend whispered about in the darkest corners of the underworld—now picture him as an overweight, middle-aged man running a small convenience store with his family. That’s Sakamoto Days in a nutshell, and it is every bit as entertaining as it sounds.
Written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki, Sakamoto Days masterfully blends high-octane action with laugh-out-loud comedy, delivering a fresh and unique take on the assassin genre. At its core, the series is about redemption, the struggles of adapting to a new life, and the sheer hilarity that comes with trying to leave the past behind—especially when your past refuses to leave you alone. The story follows Taro Sakamoto, a once-feared assassin who retired for love and family, only to find that the world he left behind isn’t done with him yet. What follows is a rollercoaster of explosive battles, outrageous humor, and heartwarming moments that make this anime stand out in an oversaturated genre.
The Plot
Taro Sakamoto was once a name that sent chills down the spines of even the most hardened criminals and assassins. His skills were unparalleled, his reputation cemented in the blood-soaked history of the underworld. But one day, something completely unexpected happened—he fell in love. Choosing a life of peace over a lifetime of violence, Sakamoto retired, got married, and settled into the quiet routine of running a neighborhood convenience store. With his newfound love for junk food, he gained weight, embraced domestic bliss, and seemingly left behind the shadows of his past.
However, the underworld doesn’t forget its legends. When whispers spread that Sakamoto is still alive, former colleagues and rival assassins see him as an unfinished chapter—one that needs to be closed, permanently. One such assassin, Shin, is sent to eliminate him, but he quickly realizes something shocking: despite his now-average appearance, Sakamoto is still as lethal as ever. In fact, he’s even stronger than before, having refined his skills to an absurd level. Recognizing Sakamoto’s power, Shin switches sides, becoming his reluctant ally instead of his would-be killer.
What follows is an unpredictable, high-energy adventure where Sakamoto and his makeshift team find themselves constantly battling deadly assassins, crime syndicates, and old enemies who refuse to let him live a peaceful life. However, what sets this anime apart is its perfect balance of intense action and slapstick comedy. One moment, Sakamoto is engaged in a breathtakingly choreographed fight scene, and the next, he’s fending off an assassin while ensuring his wife doesn’t find out about the chaos unfolding around them. Every encounter is infused with a blend of ingenuity, humor, and sheer absurdity that makes each episode unforgettable.
Main Characters
Taro Sakamoto
The heart of the series and its most unique protagonist. Once the world’s most feared hitman, Sakamoto is now an overweight yet deceptively agile store owner who still possesses an unrivaled mastery of combat. Despite his intimidating past, he is deeply devoted to his wife and daughter, choosing to use his skills not for assassination but for defending his peaceful life. His battles are as much about creativity as they are about brute strength—whether he’s taking down enemies with a pack of ramen noodles or using a shopping cart as a weapon, his improvisational genius never fails to entertain.
Shin
A young and eager hitman with the rare ability of telepathy. Initially assigned to kill Sakamoto, Shin is quickly humbled and ends up becoming his loyal companion instead. His ability to read minds makes him a formidable fighter, but his inexperience and hotheaded nature often lead to comical situations. As the series progresses, Shin undergoes tremendous growth, learning from Sakamoto’s wisdom while adding his own flair to the team’s dynamic.
Lu Xiaotang
A highly skilled martial artist with a playful personality, Lu is another powerful ally who joins Sakamoto’s unconventional crew. She brings both comic relief and jaw-dropping fight sequences, her kung fu skills making her a force to be reckoned with. Despite her lighthearted nature, she has a strong sense of justice and loyalty, making her a valuable member of the team.
Aoi Sakamoto
The glue that holds Sakamoto’s life together. Aoi is Sakamoto’s beloved wife and the reason he walked away from the assassin life. While she remains blissfully unaware of the constant battles taking place around her husband, her presence is the ultimate anchor that keeps him committed to his peaceful existence.
Nagumo
A smooth-talking, enigmatic assassin with ties to Sakamoto’s past. Unlike Sakamoto, Nagumo still enjoys the thrill of the kill, constantly attempting to lure Sakamoto back into the game. His presence adds an extra layer of intrigue and conflict to the story, serving as both an ally and an antagonist depending on his whims.
Heisuke
The team’s sharpshooter, Heisuke is a skilled sniper who initially starts off as an enemy but later joins Sakamoto’s group. Though he appears to be a carefree and slightly aloof character, his marksmanship is second to none. He adds another layer of depth to the team’s dynamic, offering long-range support in battle while also contributing to the comedic elements of the series with his quirky and often unpredictable behavior. Heisuke’s ability to analyze combat situations from a distance and provide strategic support makes him an invaluable asset to the team, ensuring that Sakamoto and his crew always have an ace up their sleeve.
Why Sakamoto Days Stands Out
What makes Sakamoto Days so compelling is its seamless blend of action, humor, and genuine heart. The fight sequences are nothing short of spectacular, showcasing Sakamoto’s ability to turn everyday objects into deadly weapons. Whether he’s deflecting bullets with a frying pan or incapacitating enemies with a well-timed flick of a coin, the ingenuity of his combat style is endlessly entertaining.
The humor, meanwhile, is perfectly executed. The absurdity of seeing an overweight convenience store owner nonchalantly take down elite assassins never gets old. Add in Shin’s constant exasperation, Lu’s chaotic energy, and Nagumo’s mischievous antics, and you have a recipe for comedy gold. But beyond the laughs and the adrenaline-pumping action, Sakamoto Days also has a surprising amount of emotional depth. Sakamoto’s determination to protect his family, Shin’s journey of self-discovery, and the theme of redemption woven throughout the story add layers of meaning to the spectacle.
Another major highlight is the world-building. The assassin underground is vast, with a diverse cast of unique killers, secret organizations, and rival factions that keep the story fresh and unpredictable. Every new enemy presents a different challenge, pushing Sakamoto and his allies to their limits in the most exhilarating ways.
Final Thoughts
Sakamoto Days is an absolute must-watch for anyone who enjoys a perfect mix of comedy, action, and heartfelt storytelling. It takes the best elements of the assassin genre and flips them on their head, delivering a refreshing and wildly entertaining series that refuses to take itself too seriously while still offering top-tier action. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced fight sequences, ridiculous humor, or genuinely lovable characters, this anime has something for everyone.
At its heart, Sakamoto Days is a story about the struggle to leave behind a violent past, the power of family, and the idea that even the deadliest man in the world can find joy in the simple things—like running a store, spending time with loved ones, and occasionally knocking out a few assassins with a bag of rice crackers.
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