Sakamoto Days – Anime Review and Complete Details
Sakamoto Days is a Japanese action–comedy anime series based on the hit manga written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki. Published in Weekly Shōnen Jump, the series quickly became one of the most talked-about new-gen shōnen titles, praised for its unique balance of brutal action, slapstick humor, and heartfelt family moments. The anime adaptation has brought the manga’s charm to an even larger global audience.
Plot Overview
The story follows Taro Sakamoto, once considered the greatest hitman in Japan. After falling in love, he retires from his deadly profession and chooses a peaceful life as a husband, father, and convenience store owner. However, his past refuses to stay buried. Old enemies, bounty hunters, and fellow assassins keep reappearing, forcing Sakamoto to use his extraordinary combat skills again — all while trying to maintain his “ordinary family man” lifestyle.
This mix of comedy, high-octane action, and heartwarming family drama is what sets Sakamoto Days apart from other assassin-themed anime.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Creator | Yuto Suzuki |
| Studio | TMS Entertainment |
| Director | Masaki Watanabe |
| Series Composition / Script | Taku Kishimoto |
| Character Design | Yō Moriyama |
| Music |
Yuki Hayashi |
Release Information
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The anime is scheduled in two cours (split seasons).
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First cour aired from January 11, 2025, to March 22, 2025, consisting of 11 episodes.
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Second cour began airing on July 15, 2025, and is ongoing.
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Streaming rights have been acquired by Netflix for international audiences.
Episodes
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As of September 2025, a total of 21 episodes have aired.
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Each episode runs for about 23–25 minutes.
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The anime is expected to continue adapting key arcs from the manga across the cours.
Main Characters & Voice Cast
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Taro Sakamoto – Former legendary hitman, now a loving father and shopkeeper. (Voiced by Tomokazu Sugita)
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Shin Asakura – A clairvoyant who admires Sakamoto and becomes his ally.
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Aoi – Sakamoto’s wife, who symbolizes his peaceful life.
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Hana – Sakamoto’s young daughter, the heart of his family.
IMDb Rating & Audience Reception
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Sakamoto Days (2025) currently holds an IMDb rating of ~7.5/10 (with over 11,000 votes).
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The first episode “The Legendary Hitman” was especially well-received for its action choreography and humor.
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Positive reviews praise:
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The unique blend of comedy + action + family life.
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High-energy fight scenes and choreography.
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Strong character dynamics, especially between Sakamoto and Shin.
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Criticisms:
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Pacing issues — at times too fast compared to the manga.
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Some animation inconsistencies in action-heavy episodes.
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
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Fresh concept: A retired assassin balancing family and action.
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Action choreography and humor blend well.
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Emotional character arcs that keep viewers invested.
Weaknesses
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Occasional pacing problems.
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Minor adaptation cuts from the manga.
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Visual quality varies across episodes.
Cultural & Commercial Impact
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The Sakamoto Days manga has surpassed 15 million copies in circulation (as of August 2025).
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The anime announcement boosted its popularity worldwide, especially among fans of action-comedy anime like Spy x Family and Assassination Classroom.
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The series shows how shōnen stories can mix family bonds with high-stakes action to appeal to a wider audience.
Conclusion
Sakamoto Days is an entertaining ride that mixes heart, humor, and hardcore action. It’s highly recommended if you enjoy:
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Explosive action scenes with clever fight choreography.
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Light-hearted comedy to balance the tension.
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A family-centered story hidden inside a wild assassin tale.
With strong source material, passionate staff, and a growing fanbase, Sakamoto Days is set to become one of the most memorable new-gen anime of 2025.
