Sakamoto Days is a Japanese action-comedy manga and anime that blends slice-of-life wholesomeness with explosive action. Written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki, it began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in November 2020 and by June 2025, it had surpassed 12 million copies in circulation. The anime adaptation by TMS Entertainment premiered in January 2025, with a second cour airing in July 2025.
At its core, Sakamoto Days is about a legendary assassin-turned-family-man trying to live a peaceful life, but his past won’t let him go.
Sakamoto Days – Official Trailer
What Is Sakamoto Days About?
Taro Sakamoto was once the deadliest hitman in the criminal underworld. Feared by enemies and revered by allies, his name alone struck terror. But everything changed when he fell in love. Swearing off violence and adopting a peaceful life with his wife Aoi, Sakamoto retires, gains some weight, and opens a humble convenience store.
However, his past eventually catches up with him. Old enemies, bounty hunters, and rival organizations begin targeting him and his loved ones. Now, Sakamoto must fight off these threats — without killing anyone — as per his promise to his wife.
With the help of:
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- Shin Asakura: a mind-reading ex-hitman,
- Lu Xiaotang: a Chinese crime heiress,
- Heisuke Mashimo: an elite sniper,
Sakamoto balances family life with over-the-top, non-lethal action — all while trying to stay incognito.
Is Sakamoto Days Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Here’s why the series has become one of Weekly Shōnen Jump’s rising stars:
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- Unique Premise: A peaceful, chubby ex-hitman fending off assassins with cartoonish precision — it’s fresh, fun, and incredibly inventive.
- Blend of Genres: It mixes domestic slice-of-life humor with intense John Wick-style action and heartfelt character moments.
- Stylish Action: Fights are creative, strategic, and surprisingly cinematic — especially in the anime where action choreography shines.
- Wholesome Core: Despite the chaos, the story has a big heart — focused on love, family, and redemption.
Whether you’re in for laughs, brutal brawls, or clever strategies, Sakamoto Days delivers on all fronts.
Watch Order – Sakamoto Days Anime Release
| Season | Episodes | Original Air Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 (Cour 1) | 11 | Dec 14, 2024 – Mar 22, 2025 |
| Season 1 (Cour 2) | 11 | Jul 15, 2025 – TBD (Ongoing) |
The anime is available worldwide on Netflix, simulcast with Japan. It features split-cour production, ensuring high-quality animation across both parts of Season 1.
Sakamoto Days – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sakamoto Days a comedy or an action anime?
Both. It masterfully combines slapstick comedy with tight, well-choreographed action, maintaining a tone that’s fun but never mindless.
Is the anime faithful to the manga?
Yes. The anime adaptation by TMS Entertainment remains true to the source material, preserving its visual style and narrative flow.
Who is the strongest character in Sakamoto Days?
Taro Sakamoto himself. Even out of shape, his tactical brilliance and raw physical ability make him nearly untouchable.
Will there be more seasons after 2025?
While unconfirmed, the ongoing manga and strong reception make a second season highly likely after the second cour concludes.
Does Sakamoto ever kill again?
No — and that’s the twist. Every fight is non-lethal, often resolved with insane ingenuity while sticking to the “no kill” rule.
A Masterclass in Contrasts – Why Sakamoto Days Stands Out
What makes Sakamoto Days stand out is its ability to flip tropes:
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- The protagonist isn’t young or flashy — he’s overweight, middle-aged, and quiet.
- Every fight has comedic flair, yet there’s real tension and stakes.
- The action is brutal, but the violence is never gratuitous.
Director Masaki Watanabe and his team capture this duality perfectly in the anime. Visuals switch from soft domestic tones to highly dynamic, kinetic sequences — especially during memorable battles like the rollercoaster fight and warehouse siege.
Cast & Production Highlights
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- Taro Sakamoto – Tomokazu Sugita
- Shin Asakura – Nobunaga Shimazaki
- Lu Xiaotang – Ayane Sakura
The anime uses traditional 2D art blended with paper textures, enhanced with realistic firearm research and 3D modeling in action-heavy scenes. The original manga is known for its clear paneling, Nihonga-inspired layouts, and readability, even in the thick of battle.
Final Thoughts – An Unexpected Hero with a Silent Smile
Sakamoto Days isn’t your typical shōnen series. It’s funny, heartfelt, brutal, and clever — all in one package. It celebrates quiet strength, loyalty, and found family while delivering some of the best modern action storytelling in manga and anime.
If you’re tired of overpowered protagonists who shout their way through fights, give Sakamoto — the silent, smiling store clerk — a shot. You won’t regret it.
Season 1 (part 2) is underway and if you ever wanted to hop in on the action, now would be the best time to do it!
Sakamoto Days Season 1 (part 2) – Official Trailer
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