Netflix is on a mission to adapt every manga under the sun, and honestly? They’re starting to get good at it. Sakamoto Days follows the tale of Taro Sakamoto, a former top-tier assassin who gave up the life of bloodshed for a peaceful existence as a convenience store owner with his family. But, of course, the underworld isn’t ready to let go, and now every assassin worth their weight in kunai is after his head. The twist? He may be out of the game, but he’s still untouchable. Imagine One Punch Man but with a dad bod and a love for cheap snacks.
The voice cast brings an incredible energy to Sakamoto Days, balancing deadpan humor with high-stakes action. Sakamoto himself is portrayed with just the right amount of comedic laziness and deadly precision. One moment, he’s sighing about running out of dumplings, and the next, he’s breaking someone’s arm with the flick of a wrist. The supporting characters—Shin, his telepathic assistant, and Lu, the martial artist turned convenience store worker—add to the chaos beautifully. Each new assassin introduced has their own flair, making every encounter feel fresh and fun.
Netflix has been putting in work in the anime department, and Sakamoto Days is another win. The animation is clean, and the action sequences are buttery smooth. The choreography? Top-tier. Every fight flows like a violent ballet, with Sakamoto casually dodging attacks while imagining five different ways to end a fight before finishing his lunch. The humor is amplified through sharp visual gags, especially when Sakamoto suddenly shifts back to his slim, younger self for no apparent reason—no explanation, no logic, just vibes. The soundtrack is another highlight, seamlessly blending intensity with lighthearted beats, making sure you never take things too seriously.
Sakamoto Days thrives on a formula that anime fans know and love: new episode, new enemy, new beatdown. Every assassin who tries to collect Sakamoto’s bounty either gets humbled into friendship or carted off in a stretcher. It’s a classic 90s-style setup that’s making a well-deserved comeback. Sure, we all love a deeply intricate, narrative-driven anime, but sometimes you just want a straightforward, high-energy beat-em-up, and Sakamoto Days delivers exactly that.
The humor lands perfectly. Sakamoto being a chubby, retired assassin moving like a phantom is already hilarious, but the fact that no one questions his sudden athletic prowess makes it even better. He’s essentially an overweight John Wick, and we’re all here for it. The added gag of him constantly visualizing multiple ways to take someone out—often in absurd ways—only adds to the fun.
But beyond the laughs and action, there’s genuine heart here. Sakamoto isn’t just fighting to survive—he’s fighting to protect the peaceful life he built. That contrast between his quiet family life and the chaos of the assassin world creates an entertaining dynamic that keeps things engaging.
Netflix might still have some anime flops under its belt, but if they keep up with adaptations like this, we might just have to put some respect on their name. Whether you’re here for the action, the comedy, or just to see a retired assassin ruin people’s careers in broad daylight, Sakamoto Days is well worth the watch.
Simplicity wins this round, and honestly? We love to see it. Season 2 is coming out this Summer!!! thats a 2/3month break! Netflix i see what you did there!
