Sakamoto Days is the perfect mix of action and absurdity
Sakamoto Days: A Hilarious Blend of Action and Domesticity
2025 kicked off with a bang for anime fans, delivering sequels to beloved series like Pharmacist's Monologue and Solo Leveling. But one newcomer quickly ascended Netflix Japan's charts: the explosive 11-episode action-comedy, Sakamoto Days. This review delves into why it's become a critical darling.
Sakamoto, a retired hitman, traded assassinations for aprons, embracing a peaceful life with his wife and daughter. His past, however, refuses to stay buried. Shin, his former protégé, arrives with orders to eliminate him, setting the stage for a hilarious clash of domesticity and deadly action.
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The series, adapted from Yuto Suzuki's popular manga, masterfully blends over-the-top action sequences with laugh-out-loud comedy. Sakamoto's combat style is uniquely absurd; he deflects bullets with chewing gum, fights with kitchen utensils, and possesses superhuman reflexes. This contrasts hilariously with his otherwise ordinary appearance and demeanor.
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Contrasting Elements Drive the Narrative:
The show thrives on juxtapositions. Sakamoto, a principled family man with a lethal past, balances household chores with thwarting assassinations. His adversaries are equally complex, possessing nuanced backstories and motivations that defy typical mercenary stereotypes. The line between deadly and harmless is constantly blurred, adding unpredictable twists.
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Top-Tier Animation:
TMS Entertainment (known for Dr. Stone and Detective Conan) delivers stunning animation, particularly in the fight sequences. Fluid movements and dynamic shadow play enhance the action's intensity.
A Moral Compass:
The first four episodes emphasize the anti-violence message, balancing intense action with heartwarming family moments. The fights aren't just spectacle; they reveal character depth and strengthen relationships.
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Sakamoto Days is a refreshing blend of humor, expertly choreographed action, and a surprisingly heartwarming moral core. Its fast pace and engaging source material promise a continued thrilling ride.
Similar Anime Recommendations:
Here are some anime that share similar themes or styles with Sakamoto Days:
Spy x Family
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Studios: Wit Studio, CloverWorks
Shares the family-centric comedy and action elements. The protagonists, like Sakamoto and Lloyd, are highly skilled professionals who maintain composure under pressure.
Gokushufudou: The Way of the Househusband
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Studio: J.C. Staff
Features similar humor and absurdity. The protagonist's unique perspective transforms mundane tasks into epic events.
The Fable
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Studio: Tezuka Productions
Shares the premise of a retired assassin attempting a normal life, albeit with a darker tone and more dramatic exploration of themes.
Hinamatsuri
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Studio: Feel
Features a character similar to Sakamoto, balancing a dangerous past with domestic responsibilities.
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan
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Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen
Offers a historical parallel with a former mercenary seeking redemption, blending action and lighter moments.
Assassination Classroom
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Studio: Lerche
Emphasizes contrasting elements, similar to Sakamoto Days' subversion of expectations.
Buddy Daddies
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Studio: P.A. Works
Focuses on mercenaries navigating the challenges of parenthood, echoing Sakamoto's struggle to balance his past with his present.
