Introduction
When you think of the ultimate hitman, you’d probably picture someone sleek, ruthless, and perpetually cloaked in shadows. But what if I told you that the most dangerous assassin in Japan now spends his days running a small convenience store, doting on his wife and daughter, and dodging bullets with a "no-kill" policy? Welcome to the wild, action-packed world of Sakamoto Days, a manga by Yuto Suzuki that flips the hitman trope on its head in the most delightful way possible.
The Retired Hitman
Both are Sakamoto. For some reason, he managed to shed off his fat in seconds, going back to how he used to look back in the days. It’s temporary though.
Taro Sakamoto was once the top hitman in Japan, revered and feared by allies and enemies alike. A one-man army, he was invincible, efficient, and untouchable. Then, one day, his life took an unexpected turn when he met Aoi, a cheerful store clerk who saw the man beneath the bloodstained reputation. Sakamoto fell head over heels in love, and when Aoi revealed she couldn’t be with someone who lived such a violent life, he did the unthinkable: he left the underworld behind. Sakamoto traded his hitman career for a quiet life, marrying Aoi, becoming a father, and putting on some extra pounds—a physical transformation that perfectly symbolizes the stark contrast between his old and new life.
Sakamoto is so head-over-heels for Aoi, that he doesn’t even hesitate to leave his hitman life behind so that he can marry her.
But as anyone who’s tried to leave a high-stakes job can tell you, the past has a nasty habit of catching up. Five years after Sakamoto’s supposed retirement, his former life crashes into his peaceful existence. Old enemies, former allies, and a relentless Hitman Association are determined to bring him back—or take him out for good. What follows is a high-octane blend of action, comedy, and heartfelt family moments as Sakamoto juggles fatherhood, convenience store duties, and the challenges of outsmarting those who want him dead. Oh, and did I mention he refuses to kill anyone now? That’s right. Sakamoto fights his way through hordes of enemies with ingenuity, restraint, and a lot of creativity—but never lethal force.
Action Meets Heart
The appeal of Sakamoto Days lies in its seamless mix of absurdity and heart. The action scenes are jaw-dropping, full of inventive choreography that uses everything from store supplies to everyday objects as weapons. Sakamoto’s combat skills remain unparalleled, even if his waistline has expanded. His fights are a joy to watch, balancing intense action with laugh-out-loud moments as he outsmarts opponents in increasingly ridiculous ways. Whether he’s using a mop to take down a room full of armed assailants or turning a stack of canned goods into a makeshift weapon, Sakamoto’s creativity and precision are endlessly entertaining.
But this isn’t just a series about fights. The heart of Sakamoto Days is its characters. Sakamoto himself is a refreshing protagonist, breaking away from the stoic, brooding assassin archetype. Despite his fearsome reputation, he’s a gentle soul who prioritizes his family above all else. His love for Aoi and their daughter is evident in everything he does, and it’s this unwavering devotion that makes him such a compelling character. Shin, his former protégé and mind-reading ally, provides a great counterbalance. Where Sakamoto is quiet and composed, Shin is outspoken and impulsive. Their dynamic adds layers to the story, combining action and humor with genuine emotional depth.
Shin joins Sakamoto's store as an employee after their reunion and essentially becomes a member of their family.
A Colorful Cast of Characters
The main cast of Sakamoto Days.
The supporting cast in Sakamoto Days is just as awesome. You've got Nagumo, a super chill but deadly assassin, and Shin, a telepathic hitman who used to be Sakamoto's protégé. Then there's Lu, a badass 18-year-old mob boss’s daughter who adds her own unique flair to the team. Heisuke Mashimo, a sharp-shooting sniper with a quirky personality, rounds out the crew. Each character adds something special to the mix. Even the antagonists get well-deserved attention, with backstories and motivations that make them more than just one-dimensional villains. And, of course, the Sakamoto family's golden rule—no killing—forces Sakamoto to get creative in handling every situation, making for clever and intense battles.
The dynamic between the main trio feels very much like the Yorozuya from Gintama.
Fans of Spy x Family will feel right at home with Sakamoto Days, thanks to the shared themes of spies and assassins navigating domestic life and balancing action-packed missions with heartfelt family moments. The dynamic between Sakamoto, Shin, and Lu also draws comparisons to Gintama, with its mix of outrageous humor, thrilling action, and the camaraderie of an unconventional team. In fact, their interactions give off major Yorozuya vibes, with both Sakamoto and Gintoki being voiced by Tomokazu Sugita, Lu sounding a lot like Kagura with her Chinese background, and Shin playing the straight-man role, much like Shinpachi.
Sakamoto himself kinda gives off Slam Dunk's Anzai-sensei vibes, which is a fun throwback for manga fans. It’s this mix of familiar tropes and fresh twists that really makes Sakamoto Days stand out in the action genre.
The Anime Adaptation
Anime vs. Manga.
Fast forward to 2025, and Sakamoto Days has taken another leap forward with its highly anticipated anime adaptation. Produced by TMS Entertainment and released on Netflix, the anime has been generating plenty of buzz. Some fans were initially skeptical, especially after the trailer and opening theme sparked debates about the show’s tone and animation quality. But once the episodes started rolling out, it became clear that the adaptation had nailed the essence of the manga. The fight scenes are just as exhilarating, the humor lands perfectly, and the characters’ personalities shine through in every frame.
Sure, there’s been some criticism—you’ll always find naysayers online—but the general consensus is that the anime is a hit. The animation, while not on the same level as juggernauts like Jujutsu Kaisen or Demon Slayer, is still impressive. The fight choreography is fluid and engaging, capturing the inventive spirit of Sakamoto’s battles. The voice acting is spot-on, with each actor bringing their character to life with charisma and nuance. And the soundtrack? It’s a perfect match, blending high-energy tracks with softer, more emotional pieces that underscore the show’s quieter moments.
Why You Should Watch
The main trio as seen in the manga.
At its core, Sakamoto Days is a story about balance. It’s about finding harmony between past and present, action and comedy, chaos and calm. Sakamoto’s journey from legendary hitman to devoted family man is both hilarious and heartwarming, filled with moments that will make you laugh, cheer, and maybe even tear up. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there’s always room for love, kindness, and a little bit of absurdity.
So, why should you give Sakamoto Days a shot? Because it’s more than just another action series. It’s a celebration of creativity, a showcase of clever storytelling, and a heartfelt exploration of what it means to protect the people you love. Whether you’re a fan of hitman stories, over-the-top action, or just want something that will keep you entertained from start to finish, this series has something for everyone. And if you’re still on the fence, just remember: Sakamoto might be retired, but he’s still got a few tricks up his sleeve—and you won’t want to miss a single one.
Sakamoto Days | Official Trailer | Netflix
Sakamoto Days | Final Trailer | Netflix
Sakamoto Days OP (Opening Theme Song) | Hashire Sakamoto | Netflix
What do you think?
Why did Sakamoto quit being a hitman?
Will Sakamoto eventually return to his hitman life?
Does his wife know about his past?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch Sakamoto Days on Netflix.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
