The anime adaptation of Sakamoto Days, produced by TMS Entertainment and streamed on Netflix, has finally debuted, offering fans of the manga and new viewers a blend of action and comedy. The series centers around Taro Sakamoto, once the underworld’s most feared assassin, who retired to live a quiet life with his family—until his past comes knocking.
Sakamoto’s simple yet compelling premise revolves around his reluctant return to the assassin world when his peaceful life is disrupted. A telepathic hitman, Shin, initially tasked with eliminating Sakamoto, soon joins him as an employee and ally. Along with a mafia heiress, Lu Xiaotang, the trio goes on a journey filled with heartwarming family dynamics and a strict “no killing” rule that sets the tone for the story’s charm.
The Long-Awaited Sakamoto Days Anime is Finally Here
The anime leans heavily into its comedy, successfully nailing its timing and visual gags. Shin’s imagined scenarios of Sakamoto’s lethal skills and Sakamoto’s fear of upsetting his wife bring out laugh-out-loud moments. The dub cast performs well, with Dallas Liu as a relatable Shin and Matthew Mercer giving Sakamoto a commanding presence. While Rosalie Chiang as Xiaotang has room for growth, her emotional scenes shine. The dub also tones down the manga’s fat jokes, making the humor more palatable.
On the action front, Sakamoto Days is decent but not groundbreaking. TMS Entertainment, not known for high-octane action, delivers a serviceable adaptation. Director Masaki Watanabe uses clever editing and visual tricks to portray Sakamoto’s superhuman feats. While the animation lacks the fluidity of bigger-budget adaptations like Jujutsu Kaisen, it manages to keep the energy flowing.
Despite fan concerns about the studio’s ability to handle such a beloved manga, the production is steady and avoids the pitfalls of overworked schedules. Compared to older shonen adaptations, this feels like a step up, even if it doesn’t reach blockbuster levels.
These first two episodes focus on character relationships and comedy, successfully establishing Sakamoto as a loveable protagonist. His willingness to protect and nurture his unconventional family makes for a heartfelt narrative. As the story builds toward more action-driven arcs, the adaptation will need to maintain its balance of humor and heart.
For now, Sakamoto Days offers a solid, entertaining start. It’s not perfect, but it has enough charm to win over both longtime fans and curious newcomers alike.
