4 Reasons To Give ‘Sakamoto Days’ a Watch

The anime adaptation of Yuto Suzuki’s comic action manga Sakamoto Days premiered on Netflix Jan. 11, and so far it is delightful.

Here’s a quick rundown: Taro Sakamoto was once the best and baddest hitman around, until he fell in love, got married, had a kid, packed on a little weight, and is now happily running a convenience store with the fam.This is not sitting well with the underworld he used to practically own, and now every assassin in the country is out for his blood.

Four episodes have been dropped, making it a good time to catch up. Here are also four quick reasons to check it out.

The Source Material is Excellent

Suzuki first introduced readers to the misadventures of Sakamoto in 2021, and readers fell in love with it. Humor, action, heart and cliffhanger filled plot. Readers love it so much, not everyone was happy to hear it was getting an anime adaptation. I can understand that. I know a great manga doesn’t always mean a great adaptation, and they are almost never better than the original. Yet, if you stay loyal and respectful the source and its fans, then it’s a win. This adaptation is, so far, very loyal to Suzuki’s humor and storytelling.

Let’s Hear it for the Dads

One of the underlying themes of Sakamoto Days is a celebration of family. Sakamoto might be rockin’ a dad bod now, but he’s still very much worthy of protecting his family and friends. He is also very loyal to his wife, Aoi, and vows not to become the killer he once was. Aoi is probably the only one who can scare him, to be honest. This doesn’t mean he isn’t able to kick some serious butt. He can “John Wick” some baddies with everything from chopsticks to pieces of candy…and it is a blast to experience. No killing, though! Family rules. When so many series today depict the dad as a bumbling but lovable fool, it is nice to see this Dad taking charge of things.

There’s a Lesson in Redemption

The “retired assassin” story isn’t new, but many times the story drags them back into their old ways without looking back. In Sakamoto Days, even when Sakamoto has to revert to some old methods of dealing with a revolving door of would-be killers and others, he is one-by-one, turning others’ lives around and building up a nice little close knit group of employees. Of course, these new workers like clairvoyant ex-hitman Shin and crime family daughter Lu, are still capable of going berzerker on some villains at a moment’s notice. Then, it’s back to making an honest living and meat buns.

The Opening Credits are Groovy

I try not to judge a book by it’s cover, nor an anime by it’s theme and credits. Yet, can’t help it sometimes. J-Pop star Vaundy delivers a cool action rock theme, which should be enough, but there’s something about the title letters mixing into the landscape of the city that just gives me old school action or Hitchcock thriller vibes. You get some good hints at upcoming characters, as well.

I’m always leery of the “second season” switch in Netflix series, as as well as adaptations starting out loyal then completely going off the rails once they rope you in. Will this happen with Sakamoto Days? I can’t say for sure, but I know whether or now you are familiar with the manga, the first episodes of the anime are a funny and action-filled domestic adventure.

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