Sakamoto Days Review: Is The Assassin-Based Anime Worth Watching?

Daksh Chaudhary
May 5
4 min read

If you love action-packed anime with a hilarious twist, Sakamoto Days might be your next binge-watch. The story follows Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who retired to run a convenience store with his wife and daughter, only for his violent past to come knocking. The series is like John Wick mixed with Spy x Family, but with more dad jokes and gumball bullets.

The anime adaptation, streaming on Netflix, has sparked heated debates. Some fans adore its quirky charm, while others expected more from its animation and pacing. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s discuss in the review if Sakamoto Days is worth watching or not.

ALSO READ: If Sakamoto Never Retired, Would He Be the Strongest Assassin Alive?

What Sakamoto Days Does Right?

Unique Blend Of Action And Comedy

Sakamoto Days nails the balance between high-octane fights and laugh-out-loud humor. Unlike typical assassin stories filled with brooding heroes, Sakamoto is a goofy, overweight dad who still kicks butt, just without killing anyone (his wife’s rule). The contrast between his deadly skills and his mundane life, like stopping assassins while restocking snacks, keeps the tone fresh and fun.

The comedy is also smart. Sakamoto’s deadpan reactions, Shin’s mind-reading inner monologues, and Aoi’s terrifyingly calm acceptance of her husband’s past make the humor feel natural. Even the villains get ridiculous moments, like a hitman attacking in a bathhouse or a dinosaur skeleton brawl in a museum.

Creative Fight Sequences

The battles are unique as Sakamoto fights with whatever’s nearby. Chopsticks act as bullet-blockers, and gumballs as lethal projectiles. The anime shines by turning ordinary items into weapons, giving fights a Jackie Chan level of creativity.

The fights aren’t just flashy; they’re tactical as well. Since Sakamoto refuses to kill, he outsmarts enemies with non-lethal takedowns, making battles feel fresh. The anime doesn’t always animate these scenes flawlessly, but the inventiveness keeps them entertaining.

A Unique Protagonist Who Breaks The Mold

Most assassins in anime are lean, brooding, and tragic. Sakamoto? He’s a chubby, happy family man who just wants to run his store in peace. His design - soft-faced and unassuming- makes his sudden bursts of badassery even funnier. Plus, his no-kill rule adds risks; he’s powerful but restrained, making fights more unpredictable.

His personality is just as refreshing. Unlike edgy antiheroes, Sakamoto is wholesome. He adores his wife, spoils his daughter, and even treats his enemies with weird kindness. It’s hard not to root for a guy who’s equally likely to crush deadly hitmen or share a snack with them.

A Strong Focus On Side Characters

The show doesn’t just rely on Sakamoto. Shin, the mind-reading ex-hitman, steals scenes with his sarcastic inner thoughts and chaotic energy. Lu, the mafia princess turned cashier, brings martial arts flair, while Heisuke the sniper adds wildcard energy. Even Sakamoto’s wife, Aoi, brings timely fun to the table - she’s the one enforcing the no-killing rule.

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The group feels like a mix of family and coworkers who don’t always get along. Their funny conversations and teamwork make even the calm scenes fun to watch. And seeing ex-assassins try to work normal jobs is just hilarious.

Where Sakamoto Days Falls Short?

Animation Inconsistencies

If we talk about fans' biggest complaint against Sakamoto Days in this review, that would be about its animation. The animation doesn’t always match the manga’s energy. Some fights feel stiff, relying on still frames instead of fluid motion. While the choreography is clever, the execution can be lackluster, especially compared to top-tier action anime like Jujutsu Kaisen.

If you expect Demon Slayer-level polish, the series won't fulfill. However, Sakamoto Days still settles for decent. It’s not bad, just underwhelming for a series known for its incredible action. Hopefully, Season 2 improves, but for now, the manga’s art outshines the anime.

Predictable Story

The early arcs follow a “villain of the week” formula, which gets repetitive. Most bad guys lack depth, showing up just to lose to Sakamoto. The manga later introduces deeper plots, but the anime’s first season sticks to simple setups: assassin shows up, gets humiliated, repeat.

The pacing also rushes some character moments. Key manga scenes like Aoi facing a bus hijacking or Sakamoto’s Black Friday-style backpack hunt were cut, making relationships feel less developed. Hopefully, future seasons slow down and flesh out the world.

Final Verdict On Sakamoto Days Review

Sakamoto Days is just plain fun. It’s not super deep or dramatic, but that’s what makes it so easy to enjoy. The mix of wild action, silly humor, and heart really works. While the animation isn’t top-tier and some parts feel a bit repetitive, the creativity and lovable characters carry the show.

In this Sakamoto Days review, we’d say it’s worth watching if you like light, action-packed anime with a twist. Fans of Spy x Family or The Way of the Househusband will feel right at home. But if you're only into perfect visuals or serious plots, maybe skip it.