Summary
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Sakamoto Days delivers a mix of action, comedy, and heart in its debut episode, featuring a multi-faceted protagonist.
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Tara Sakamoto's past as a terrifying hitman collides with his peaceful present as remnants of his former life resurface.
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This episode balances humor, action, and themes of redemption, setting the stage for an engaging narrative with memorable characters.
The first episode Sakamoto days arrives with the explosive mix of action, comedy and heartwarming moments that have become a staple of the manga since its first release. It introduces the layered world of Taro Sakamoto, a retired assassin turned convenience store owner whose quest for peace is constantly interrupted by remnants of his deadly past as an assassin. At first glance, Sakamoto seems like an average middle-aged man, slightly overweight and unassuming, but the twinkle of tension in his eyes suggests something deeper.
As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that his cheerful demeanor and slower pace mask the predator instincts still lurking beneath the surface. Taro Sakamoto, once the most feared assassin in the underworld, has traded his life of bloodshed for the quiet existence of a convenience store owner. With a loving wife, an adorable daughter, and an arsenal of domestic skills, Sakamoto seems to have put his deadly past far behind him. But as this episode proves, the world he escaped from isn't quite ready to let him go.

Related
Sakamoto Days releases final trailer before premiere
Sakamoto Days released the final trailer ahead of its launch.
Peaceful life on the surface
World setting
The story begins with a snapshot of Tara Sakamoto's current life. Far from the chaos of his assassin days, Sakamoto now lives a seemingly mundane existence. He is a slightly overweight man who runs a quaint convenience store with his devoted wife Aoi and their spirited daughter. The atmosphere is warm and homely, full of cheerful family banter. Aoi teases Sakamoto about his love of snacks, and their daughter's laughter fills the store, creating a wholesome scene that feels miles away from the dark underworld Sakamoto once lived in.
However, the narrative quickly teases the contrast between Sakamoto's present and his past. Through dynamic flashbacks, the audience is introduced to his “Legend” reputation. Sakamoto was a master assassin, a man whose name struck fear into the hearts of the underworld. His calm precision and ability to eliminate targets without a trace made him a force without parallel. Despite his fearsome reputation, Sakamoto left it all behind when he fell in love with Aoi, trading bloodshed for love and violence for a peaceful family life.
An unwelcome reminder
Sakamoto Left Behind's past returns
Sakamoto's peaceful world begins to shake when Shin, a sharp-dressed young assassin from his former organization, enters the shop. Shin is no ordinary killer; he has a rare and formidable ability: clairvoyance. He can read the minds of others, a skill that makes him an invaluable asset to the organization. Shin was sent on a mission: to convince Sakamoto to return to the fold.
Shin first tries to reconcile the quiet, snack-loving businessman with the legendary assassin he idolized. As Shin watches Sakamoto juggle groceries and take care of customers, he assumes he's grown weak and content. However, his doubts are quickly dispelled when he inadvertently challenges Sakamoto.
“He used to be feared by villains everywhere and looked up to by all the assassins. But then, one day, Sakamoto… gained weight.”
In a heated exchange, Shin tries to intimidate the retired assassin, but Sakamoto reacts with lightning-fast reflexes. Using mundane objects like a bag of candy and a price scanner, Sakamoto effortlessly neutralizes Shin's threats without breaking a sweat. The choreography for this scene is both suspenseful and comedic, perfectly capturing the show's signature style. Sakamoto's skills are as sharp as ever, and Shin begins to understand that the legend hasn't faded, it's just been reworked.
Assassins at the Doorstep
Sakamoto's skills on full display
The action escalates when Shin's presence attracts the attention of the other assassins. A group of hitmen arrive at the convenience store with the goal of eliminating Sakamoto and regaining the prestige of their organization. This leads to a spectacular action sequence that showcases Sakamoto's unparalleled ingenuity. Despite the shop's limited space, Sakamoto uses its surroundings to its advantage. He throws soda bottles like projectiles, turns packing tape into a makeshift weapon, and uses shelves as shields.
Shin, who initially watches in awe, decides to step in and fight alongside Sakamoto. Using his clairvoyant powers, Shin predicts the assassins' movements, giving Sakamoto the edge he needs to dominate the fight. Their unexpected teamwork hints at a dynamic partnership that will propel the series forward. Once the dust settles, the focus shifts to Shin's inner conflict. Witnessing Sakamoto's strength and determination forces Shin to reconsider his mission. Sakamoto explains why he decided to leave the world of crime: his love for Aoi and his desire to build a life of peace. This moment adds depth to Sakamoto's character, introducing him not only as a legendary killer, but also as someone who values family and happiness above all else.
Inspired by Sakamoto's transformation, Shin makes a life-changing decision. She leaves the organization and chooses to stay with Sakamoto, offering her clairvoyant powers as an ally rather than an enemy. The episode closes with Shin officially joining the convenience store team and a new chapter begins for both characters.
Final Review: An anime about redemption, family, and transformation
How the themes come together to create a cohesive episode
The first episode Sakamoto days it's not all about explosive action and laugh-out-loud comedy; it also explores themes of redemption and transformation. Sakamoto's journey from ruthless killer to loving family man reflects the human desire for change and the lengths we go to protect what matters most. The contrast between Sakamoto's past and present is artfully portrayed, from the gritty flashbacks of his time as a hitman to the soft golden hues of his current life. His interactions with Shin reveal his belief that everyone can choose a better path, regardless of their past mistakes. These moments give the show its emotional core and ground the absurdity in real character growth.
The humor is equally well done, with slapstick comedy and visual gags blending seamlessly with the action. Whether it's Sakamoto deflecting pan bullets or Shino's disbelieving expressions, the episode is full of laugh-out-loud moments. This episode leaves viewers eager to see how Sakamoto's peaceful life will continue to collide with the chaos of his past. With Shin at his side, the stage is set for a mix of absurd adventures, high-octane battles and heartfelt moments. The question remains: can Sakamoto truly let go of his past, or will his legend continue to shape his future?
Debut episode Sakamoto days is a masterful introduction to a series that promises a unique combination of action, comedy and heart. Taro Sakamoto is a character you can't help but root for, and the dynamic between him and Shin adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. With clever writing, engaging visuals, and memorable characters, this first episode sets the bar high and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating what's to come.
Whether you're drawn to absurdist humor, high-stakes action, or a poignant story of redemption, Sakamoto days it has something for everyone. If this first episode is any indication, this series is poised to be the next big shōnen hit.

The 2025 anime Sakamoto Days is an action comedy based on Yuto Suzuki's shonen manga that debuted in 2020. The series follows Taro Sakamoto, a retired hit man who has been enjoying family life for years. He spends his days running a small shop alongside Shin, but his peaceful existence is regularly disturbed by the ghosts of the past.
- Release date
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January 11, 2025
- Cast
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Matthew Mercer, Dallas Liu, Rosalie Chiang, Rosie Okumura, Xolo Mariduena, Aleks Le, Alexa Bliss, SungWon Cho, Dushaunt Fik-Shun Stegall, Toru Uchikado
- Studio
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TMS entertainment
- Based on
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Manga