Summary
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Sakamoto Days offers a mix of action, comedy and heart in its debut episode, showcasing a multi-faceted protagonist.
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Taro Sakamoto's past as a fearsome hitman collides with his peaceful present, as remnants of his former life resurface.
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The episode balances humor, action, and themes of redemption, setting the stage for a compelling narrative with memorable characters.
The first episode of The Sakamoto Days bursts onto the scene with an explosive mix of action, comedy and touching moments of life that have become a staple of the manga since its first publication. It features the layered world of Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman turned convenience store owner, whose search for peace is constantly interrupted by the remnants of his deadly past as a killer. At first glance, Sakamoto seems like an average middle-aged man, slightly overweight and unassuming, but a flash of tension in his eyes suggests something deeper.
As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that his cheerful demeanor and slow pace mask the instincts of a predator still lurking beneath the surface. Taro Sakamoto, once the most feared hitman 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 appears to have put his deadly past behind him. But as this episode shows, the world he escaped from isn't ready to let him go yet.

Related
Sakamoto Days releases the final trailer before the premiere
Sakamoto Days has released a final trailer ahead of its launch.
A peaceful life, on the surface
Configure the world
The story begins with a snapshot of Taro Sakamoto's current life. Far from the chaos of his days as a hitman, Sakamoto now lives a seemingly mundane existence. He is a slightly overweight man who runs a quaint convenience store alongside his devoted wife, Aoi, and their lively young daughter. The atmosphere is warm and domestic, full of lighthearted family banter. Aoi teases Sakamoto about his love of snacks, and his daughter's laughter fills the store, creating a wholesome scene that seems miles away from the dark underworld Sakamoto once inhabited.
However, the narrative quickly highlights the contrast between Sakamoto's present and his past. Through dynamic flashbacks, viewers are introduced to his reputation as “The Legend”. 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 an unparalleled force. 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
The past left by Sakamoto is returning
Sakamoto's quiet world begins to shake when Shin, a sharply dressed young hitman from his former organization, enters the shop. Shin is no ordinary assassin; he possesses a rare and formidable ability: clairvoyance. He can read the thoughts of others, an ability that makes him an invaluable asset to the organization. Shin was sent on a mission: to convince Sakamoto to return to the fold.
At first, Shin struggles to reconcile the soft-spoken, snack-loving shopkeeper before him with the legendary assassin he idolized. Watching Sakamoto fumble with groceries and tend to customers, Shin assumes that he has become weak and complacent. However, his doubts are quickly dispelled when he inadvertently challenges Sakamoto.
“He was once feared by villains everywhere and admired by all hitmen. But then, one day, Sakamoto…gained weight.”
In a heated exchange, Shin tries to intimidate the retired assassin, but Sakamoto responds with lightning-quick reflexes. Using mundane objects like a bag of candy and a price scanner, Sakamoto easily neutralizes Shin's threats without breaking a sweat. The choreography of this scene is both thrilling and comical, perfectly capturing the show's signature style. Sakamoto's skills are sharper than ever, and Shin begins to understand that the legend hasn't faded, it's simply been revived.
Assassins at the gates
Sakamoto's abilities on full display
The action intensifies when Shin's presence attracts the attention of other assassins. A group of hitmen arrive at the convenience store with the aim of eliminating Sakamoto and reclaiming the prestige of their organization. This leads to a spectacular action sequence, which showcases Sakamoto's unparalleled resourcefulness. Despite the store's limited space, Sakamoto uses his surroundings to his advantage. Throw soda bottles like projectiles, turn packing tape into an improvised weapon, and use shelves as shields.
Shin, who initially watches in awe, decides to intervene and fight alongside Sakamoto. Using his clairvoyant abilities, Shin predicts the assassins' movements, giving Sakamoto the advantage he needs to dominate the fight. Their unexpected teamwork hints at the dynamic partnership that will carry the series forward. Once the situation calms down, the focus shifts to Shin's internal conflict. Witnessing Sakamoto's strength and resolve forces Shin to reconsider his mission. Sakamoto explains why he chose 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, presenting him not only as a legendary assassin but as a man who values family and happiness above all else.
Shin, inspired by Sakamoto's transformation, makes a life-changing decision. He leaves the organization and chooses to stay with Sakamoto, offering his clairvoyant abilities as an ally rather than an enemy. The episode ends with Shin officially joining the convenience store team, starting a new chapter for both characters.
Final review: An anime about redemption, family and transformation
How the themes tie together to create a cohesive episode
The first episode of The Sakamoto Days it's not all 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 efforts we make to protect what matters most. The contrast between Sakamoto's past and present is artfully depicted, from the stark flashbacks of his days as a hitman to the soft golden hues of his current life. His interactions with Shin reveal his belief that anyone can choose a better path, regardless of their past mistakes. These moments give the show its emotional core, grounding the absurdity in genuine character growth.
The humor is equally well crafted, with slapstick comedy and visual gags blending seamlessly with the action. Whether it's Sakamoto deflecting bullets with a frying pan or Shin's incredulous expressions, the episode is full of laugh-out-loud moments. The 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 heartwarming moments. The question remains: Can Sakamoto truly put his past behind him, or will his legend continue to shape his future?
The debut episode of The Sakamoto Days is a masterful introduction to a series that promises a unique blend 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 its intelligent writing, captivating visuals and memorable characters, this first episode raises the bar and leaves viewers eagerly awaiting what's to come.
Whether you're drawn to absurdist humor, high-stakes action, or a touching story of redemption, The Sakamoto Days has something for everyone. If this first episode is any indication, this series is poised to become the next big shōnen hit.

A 2025 anime, Sakamoto Days is an action comedy based on Yuto Suzuki's shonen manga, which debuted in 2020. The series follows Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman who has been enjoying family life for years. She spends her days running a small shop with Shin, but her peaceful existence is regularly interrupted by ghosts from the past.
- Release date
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January 11, 2025
- Launch
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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
- Study
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TMS Entertainment
- Based on
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Manga