There’s something quietly magical about Sakamoto Days. It doesn’t shout for your attention—it strolls in, offers you a perfectly packed bento, then casually disarms five attackers with a mop handle before you’ve finished your tea. Netflix’s adaptation of Yuto Suzuki’s manga doesn’t just hit the mark—it threads a needle with a throwing knife, midair, while calculating the price of instant ramen.
A familiar story with a new twist
At a glance, Sakamoto Days sounds like an all too familiar setup: legendary assassin retires, gets married for love, and tries to live in peace. But rather than leaning on tired action clichés, the series reinvents them with a refreshing dose of self-awareness and style. It’s a clever inversion of the typical “retired killer” trope—the quiet menace of John Wick reimagined with a softer domestic edge, a lot more weight on his bones, and a much better sense of humor.
The animation—at least for me—is a particular treat. There’s a distinctly nostalgic feel to the way the show is drawn: reminiscent of early 2000s anime, with clean lines, expressive character work, and well-crafted action. The fight choreography is smart, kinetic, and just exaggerated enough to feel fun without becoming too, well, cartoonish. It’s the kind of animation that knows when to dazzle and when to hold back, letting the story breathe between roundhouse kicks.
And that story? It’s surprisingly heartfelt. Sakamoto Days may be filled with quirky assassins, gadget-loving sidekicks, and enough covert operations to warrant a few classified folders, but at its core, it’s about a man who chose family over violence (mostly). It’s about redemption without the angst, and purpose without the melodrama. There’s comedy, yes—but it never undercuts the greater story. Instead, it elevates it. You find yourself laughing at the absurdity of a bulletproof store uniform one minute and then unexpectedly touched by a quiet moment of loyalty the next.
Slapstick, sharp, and subtle all at once
The real genius lies in how the show blends tones: equal parts slapstick, sharp action, and subtle emotional beats. Every character—no matter how offbeat—feels grounded in their own way. Whether it’s Shin, the mind-reading sidekick trying to keep up, or the bizarrely stylish parade of villains, they all bring something electric to the screen. But it’s Sakamoto’s calm, unshakeable presence that anchors the chaos. He’s the eye of the storm, sipping tea while everything around him explodes in slow motion.
In a media landscape obsessed with reinvention, Sakamoto Days feels effortlessly cool by embracing what’s already great about the genre: dynamic action, charismatic characters, and a strong sense of fun. It’s not trying to be subversive or edgy—it’s just well made and smart enough to know when to laugh at itself.
The Fangirl’s Verdict
Sakamoto Days is a confident, character-driven action comedy that blends the best of classic anime styling with a modern sensibility. Cool, clean, and quietly brilliant.
