Tomokazu Sugita
Taro Sakamoto (voice)
SAKAMOTO DAYS
“They may be ordinary, but their days are anything but.”
2025
1 Season • 22 Episodes
Director: Masaki Watanabe
Overview
Once the greatest hitman of all, Taro Sakamoto retired in the name of love. But when his past catches up, he must fight to protect his beloved family.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min read AI-generated editorial review
Searching web for context...
A Hitman Learns to Carry Groceries
I’m not sure there’s a more comic image in recent anime than a man built like a suburban refrigerator trying to move through a world that still remembers him as a weapon. SAKAMOTO DAYS takes that contradiction and keeps finding fresh ways to make it funny, then slightly sad, then funny again. That rhythm matters. The series never lets the joke settle into a gag; it keeps nudging you toward the uneasy thought underneath it all: what happens when the person who was best at violence decides, very late, that he’d rather be ordinary?
What I keep admiring about the show is how little it treats “retirement” as a stable condition. Sakamoto hasn’t escaped his old life so much as he’s stapled a family lunch onto it. Every attack on his peace is staged as an intrusion into the small, repetitive rituals of daily living: store errands, family meals, errands again. The comedy comes from the friction between scale and setting. You get blade fights in cramped aisles, clean-up work interrupted by assassins, all of it animated with a kind of elastic certainty that says the ordinary world was never built to withstand this much kinetic nonsense. And yet the series keeps insisting on the practical details. Sakamoto’s body is important here — not as punchline, though it certainly can be that, but as history. His weight, his slowed movement, the surprising ease with which he shifts from slumped father to terrifying combatant: the body itself becomes the archive.
The show’s conversation, as I see it, is partly with the long tradition of post-retirement action stories, from the tired gunslinger to the ex-assassin who really only wanted a quiet life. But SAKAMOTO DAYS has a distinctly contemporary comic nerve. It doesn’t yearn for the old days; it mocks them. Director/creator Yuto Suzuki’s source manga already had that snap, and the anime adapts it into something that feels like an argument between slapstick and choreography. A lot of action series want to be admired. This one wants to surprise you, then make you grin at your own surprise.
A Hitman Learns to Carry Groceries
I’m not sure there’s a more comic image in recent anime than a man built like a suburban refrigerator trying to move through a world that still remembers him as a weapon. SAKAMOTO DAYS takes that contradiction and keeps finding fresh ways to make it funny, then slightly sad, then funny again. That rhythm matters. The series never lets the joke settle into a gag; it keeps nudging you toward the uneasy thought underneath it all: what happens when the person who was best at violence decides, very late, that he’d rather be ordinary?
What I keep admiring about the show is how little it treats “retirement” as a stable condition. Sakamoto hasn’t escaped his old life so much as he’s stapled a family lunch onto it. Every attack on his peace is staged as an intrusion into the small, repetitive rituals of daily living: store errands, family meals, errands again. The comedy comes from the friction between scale and setting. You get blade fights in cramped aisles, clean-up work interrupted by assassins, all of it animated with a kind of elastic certainty that says the ordinary world was never built to withstand this much kinetic nonsense. And yet the series keeps insisting on the practical details. Sakamoto’s body is important here — not as punchline, though it certainly can be that, but as history. His weight, his slowed movement, the surprising ease with which he shifts from slumped father to terrifying combatant: the body itself becomes the archive.
The show’s conversation, as I see it, is partly with the long tradition of post-retirement action stories, from the tired gunslinger to the ex-assassin who really only wanted a quiet life. But SAKAMOTO DAYS has a distinctly contemporary comic nerve. It doesn’t yearn for the old days; it mocks them. Director/creator Yuto Suzuki’s source manga already had that snap, and the anime adapts it into something that feels like an argument between slapstick and choreography. A lot of action series want to be admired. This one wants to surprise you, then make you grin at your own surprise.
Audience Opinions
AI summary of viewer review patterns
Audience 8.1/10 AI
"A refreshing blend of action and comedy with a standout protagonist and vibrant animation."
The series wins over audiences with its unique mix of laid-back humor and high-octane action, anchored by a compelling retired hitman-turned-convenience-store-owner. While some side characters feel underdeveloped, the sharp writing and dynamic visuals keep viewers engaged, making it a standout in the action-comedy genre.
What viewers praise
- Charming protagonist Sakamoto’s relaxed yet deadly demeanor resonates strongly, making him an instantly likable lead.
- Balanced tone The seamless shift between comedy and action is praised for its natural flow and timing.
- Vibrant animation The stylish fight scenes and expressive character designs receive consistent acclaim.
- Engaging humor The dry, understated comedy lands well, adding levity without undermining the action.
- Strong voice acting Tomokazu Sugita’s performance as Sakamoto is frequently highlighted as a standout.
Common complaints
- Underdeveloped side characters Some supporting roles lack depth, leaving their arcs feeling shallow or rushed.
- Occasional pacing issues A few episodes drag, particularly when the focus shifts away from Sakamoto’s core dynamic.
- Predictable arcs Certain story beats follow familiar tropes, reducing surprise for seasoned viewers.
- Inconsistent worldbuilding The setting’s rules and lore are occasionally unclear, frustrating some viewers.
Recommended for
Action-comedy fans Retired assassin story lovers Anime enthusiasts seeking fresh humor Tomokazu Sugita fans Stylish fight scene admirers Lighthearted crime drama viewers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reports AI-researched entertainment notes
Behind the Scenes of SAKAMOTO DAYS: Voice Actor Drama and Fan Backlash
The highly anticipated anime adaptation of SAKAMOTO DAYS (2025) has already sparked controversy—before its Netflix debut. Based on Yuto Suzuki’s hit manga, the series follows Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman turned convenience store owner, as he’s dragged back into the underworld. But while the premise promises action and dark humor, the casting choices and behind-the-scenes decisions have divided fans.
A Star-Studded Cast—Or Too Star-Studded?
The voice cast for SAKAMOTO DAYS reads like a who’s who of anime royalty. Tomokazu Sugita (Gintama, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.) leads as Taro Sakamoto, with Nobunaga Shimazaki (Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia) as his protégé, Shin Asakura. The ensemble also includes Ayane Sakura (Spy x Family), Nao Toyama (Kaguya-sama: Love is War), and Saori Hayami (Demon Slayer), among others 
.
But not everyone is celebrating. Japanese fans have voiced strong discontent over the casting, arguing that the series’ reliance on established A-list seiyū (voice actors) stifles opportunities for newer talent. Some critics claim the production prioritized name recognition over fresh voices that might better suit the characters’ personalities 
. The backlash mirrors past debates in the anime industry, where veteran actors often dominate high-profile projects, leaving less room for rising stars.
Sugita’s Reluctance: A Role He Almost Turned Down
Adding to the intrigue, Tomokazu Sugita revealed in a pre-release interview that he initially avoided the role of Taro Sakamoto. The actor, known for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles, admitted to hesitating before taking on the retired hitman—though he didn’t specify why. His eventual performance, however, has been teased as a standout, with early clips hinting at a mix of deadpan humor and lethal intensity .
Sugita’s co-star, Nobunaga Shimazaki, has been more vocal about his excitement for the project. In a Newtype interview, Shimazaki praised the dynamic between Sakamoto and Asakura, calling it the heart of the series. He also hinted at the challenges of balancing the show’s tone, which blends action with slice-of-life comedy .
Fan Theories and Unanswered Questions
With the anime’s release imminent, speculation is swirling about how faithfully it will adapt the manga. One major point of curiosity is the portrayal of Takamura, an elderly master assassin and former member of the Japan Assassin Association (JAA). Described as one of the series’ strongest characters despite his age, Takamura’s role in the anime remains a mystery—will he be a mentor, an antagonist, or something more unpredictable?
Another unconfirmed rumor suggests that the anime’s pacing may differ from the manga, potentially condensing or expanding certain arcs. However, without official confirmation, this remains pure speculation.
The Verdict: Hype or Overhyped?
SAKAMOTO DAYS arrives with high expectations—and equally high scrutiny. The star-studded cast, while impressive, has already alienated some fans who wanted a fresher approach. Meanwhile, Sugita’s initial reluctance to take the role adds an extra layer of intrigue. Will the anime’s mix of action, comedy, and character drama win over skeptics? Or will the backlash overshadow its debut?
One thing’s certain: this is a series that’s already making waves—before the first episode even airs.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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