Sakamoto Days [Season 1]

Sakamoto Days Season 1: When the World’s Deadliest Hitman Becomes a Convenience Store Dad

Imagine John Wick, but with a dad bod, a apron, and a penchant for selling bento boxes instead of shooting bad guys. That’s Taro Sakamoto, the retired hitman at the center of Sakamoto Days—a show that’s equal parts action, comedy, and “aww” family vibes. Adapted from Yuuto Suzuki’s beloved manga and animated by TMS Entertainment (the studio behind Detective Conan), Season 1 dropped its first part on January 11, 2025, with Part 2 following in July. And let’s just say, fans had opinions about how this wild premise translated to the screen.

First off, the setup is pure genius. Sakamoto was once the kind of guy villains had nightmares about—until he fell in love, got married, had a kid, and traded his guns for a cash register. Now he’s running a tiny convenience store with his wife Lu and their child, living the “peaceful” life… until his past comes knocking. Think: assassins bursting into his store, poison-wielding hitmen crashing family outings at Sugar Park, and a clairvoyant ex-assassin named Shin who’s supposed to kill him but ends up working at the shop instead. It’s like Spy x Family met John Wick at a 7-Eleven, and honestly? That’s the crossover no one knew they needed.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the animation. If you’ve scrolled through MyAnimeList forums, you’ve seen the drama. Some fans called it “mid” or “ass,” comparing it unfavorably to flashy shows like Jujutsu Kaisen or Chainsaw Man. One user ranted, “This manga deserved soooooo much better. It deserved the Dandadan treatment,” referring to the other 2025 anime that wowed with its visuals. Another even invoked One Punch Man Season 2—yikes—saying the compositing (that’s the way animation layers are put together) was “REALLY iffy,” ruining good action cuts.

But here’s the thing: not everyone hated it. A lot of anime-only viewers (people who haven’t read the manga) thought the animation was totally fine. One fan said, “I don’t have anything to compare it with, so just going in blind and it was a fun time. Def worked for me as anime only.” Others pointed out that the retro, early-2000s vibe of the opening (with Vaundy’s song) was actually a plus—like a throwback to shows where story mattered more than eye-popping effects. “Think everyone just so used to the JJK, CSM style they forgot how shit used to look,” another user joked.

And let’s not sleep on the action. Even with the animation complaints, Sakamoto’s fight scenes are insane. He catches bullets with chopsticks. He uses a “Thank you, please come again!” sign as a weapon. He takes down assassins while still being a dad—like, mid-fight, he’ll pause to make sure his kid is okay. One fan gushed, “The action was pretty cool. And it was cool to see the creative ways he was fighting against those minions.” Another laughed, “He caught bullets with chopsticks lol. This looks so ridiculous and fun.”

The characters are where Sakamoto Days really shines, though. Sakamoto himself is the ultimate “soft tough guy”—he’s got a round face, a dad belly, and a voice that’s equal parts gruff and gentle. Shin, the clairvoyant ex-assassin, is the perfect straight man to Sakamoto’s chaos; he starts out trying to kill Sakamoto but ends up sticking around because, let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to work at a convenience store with a legendary hitman? And Lu, Sakamoto’s wife? She’s not just a damsel—she’s the one who keeps Sakamoto grounded, even when assassins are blowing up their store.

The first episode does a great job of setting up the balance between slice-of-life and action. We see Sakamoto making bento boxes, bickering with Shin, and then suddenly taking down a group of goons like it’s no big deal. It’s that contrast—ordinary dad stuff mixed with over-the-top hitman chaos—that makes the show so addictive. As one fan put it, “Both the action and slice of life blend so seamlessly. Can already tell this show is gonna make for comfy viewing.”

Sure, the animation isn’t perfect. Some scenes feel a little flat, and the compositing could be better. But here’s the thing: Sakamoto Days isn’t trying to be Jujutsu Kaisen. It’s trying to be a fun, heartwarming, and occasionally badass show about a dad who just wants to protect his family. And for most viewers, that’s more than enough. As one user summed it up: “People hyped this show up. After reading the premise, I thought I’d watch it. It’s basically like Spy x Family which I love. And the first episode was great so I have no complaints. It’s weird to see complaints about animation. Sure, it might not be Science Saru or Madhouse level but it still looks fine. Ya’ll are spoiled way too much.”

At the end of the day, Sakamoto Days Season 1 is a blast. It’s got humor, heart, and enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat. Is it the most visually stunning anime of the year? No. But does it make you laugh, gasp, and go “aww” all in one episode? Absolutely. And in a world where every anime feels like it’s trying to outdo the last with flashy effects, that’s a win.

So if you’re looking for a show that’s equal parts “cool hitman stuff” and “dad vibes,” give Sakamoto Days a shot. Just don’t be surprised if you end up craving bento boxes and wanting a dad like Sakamoto.

Final Verdict: 7/10—fun, flawed, and totally worth your time.

P.S. The scene where Sakamoto uses a convenience store bag to disarm an assassin? Chef’s kiss.