Anime Review: Sakamoto Days (Part 2)

English Title: Sakamoto Days

Japanese Title: サカモトデイズ

Director(s): Watanabe Masaki

Screenwriter(s): Kishimoto Taku

Studio: TMS Entertainment

Released: 2025

Part 2 Runtime: 11 episodes, ~24m each.

Starring: Sugita Tomokazu, Shimazaki Nobunaga, Sakura Ayane, Hanae Natsuki, Yashiro Taku, Hayami Saori, Namikawa Daisuke, Uchiyama Kouki

Based on the ongoing manga of the same name by Suzuki Yuto that began in 2020, the story follows retired hitman Sakamoto Taro as he lives or attempts to live an ordinary life. I have not read the manga so the review is purely of the anime and this review assumes one has seen Part 1.

Part 2 directly continues from Part 1, starting at Episode 12, with four serial killers that Kashima recruited as villains. All four follow a template: Dump, the busty woman; Saw, the casual guy who is confident and thinks he’s cool; Apart, the quiet guy who acts like some fragile OCD; Minimalist, the traditional muscle/monster.

These four are obviously a threat but this arc, thankfully, does not occupy all 11 episodes. They are defeated rather quickly, which is consistent to the skill level the assassins have in this fictional universe. Also appreciated is that Sakamoto does not deal with all four of them, which is realistic and avoids repetition.

Minimalist

Like one of its inspirations, John Wick, more of the mythology is revealed and this is done as part of the plot.

The big bad, X or Slur, makes a move against the Japanese Association of Assassins (JAA) so this naturally gets the Order involved, an elite group within JAA that oversees and carries out matters of governance and enforcement. Whilst these characters and their combat skills are on display, the politics and inner workings are unfortunately insufficient. One presumes more of that will follow.

Slur and his henchman Gaku.

As Slur exposes himself, Sakamoto and Shin decide to infiltrate Japan Clear Creation (JCC), an academy for assassins, since they believe there is information regarding Slur hidden on campus. They thus participate in a transfer exam (like an entrance exam) with all its associated fantastical action. Of course, all candidates are conveniently on a chartered flight and the exam starts mid-flight. So if one is looking for ridiculous action, then this arc should qualify.

Sakamoto and Shin trying to eat during the flight.

Generally, like Part 1, the pacing is fast and measured to the point that it is regimental. Each episode, certain fights happen or develop to a phase with some exposition or revelation that progresses the plot.

Since the conflict against Slur has escalated, the “daily life” approach is significantly reduced. Not that it is intended to be slice-of-life but more of that will provide the balance and grounding the story needs.

Visually, the gritty and pastel texture along with the varied colors is nicely done. And it seems there is better and more consistent quality in Part 2.

The series continues to introduce characters, good and bad. Although somewhat cheesy, as Sakamoto keeps on making assassin friends, at least it is realistic in the sense that one cannot get through life alone—he will have to form alliances, and this is firmly established since Part 1. As a comedy, there are a few good laughs and although there could be more, it is still a consistently fun show.

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