Sakamoto Days [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 11]

Sakamoto Days Season 1: A Fun but Flawed Ride

When Sakamoto Days first dropped, it promised a wild blend of action, comedy, and heart—a retired assassin turned family man dragged back into the underworld. And for the most part, it delivered… but not without some glaring hiccups. After binging through the first 11 episodes, here’s the lowdown on what worked, what didn’t, and why fans are still divided.

The Premise: A Killer Turned Convenience Store Dad

The show kicks off with Tarou Sakamoto, once the most feared hitman in the business, now living a peaceful (and slightly chubby) life running a convenience store with his wife and daughter. But of course, the past doesn’t stay buried. Old enemies resurface, and Sakamoto finds himself reluctantly pulled back into the assassin world—except now, he’s trying to keep things non-lethal.

It’s a fresh twist on the “retired badass” trope, mixing over-the-top action with slice-of-life humor. Think John Wick meets Spy x Family, but with more burgers and less espionage.

The Good: Why Fans Stuck Around

1. Sakamoto’s Dumb-Genius Charm
   The man is a walking contradiction—a former killing machine who now solves problems with grocery items and dad jokes. Whether he’s using a pack of chips as a weapon or outsmarting foes with sheer unpredictability, Sakamoto’s antics are undeniably entertaining. As one fan put it: “Never in my life did I think you could play Old Maid like that.”

2. The Supporting Cast
   Shin, the young assassin with a photographic memory, and Lu, the poker-faced prodigy, add depth to the chaos. Their dynamic with Sakamoto—part mentor-student, part dysfunctional family—keeps things lively. And let’s not forget Wutang, whose backstory with Lu gave Episode 11 some much-needed emotional weight.

3. The Casino Battle (Episode 11)
   The finale’s high-stakes gambling showdown was a highlight. Fans loved the mix of strategy and absurdity, especially when Sakamoto and Wutang faced off in a game of Old Maid with actual life-or-death consequences. “Lu having no poker face was hilarious,” one viewer noted, “even if it devolved into another brawl.”

The Bad: Where It Fell Short

1. Underwhelming Adaptation
   Manga readers were not happy. Many felt the anime failed to capture the raw energy of Suzuki’s artwork, with fights relying too much on slow-motion and “special effects” instead of fluid animation. “This is one of the worst adaptations for a series that deserved better,” complained a fan. Even non-manga readers noticed the lackluster visuals, calling it “a less interesting version of Spy x Family.”

2. Abrupt Ending
   Episode 11 wrapped up the first cour by introducing a new arc—four deranged assassins—but left fans hanging without a proper climax. “It just felt like another episode, not a finale,” someone pointed out. The sudden shift from lighthearted antics to serious threats felt jarring, and many wished the season had ended on a stronger note.

3. Inconsistent Tone
   The show struggled to balance its goofy humor with darker moments. One minute, Sakamoto’s cracking jokes; the next, he’s snapping necks (despite his “no killing” rule). “Why make a big deal about him not killing if he clearly does?” a viewer questioned. The tonal whiplash left some fans confused.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Leave It?

The discourse around Sakamoto Days is heated. Some fans adored its unapologetic silliness: “Idc what manga readers say, I liked this shit.” Others were disappointed by its wasted potential: “Easily the most disappointing series of the year.”

But here’s the thing—most agreed it was fun, even if flawed. As one person summed it up: “When you stop obsessing over every little detail, it becomes a good time.”

Final Verdict: Worth the Watch?

If you’re here for dumb-fun action and don’t mind some janky animation, Sakamoto Days delivers. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a solid 7/10—a show you can enjoy with snacks and zero expectations.

That said, manga fans might want to stick to the source material. And for everyone else? The second cour (coming Summer 2025) could be the make-or-break moment. Here’s hoping TMS steps up their game.

Until then, let’s just appreciate Sakamoto’s ability to turn a convenience store into a battleground. Because honestly, who else could make a pack of gum look deadly?

What did you think of Sakamoto Days? Love it, hate it, or somewhere in between? Drop your thoughts below!