Sakamoto Days [Season 1 Episode 1 to 11]

Sakamoto Days Season 1: A Fun but Flawed Ride for Action Fans

When Sakamoto Days first dropped, it promised a wild mix of comedy, action, and the absurdity of a retired hitman trying—and failing—to live a normal life. The premise alone was enough to hook fans: Tarou Sakamoto, once the most feared assassin in the underworld, now runs a convenience store, juggling fatherhood and marital bliss while his past refuses to let him go. The first season (or rather, the first cour of 11 episodes) delivered on some of that promise, but not without its fair share of hiccups.

The Good: Sakamoto’s Charm and the Casino Showdown

The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the finale, Casino Battle, where Sakamoto and his ragtag crew faced off against Wutang in a high-stakes game of Old Maid—except, of course, it devolved into chaos because this is Sakamoto Days. Fans loved the absurdity of it all: Sakamoto counting cards like a pro, Shin’s mind-reading shenanigans, and Lu’s hilariously terrible poker face. One fan on MyAnimeList joked, “Never in my life did I think you could play Old Maid like that.”

The humor worked best when it leaned into its ridiculousness. Whether it was Sakamoto using a burger as a weapon or Shin’s deadpan reactions to the insanity around him, the show had a knack for making even the most over-the-top moments feel oddly grounded.

The Bad: Adaptation Woes and Abrupt Ending

Not everyone was sold, though. Manga readers, in particular, were vocal about their disappointment. The adaptation, handled by TMS Entertainment, was criticized for its lackluster animation and pacing. One fan lamented, “This is undoubtedly one of the worst adaptations created for a series that deserved so much better.”

The season ended abruptly, cutting off right as the Death Row Prisoners arc was kicking into gear. For anime-only viewers, this felt like a tease rather than a satisfying conclusion. “A rather abrupt ending for cour 1,” one commenter noted, “but I guess it’s just setup for the next part.”

The Mixed Bag: Characters and Tone

The characters were a hit-or-miss affair. Sakamoto himself was universally loved—his blend of goofiness and lethal skill made him a standout protagonist. Shin, with his mind-reading abilities, had his moments, though some fans felt his powers were underutilized. Meanwhile, Wutang’s backstory with Lu added some emotional weight, but the new villains introduced in the finale (“those four crazy murderers”) left fans divided. Some were excited for their potential, while others found them too cartoonish.

The tone of the show also struggled to find balance. At times, it felt like a slapstick comedy; at others, it tried to be a serious action thriller. This inconsistency led to mixed reactions. “It’s silly yet fun,” one fan admitted, “but I wish it picked a lane.”

Final Verdict: A Solid 7/10

Despite its flaws, Sakamoto Days Season 1 was a fun ride. It didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it didn’t need to. For action-comedy fans, it delivered enough laughs and thrills to keep them entertained. The promise of a second cour in Summer 2025 has fans cautiously optimistic—especially since the manga’s later arcs are said to ramp up the intensity.

As one fan put it: “It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a good time. And sometimes, that’s enough.”

So, if you’re in the mood for a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Sakamoto Days might just be your next binge. Just don’t expect it to be the next Demon Slayer—and that’s okay.

Rating: 7/10
Best Episode: Casino Battle (Episode 11)
Worst Episode: Bathhouse Roughhouse (Episode 10)

What did you think of Sakamoto Days Season 1? Let us know in the comments!