Tokyo, Japan – The highly anticipated 16th episode of the Sakamoto Days anime, titled “Slice Slice Dance,” premiered on August 11, 2025, delivering a pivotal and action-packed installment that has left fans reeling. The episode features a dramatic confrontation at the Japanese Association of Assassins (JAA) headquarters, bringing together key characters in a fight with significant implications for the series’ ongoing narrative.
JAA Headquarters Under Siege
“Slice Slice Dance” plunges viewers directly into the chaos as the formidable duo of X (also known as Slur) and Gaku launch an audacious invasion of the JAA headquarters. Their assault draws the attention of legendary retired hitman Taro Sakamoto and his associates, Shin and Lu, who find themselves in the thick of the unfolding battle. The episode escalates quickly, showcasing the formidable power of the antagonists as they cut through JAA members.
Takamura’s Fierce Stand and Ambiguous Fate
A major highlight of Episode 16 is the fierce engagement involving Takamura, an elderly, sword-wielding hitman known as the “ghost of ORDER” and considered the strongest swordsman in the series. Takamura confronts X and Gaku, demonstrating overwhelming strength and skill. In a shocking turn, Takamura manages to sever one of Gaku’s arms.
The episode culminates in a devastating explosion orchestrated by Slur, which seemingly takes Takamura’s life. While Sakamoto and his employees are seen emerging from the rubble, Takamura is conspicuously absent, leading to widespread speculation about his fate. The anime’s narration adds to the mystery, stating that “one person went missing” after the incident, a detail that aligns with the original manga and suggests Takamura may have survived and gone into hiding.
Sakamoto Confronts His Past
Beyond the intense combat, “Slice Slice Dance” delivers a significant plot twist: Sakamoto learns the shocking truth of X’s identity. The episode reveals that Sakamoto knows Slur as Uzuki, hinting at a deep and complex history between the two. This revelation marks a critical turning point for the series, transforming it from a more episodic “hangout” anime into a story with clear stakes and a direct objective for Sakamoto. The encounter between Sakamoto and Slur, though interrupted, sets the stage for future confrontations driven by their shared past.
Elevated Animation and Narrative Progression
Reviewers have lauded Episode 16 for its marked improvement in animation quality and gripping storytelling. The fight scenes, particularly Takamura’s, feature elevated visuals and impactful frames that enhance the intensity of the battles. The episode is seen as a pivotal moment that successfully develops its characters and hints at overlooked depths in Slur’s villainy.
Global Release and Streaming Information
The Sakamoto Days anime, produced by TMS Entertainment, first premiered on January 11, 2025. The first cour ran until March 22, 2025, and the second cour began airing in July 2025. New episodes, including “Slice Slice Dance,” are released globally on Netflix, often synchronized with the Japanese broadcast. Viewers can expect new episodes to drop every Saturday.
