Sakamoto Days anime fans have reason to be excited as the highly anticipated Episode 17 premiered on August 18, 2025, marking the beginning of a significant new storyline: the JCC Transfer Exams arc. This episode launched the series into its second cour, promising intense action and pivotal developments for the beloved characters.
Release Date and Streaming Information
Episode 17 of Sakamoto Days officially aired on August 18, 2025. The anime series, produced by TMS Entertainment, began its broadcast in January 2025, with its second cour starting in July of the same year. For international viewers, Sakamoto Days is licensed by Netflix for worldwide streaming, with episodes releasing simultaneously with their televised broadcast in Japan. This ensures fans globally can keep up with Sakamoto and his crew as the story unfolds.
The JCC Transfer Exams Arc Begins
Episode 17 serves as the gateway to the JCC Transfer Exams arc, a crucial narrative point in the Sakamoto Days anime. Following the intense events of the preceding episodes, this arc sees protagonists Sakamoto and Shin making the strategic decision to infiltrate the Japan Assassins Association (JAA) via the JCC (Japan Criminals College) transfer exam. They disguise themselves as student applicants and board a JCC chartered plane alongside other aspiring assassins, setting the stage for new challenges and confrontations within the assassin world.
Strategic Infiltration and New Characters
The decision by Sakamoto and Shin to enter the JCC is a direct response to the escalating threats they face, particularly from the formidable antagonist Slur. Their infiltration of the JCC is a calculated move to gain intelligence and confront enemies on their home turf. This arc is expected to introduce new characters and further explore the intricate hierarchy and dangerous landscape of the assassin association. Crunchyroll has also announced additional cast members and a new promotional video coinciding with the arc’s launch, building anticipation for the new characters and their roles.
The World of Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days centers on Taro Sakamoto, once the most legendary hitman in the criminal underworld, feared by villains and revered by his peers. However, Sakamoto chose to retire from his deadly profession, fell in love, married, and became a father, settling into a quiet life as a convenience store owner. This peaceful facade is constantly threatened by former enemies and colleagues from his past, who seek revenge or aim to collect the one-billion-yen bounty placed on his head by the Japan Assassins Association.
Sakamoto, despite gaining weight, retains his exceptional combat skills, which he now employs to protect his family and maintain his ordinary life without resorting to killing. He is aided by his former partner, Shin Asakura, a clairvoyant assassin, and Lu Xiaotang, a martial artist, who become key allies in his ongoing struggle. The series is lauded for its unique blend of action, comedy, and underlying themes of family, redemption, and the challenges of leaving a violent past behind.
Significance of the New Arc
The JCC Transfer Exams arc is a pivotal moment for Sakamoto Days, pushing the main characters into a new, high-stakes environment. It signifies an escalation in the conflict between Sakamoto and the forces aligned against him, particularly Slur. By entering the JCC, Sakamoto and Shin are stepping directly into the heart of the assassin world, where they will undoubtedly face a myriad of skilled and dangerous opponents. This arc is crucial for deepening the plot, expanding the cast of characters, and exploring the wider implications of Sakamoto’s past life catching up to him. It promises to deliver more of the series’ signature blend of thrilling action and comedic moments as Sakamoto strives to protect his loved ones while navigating the treacherous world of assassins.
