The Winter 2025 anime season has introduced a potential game-changer in the form of Sakamoto Days, and it’s not just the action that’s turning heads. While many shonen anime boast a core trio, Sakamoto Days focuses on a dynamic duo that’s already proving to be a perfect pairing: Taro Sakamoto and Shin Asakura. These two radically different former hitmen are quickly becoming a standout duo, captivating audiences with their contrasting personalities and unexpected camaraderie.
The Unlikely Partnership
Sakamoto Days revolves around Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who has traded his life of violence for a peaceful existence. He’s now a family man, running a humble convenience store with his wife, Aoi, and daughter, Hana. However, his past comes back to haunt him when his former protégé, Shin Asakura, arrives, initially tasked with bringing Sakamoto back into the fold or eliminating him. This sets the stage for a series of action-packed, yet often comedic events.
Sakamoto, once feared and revered in the criminal underworld, is now a laid-back, plus-sized convenience store owner, a far cry from his days as an assassin. He’s content with his mundane life, finding joy in simple things like spending time with his family and serving his community. In contrast, Shin is a younger, more serious character, initially appearing cold and determined. This contrast is a key element of their dynamic, creating both humorous and heartwarming moments.
A Contrast in Personalities
Like other iconic duos, such as Goku and Vegeta from Dragon Ball Super or Light Yagami and L from Death Note, Sakamoto and Shin are polar opposites, each bringing unique elements to the anime. Sakamoto is a man of few words but possesses incredible strength and combat skills. Despite his current appearance, he can instantly shift back into his menacing former self when necessary. His interactions with his family are heartwarming and often funny, juxtaposing his killer past with his present life as a devoted father and husband.
Shin, on the other hand, is initially presented as a ruthless assassin. However, through his interactions with Sakamoto, he begins to show a different side. He is clearly annoyed by Sakamoto’s laid-back attitude and appearance, but also respects his immense strength and ability. This creates a dynamic where Shin is constantly challenged and surprised by Sakamoto, while Sakamoto often finds Shin’s seriousness amusing.
More Than Just Action
What makes Sakamoto and Shin a standout duo is their ability to bounce off each other, creating a blend of action and slice-of-life comedy. The series is just as much a comedy about everyday life as it is a battle anime, and the relationship between the two is central to this.
Despite their contrasting personalities, there’s a clear bond forming between Sakamoto and Shin. Sakamoto genuinely cares for Shin, and possibly sees a younger version of himself. He goes to great lengths to protect Shin, offering him kindness and guidance. However, this doesn’t mean he doesn’t find Shin annoying at times. This push and pull of genuine care and humorous exasperation further strengthens their connection.
Exploring Their Individualities
While their relationship is a key draw, both Sakamoto and Shin have the potential to shine as individual characters. Sakamoto’s backstory as a legendary hitman and his drastic change to a family man provide ample opportunity for exploration. His ability to seamlessly transition between his laid-back persona and his killer instincts adds a layer of depth to his character.
Shin’s past and motivations are also intriguing. The latest chapters of the manga have begun to delve into his past, revealing more about his first meeting with Sakamoto, which could lead to emotional revelations about Shin’s identity. This focus on individual character development, alongside their dynamic, is why their partnership is so compelling.
The Wider World of Sakamoto Days
Beyond the central duo, Sakamoto Days boasts a wide array of intriguing characters. The series introduces a variety of assassins with unique skills and personalities, making the world feel rich and layered. Some notable characters include:
- Lu Xiaotang: A skilled fighter and a member of Sakamoto’s convenience store team.
- Aoi Sakamoto: Taro’s wife and the reason behind his retirement from the hitman world.
- Hana Sakamoto: Sakamoto’s young daughter, who adds a layer of warmth and humor to the story.
- Yoichi Nagumo: A master of disguise and a high-ranking member of the Order
- Shishiba: A former rogue assassin and another member of the Order
- Osaragi: A powerful member of the Order.
- Kei Uzuki (X): The leader of a powerful organization, and a major antagonist
These characters all add to the depth of Sakamoto Days, with some even having chapters focused solely on them. However, it’s always Sakamoto that demonstrates why his name is in the title. He remains the central figure, with his past, present, and relationships driving the narrative forward.
A Blend of Genres and Tone
Sakamoto Days is a unique blend of action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements. While it features intense battles and dangerous assassins, it also has a lighthearted, often funny tone. The series doesn’t shy away from violence, but it doesn’t take the deaths too seriously, maintaining an overall uplifting tone. This combination makes Sakamoto Days accessible to a wider audience, even those who may not typically enjoy dark or edgy content.
The Manga and Anime Adaptations
The Sakamoto Days manga, written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki, has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since November 2020 and is simultaneously published in English by Viz Media and Manga Plus. As of January 2025, it has over 7 million copies in circulation and has 20 collected volumes.
The anime adaptation, produced by TMS Entertainment, premiered in January 2025. It’s licensed by Netflix for worldwide streaming. The anime has already generated significant buzz and is considered one of the most anticipated series of the Winter 2025 season. The series is being praised for staying true to the manga while bringing the characters to life with great animation and voice acting.
Conclusion
Sakamoto Days is quickly establishing itself as a must-watch anime, and the dynamic between Taro Sakamoto and Shin Asakura is a major reason why. Their contrasting personalities, coupled with their growing bond, make for a compelling and entertaining watch. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how their relationship develops and how they navigate the dangers of the criminal underworld together. With its blend of action, comedy, and heart, Sakamoto Days has the potential to become a standout series for years to come, cementing Sakamoto and Shin as one of shonen anime’s most memorable duos.
