Imagine a convenience store owner who can dodge bullets while cooking dinner. Meet Taro Sakamoto, the star of Netflix’s breakout hit Sakamoto Days. Once the underworld’s most feared assassin, Sakamoto left his old life to start a family. But when his past catches up, he must juggle dad duties, grocery runs, and assassins—all while keeping his wife and kids in the dark.
This isn’t just an anime; it’s a rollercoaster of laughs, heart, and mind-blowing action.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Sakamoto Days is a Viral Hit
Netflix’s newest anime sensation, Sakamoto Days, has exploded onto the global stage with 8.6 million views in its first week—surpassing even Baki Hanma’s 6 million.
It currently ranks #3 worldwide on Netflix’s Top 10 TV Shows chart, trailing only Squid Game and XO, Kitty.
In the U.S., it’s #5 overall, and fans are raving about its blend of action, comedy, and heart.
But what makes this story of a retired assassin turned family man such a phenomenon? Let’s dive in.
The Story: From Hitman to Family Man
Taro Sakamoto was once the deadliest hitman alive, feared by villains and admired by peers. But after falling in love, he retired to become a convenience store owner, husband, and dad—complete with a dad-bod and a quiet life. Until his past catches up.
Now, Sakamoto must juggle grocery runs, parent-teacher meetings, and assassins targeting his head. With the help of a clairvoyant hitman (Shin Asakura), and a mafia princess (Lu Shaotang), he fights to protect his family while keeping his deadly past hidden.
Why It’s a Smash Hit
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Record-Breaking Popularity:
8.6 million views in one week—Netflix’s biggest anime launch since Spy x Family
#3 globally and #5 in the U.S. on Netflix’s charts
Manga sales hit 7 million copies as of December 2024.
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A Unique Blend of Genres: Part John Wick, part The Office, and 100% original. Think frying-pan combat, psychic sidekicks, and a dad who uses a baby stroller as a weapon.
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Critical Acclaim:
IGN calls it “Netflix’s biggest anime premiere of 2025”
ScreenRant: “Proof that anime is no longer niche”
FandomWire: “A must-watch blend of John Wick action and The Office humor”
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Fan Obsession:
Twitter users hail Sakamoto as “the dad we all need.”
Reddit threads are flooding with theories about his past.
Fan Quote: “Sakamoto is GOOD! Only 2 episodes out, but I can’t see this flopping. Story of the greatest assassin who retires for love—9/10 so far.”
The Characters: A Team of Misfits You’ll Obsess Over
Taro Sakamoto: The dad with a license to kill—and a knack for dad jokes. His catchphrase? “I’m just a convenience store owner!”
Shin Asakura: A clairvoyant hitman who reads minds and wears a bunny costume during fights. Think Daredevil meets Chandler Bing.
Lu Shaotang: A mafia princess who’s part chaos, part heart.
Heisuke Mashimo: A sniper with a grudge who slowly becomes Team Dad’s biggest fan. (coming in the anime soon!)
Themes That Hit Home
Redemption: Can a killer truly change? Sakamoto proves yes—by protecting his family at all costs.
Family as Strength: His wife and kids are his weakness and his weapon. One scene shows his daughter mistaking a gunfight for a “fireworks show.”
Comedy in Chaos: Shin’s psychic rants, Lu’s antics, and Sakamoto’s deadpan humor keep the laughs relentless.
Visual Style: Art That Packs a Punch
The animation is bold and dynamic, shifting from warm family scenes to gritty action. Think:
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Frying Pan Fights: Sakamoto turns kitchen tools into lethal weapons.
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Psychic Showdowns: Shin battles enemies while wearing a bunny costume (yes, really).
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Mafia Mayhem: A mafia boss’s daughter rides a rollercoaster while dodging bullets.
Where to Watch
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Netflix: Streaming now (availability varies by region).
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Manga: Read it on Viz Media or Manga Plus for free.
The Verdict: Watch It Now
Sakamoto Days is more than an anime—it’s a phenomenon. With its blend of heart, humor, and high-stakes action, it’s the perfect escape for anyone tired of cookie-cutter stories.
Ready to dive in? Let us know your favorite Sakamoto moment in the comments below!
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