‘Sakamoto Days’ Episode 1 Review – Only the Best Assassin Knows Chopsticks and Candy Make the Best Defense Against Bullets

SUMMARY

• Sakamoto Days Episode 1 is already exceeding the expectations with its action sequences.
• It isn't a perfect episode but the room for improvement gives hope for future episodes.
• The premise of the story alone could help carry much of the anime.

The amount of criticism and scrutiny Sakamoto Days had to face before it even aired was utterly unfair and it inadvertently created a prejudice that could spoil the entire experience for many fans. I tried to keep myself as unbiased as possible, having read multiple interviews that renewed my faith in a plot that was already so gripping. As someone who is eager to see just what is in store (pun intended), the first episode did a good job setting up the basis for who Sakamoto Taro is as a character and what his beliefs are.

Sakamoto Taro | Credit: TMS Entertainment

The year 2024 has been exceptionally well in terms of anime and the line-up for 2025 has not been looking any less enthusiastic. Sakamoto Days isn’t just a hyped series but the manga fans have a lot to say about it which is mainly praise. Nothing is easy to adapt all in one go, there is room for error, thus allowing one to improve as well. So while the first episode may not be the best, it wasn’t bad either.

Sakamoto Days is setting itself for greatness

The art style of Sakamoto Days is trying to merge the old with the new, going for a classic animation style that also attempts to blend modernity. I would assume at first glance that such a strategy would be the recipe for chaos, but thank God I was proven wrong. The animation style is certainly subjective with some people liking it and others not so much, I would categorize myself as the former. It was enjoyable with how well it fit the theme. A former legendary assassin who hasn’t lost his skill just because he wanted to settle down.

Sakamoto with his family | Credit: TMS Entertainment

As someone who reads a lot of things involving mafias and assassins falling in love, the story itself was an absolute winner for me. You didn’t need me twice before watching the anime and I am glad it didn’t disappoint either. The dynamics between Shin and Sakamoto were genuinely fun to watch, especially with how expressive the latter was without having to use many words.

It is the power of good writing that doesn’t require a character to speak a lot just to set up their foundation, and the anime utilizes that skill very well. The music worked well on multiple occasions but not on all. I felt like certain instances were using elevator music and even if that kind of soundtrack is being used, there are better ways and simply better tunes to accompany the scenes.

Not every action sequence requires premium animation

The opening scene of the first episode was one that should require the utmost praise. Showing Sakamoto’s older life and how he transitioned into being a comfortable husband is not only sweet, but also speaks for how he moved on in life after finding a reason to live. Here we have this assassin whose name is enough to make ghosts quiver, and now all he wants to do is protect his family and live a peaceful life.

Shin | Credit: TMS Entertainment

Shin’s involvement wasn’t just to disrupt flow but also for him to realize that there were more important things in life than the skill of a trained killer. Just because he doesn’t look the same doesn’t mean that he’s not the same man either. Shin learns that when he gets attacked by the very cartel using him to kill Sakamoto. He is still the same legendary assassin, he just now has a reason to pick up his weapons that can be deemed more important.

Not every action scene was on point and it didn’t have to be. The bar has been set way so high by other anime that sometimes people can forget that simplicity is just as good. An unconventional protagonist makes for an unconventional story that leads to unconventional fight scenes. With this being only the first episode, I have hopes that the anime will improve but even if it doesn’t, TMS Entertainment is doing a great job.

Rating: 7/10

Sakamoto Days is available to watch on Netflix.

Written by Adya Godboley

Articles Published: 1787

An avid writer fluent in everything anime, Adya Godboley is an Assistant Anime Content Lead for FandomWire. She has rich experience in critically analyzing all that is said in between the lines. Hopelessly obsessed with Greek Mythology, she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English. Adya has written over 1700 articles on various topics expressing her passion and love for all things entertainment, from superheroes to anime and the occasional gacha games.