Episode 4 of Sakamoto Days delivers a potent blend of humor and action as Taro Sakamoto’s quiet life continues to be disrupted by his past. Titled “Hard-Boiled,” the episode sees the Sakamoto family’s trip to Sugar Park take a dangerous turn with the arrival of new assassins seeking to eliminate the legendary hitman.
Amusement Park Ambush
The episode picks up with the aftermath of Shin’s battle against the poison-wielding assassin, Tatsu. Lu Shaotang extracts information from Tatsu, revealing his connection to the same organization that Sakamoto and Shin once belonged to, the Dondenkai.
Amidst this, Sakamoto remains focused on ensuring his family enjoys their time at the amusement park. However, Aoi, Sakamoto’s wife, begins to suspect that something is amiss due to the strange behavior of Sakamoto, Shin, and Lu.
Haunted House Horror (and Hitmen)
Seeking a thrill, Aoi and Hana decide to visit the “Hospital of Terror” haunted house. Unbeknownst to them, this sets the stage for a deadly encounter. The haunted house becomes the hunting ground for Boiled and Obiguro, two elite Dondenkai enforcers who are lying in wait.
A Blast from Sakamoto’s Past
“Hard-Boiled” introduces proper threats, fleshing out the characters. Boiled, is obsessed with appearing “hard-boiled.” Boiled carries a grudge against Sakamoto stemming from their time at assassination school, where Sakamoto was far more popular.
Obiguro, Boiled’s partner, is eager to assassinate Sakamoto and expresses annoyance with the crowds at the amusement park. She also harbors a secret admiration for Boiled.
Drunken Fist Fury
As Sakamoto and Boiled clash, Obiguro captures Shin, threatening to harm him if Lu doesn’t fight seriously. This leads to a comedic yet intense fight where Lu showcases her skills in the Drunken Fist style. However, her drunken state makes her oblivious to the danger Shin is in.
Sakamoto’s Transformation
The fight intensifies when Boiled corners Sakamoto and unleashes an arsenal of bombs. Boiled’s attacks and taunts about Sakamoto’s current physique push Sakamoto to his limits.
Faced with the threat to his family, Sakamoto undergoes a physical transformation, reverting to his slimmer, assassin-prime form. He sheds his glasses, signaling a shift in character and a willingness to return to his former life to protect his family.
A Grudge Match Begins
The episode concludes with Sakamoto’s transformation, setting the stage for a full-blown battle against Boiled. The clash promises to delve deeper into Sakamoto’s past and test his resolve to maintain his peaceful life.
Humorous Undertones and Character Dynamics
Sakamoto Days continues to strike a balance between action and comedy. Episode 4 uses the amusement park setting to its advantage, creating humorous situations amidst the chaos.
The dynamic between Boiled and Obiguro adds comic relief to the episode, with Boiled’s serious demeanor contrasting with Obiguro’s playful nature and secret crush. Even flashbacks are comedic. The episode makes fun of Boiled, who resents Sakamoto for getting all the love letters when they were young.
Family Matters
Despite the constant threat of assassins, the series emphasizes the importance of family. Sakamoto’s primary motivation is to protect his wife and daughter. The episode also highlights the unique characteristics of Sakamoto’s daughter, Hana, who displays both the affection of her mother and a fearless streak.
Release and Streaming Information
Episode 4 of Sakamoto Days premiered on February 1, 2025. The series is available for streaming on Netflix. In Japan, the episode aired on various networks, including Tokyo TV, Osaka TV, and BS TV Tokyo.
