Episode 6 of the hit anime series “Sakamoto Days” has arrived, introducing a quirky new character that’s winning over fans. Titled “Heisuke Mashimo,” the episode focuses on a struggling hitman and his loyal pet bird, Piisuke, delivering a blend of action and heartwarming comedy.
Heisuke’s Hard Knock Life
The episode opens by painting a sympathetic picture of Heisuke, a rookie sniper down on his luck. He’s portrayed as a soft and gullible assassin, more concerned with providing for Piisuke than his own well-being. Living in a tent and barely scraping by, Heisuke embodies the struggles of an assassin who’s exceptional at one skill—marksmanship—but lacks in other essential areas. Driven by desperation, he sets his sights on the billion-yen bounty on Taro Sakamoto’s head.
Paintball Tournament Turns Deadly
Seeking a way to fix the damage caused by previous assassin skirmishes, Sakamoto, Shin, and Lu decide to enter a local paintball tournament. Coincidentally, Heisuke also joins, hoping to win the prize money and turn his life around. This sets the stage for an unlikely team-up, with the broke hitman ending up on the same side as his target and his protectors. Lu, instead of participating, embraces the role of a cheerleader, adding to the episode’s comedic flair.
More Than Just a Goofy Assassin
While the episode is filled with humor, it also delves into Heisuke’s emotional struggles. Despite his sharpshooting skills, Heisuke lacks confidence and self-esteem. The paintball tournament becomes a platform for him to not only showcase his abilities but also confront his inner conflicts. The episode strikes a balance between poking fun at Heisuke’s expense and allowing him moments to “look cool,” making him a relatable and endearing character.
A Heartwarming Twist
Instead of a straightforward assassination attempt, Heisuke’s encounter with Sakamoto and his crew takes an unexpected turn. Lu and Shin manage to cleverly dissuade him, and surprisingly, Sakamoto ends up saving him. This act of kindness highlights Sakamoto’s unique character and further complicates Heisuke’s mission. The episode emphasizes the budding friendship between Heisuke and the Sakamoto Convenience Store team.
Flashback and Future Encounters
The episode concludes with the group leaving Heisuke with only 50 yen after he is forced to pay for damages he caused to the town during his antics. A post-credit scene offers a glimpse into Aoi and Sakamoto’s first meeting. Although some viewers found this scene out of place, it provides a sweet, albeit brief, insight into their relationship. It remains to be seen whether Heisuke’s journey in the narrative has concluded or if he will reappear in future episodes, potentially even joining Sakamoto’s team like Lu and Shin.
Critics Weigh In
Reviews for “Sakamoto Days” Episode 6 are generally positive, praising the introduction of Heisuke as a lovable and relatable character. Critics note that the episode balances humor with emotional depth, exploring Heisuke’s journey toward self-acceptance. Some reviews point out that while the episode may not be as action-packed as previous installments, it offers a heartfelt story and a welcome change of pace. However, some critics noted that the animation quality wasn’t as impressive as in previous episodes.
Sakamoto Days: A Blend of Action and Slice-of-Life
“Sakamoto Days” continues to impress with its unique blend of action and slice-of-life elements. The anime, adapted from Yuto Suzuki’s manga, follows the life of Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman who now runs a convenience store. Despite his attempts to live a normal life, Sakamoto’s past constantly catches up with him, leading to humorous and action-packed situations. The series is directed by Masaki Watanabe and produced by TMS Entertainment, with scripts by Taku Kishimoto.
The Cast
The Japanese voice cast for “Sakamoto Days” includes:
- Tomokazu Sugita as Taro Sakamoto
- Nao Tôyama as Aoi Sakamoto
- Ayane Sakura as Lu Xiaotang
- Hina Kino as Hana Sakamoto
- Ryôta Suzuki as Heisuke Mashimo
Where to Watch
“Sakamoto Days” is currently streaming on Netflix, with new episodes released weekly.
Anime’s Rising Popularity
The anime adaptation of “Sakamoto Days” has been highly anticipated, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. The series has already garnered a dedicated following, thanks to its engaging story, memorable characters, and unique blend of genres. The anime premiered in Japan on January 11, 2025, and is set to run in two split season cours, with the second cours premiering in July 2025. The opening theme song is “Hashire Sakamoto” (Run, Sakamoto), performed by Vaundy, while the ending theme song is “Futsū” (Normal), performed by Conton Candy.
A Promising Series
With its engaging story, memorable characters, and unique blend of action and comedy, “Sakamoto Days” has the potential to become a long-lasting favorite among anime fans. Episode 6 further solidifies this potential, introducing a new character that adds depth and heart to the series. The introduction of Heisuke Mashimo injects more heart into the series. “Sakamoto Days” is successfully fleshing out its cast in these early stages using an episodic format. The series certainly needs more episodes if it wants to keep teasing the mystery at hand and sending more assassins after Taro Sakamoto.
