The popular action-comedy anime Sakamoto Days is gearing up for its second part, and fans are getting a sneak peek at what’s to come. A new key visual and additional cast information have been revealed, promising even more excitement when the show returns.
Sakamoto Days: The Story So Far
Sakamoto Days centers around Taro Sakamoto, a former legendary hitman who has traded his dangerous past for a peaceful life as a convenience store owner. However, his past catches up to him, and he must use his extraordinary combat skills to protect his family and maintain his ordinary facade. The anime adaptation, produced by TMS Entertainment, premiered in January 2025 and quickly gained a following for its blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming family moments. The first part of the season aired from January 11 to March 22, 2025, consisting of 11 episodes.
From Hitman to House Husband: Sakamoto’s Transformation
Once feared by villains and admired by other hitmen, Taro Sakamoto was the ultimate assassin. But one day, he fell in love with Aoi, a convenience store clerk, leading him to retire from his violent career. Five years later, Sakamoto is married, a father, and running a humble convenience store. He’s also gained some weight, making him look less like a deadly assassin and more like an ordinary shopkeeper.
Old Habits Die Hard: Sakamoto’s Past Returns
Despite his efforts to leave his old life behind, Sakamoto’s past comes back to haunt him. Former enemies and colleagues seek revenge, forcing him to use his skills to protect his family. With the help of Shin Asakura, a clairvoyant hitman, Lu Xiaotang, the daughter of a crime boss, and Heisuke Mashimo, a sniper, Sakamoto must navigate the criminal underworld while adhering to his wife’s no-kill policy.
New Visual and Cast Member Revealed
During a stage event at AnimeJapan 2025, the Sakamoto Days team unveiled a new key visual for the second part of the anime. The visual offers a glimpse of what’s in store for Sakamoto and his crew, hinting at new challenges and adversaries.
Kōki Uchiyama Joins the Cast as Gaku
Adding to the excitement, it was announced that Kōki Uchiyama will be joining the cast as Gaku. Uchiyama is a well-known voice actor, has voice actred in Inazuma Eleven GO as Shindou Takuto , in Persona 5 as the protagonist , Yuri Plisetsky in Yuri on Ice!!! and most recently in Takt op. Destiny as Lenny.
Sakamoto Days Part 2: What to Expect
The second part of Sakamoto Days is set to premiere in July 2025, continuing the story of Taro Sakamoto and his efforts to balance his past life with his present. Fans can expect more action-packed fight scenes, comedic moments, and heartwarming interactions between Sakamoto and his family.
Production and Streaming Details
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Director: Masaki Watanabe
- Series Script Supervisor: Taku Kishimoto
- Character Designer: Yō Moriyama
- Opening Theme Song: “Hashire Sakamoto” by Vaundy
- Ending Theme Song: “Futsū” by Conton Candy
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
New episodes of Sakamoto Days Part 2 will likely continue to premiere Saturdays at 6:00 a.m. PST / 9:00 a.m. EST on Netflix, with both English subtitles and English dubs available. In Japan, the anime will air on TV Tokyo and affiliated channels.
Sakamoto Days Mobile Game
For fans who can’t get enough of Sakamoto Days, GOODROID is releasing a new mobile game titled Sakamoto Days Dangerous Puzzle on April 2 in Japan. The game is a matching puzzle game where players can defeat enemies with special moves. Players can team up to build a strong assassin team, and main characters from the anime and manga series will appear alongside all-new original assassins.
Expert Analysis
Expert: Yuto Suzuki, the author and illustrator of the Sakamoto Days manga, brings a unique perspective to the action-comedy genre. His experience in creating compelling characters and storylines has made Sakamoto Days a success in both manga and anime form. Suzuki’s ability to blend action, comedy, and slice-of-life elements has resonated with a wide audience.
Expertise
Suzuki’s expertise lies in his ability to create a world where assassins and everyday life coexist. He understands the importance of character development, allowing viewers to connect with Sakamoto and his supporting cast on a personal level. Suzuki’s attention to detail in fight choreography and comedic timing elevates Sakamoto Days above other anime in the genre.
Education
While specific details about Yuto Suzuki’s education are not widely available, his work demonstrates a strong understanding of storytelling, character design, and visual communication. His success with Sakamoto Days suggests a dedication to his craft and a willingness to experiment with different genres and styles.
Experience
Yuto Suzuki’s experience in the manga industry is evident in the success of Sakamoto Days. He first published a one-shot titled “Sakamoto” in Jump Giga in December 2019, before launching the main manga in Weekly Shonen Jump in November 2020. His ability to create a compelling and engaging story has allowed Sakamoto Days to thrive in a competitive market.
Main Characters and Voice Actors
- Taro Sakamoto: Voiced by Tomokazu Sugita
- Shin Asakura: Voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki
- Lu Xiaotang: Voiced by Ayane Sakura
- Aoi Sakamoto: Voiced by Nao Tōyama
- Hana Sakamoto: Voiced by Hina Kino
- Heisuke Mashimo: Voiced by Ryōta Suzuki
- Yoichi Nagumo: Voiced by Natsuki Hanae
- Gaku: Voiced by Kōki Uchiyama
Production Issues
Despite its success, Sakamoto Days has faced production challenges. A staff member revealed that the storyboards and layouts for the second half of episode four were not entirely finalized before animation began, potentially leading to inconsistencies in animation quality. Additionally, the anime involves a large number of production studios, raising concerns about scheduling and workforce availability.
Impact on Animation Quality
The rushed pre-production process may lead to inconsistencies in animation quality, with occasional dips in detail already noticed by fans. While Sakamoto Days has delivered strong fight choreography, its long-term success depends on maintaining that standard under increasing pressure.
Overcrowded Production Team
With 23 different studios listed for a single episode, Sakamoto Days appears to be outsourcing work on an unusual scale. This may indicate a lack of core staff due to ongoing labor shortages in the anime industry, where overworked animators and tight deadlines are common issues.
Sakamoto Days: A Perfect Blend of Action and Slice-of-Life
Sakamoto Days has captured the hearts of viewers with its unique blend of Shonen anime action and slice-of-life elements. The anime tells the story of a retired legendary hitman who now lives a happy life with his family, running a convenience store. However, he must protect his new life from his ex-affiliates who want him dead.
The Charm of Simplicity
Sakamoto’s past and present could not be further apart. He spent years killing people and earning the title of “the legendary hit man,” while his present is merely running a convenience store with his family. Sakamoto’s biggest concerns are now taking care of his family and maintaining his small convenience store.
Character Development
The characters in Sakamoto Days add depth to the story and reveal Sakamoto’s past. Shin Asakura, a psychic assassin, becomes a means for the anime to openly share Sakamoto’s thoughts without ruining his calm and collected character. Lu Shaotang, the last surviving member of a mafia clan, adds another layer to the story.
Unique Fight Scenes
Sakamoto Days features unique fight scenes that blend comedy and action seamlessly. Even in adverse situations, Sakamoto cares about mundane things, such as buying pork buns for his daughter during a fight against Son Hee and Bacho.
Conclusion
With a new visual and cast member, Sakamoto Days Part 2 promises to deliver even more action, comedy, and heartwarming moments. Despite facing production challenges, the anime has captured the hearts of viewers with its unique blend of genres and compelling characters. Fans can look forward to the premiere of Sakamoto Days Part 2 in July 2025 on Netflix.