Sakamoto Days Part 2: A Chaotic Symphony of Action, Heart, and Absurdity That Redefines Anime Excellence

“When a retired hitman grabs a director’s credit and smashes an amusement park mascot in the face with it, you know you’re in for a wild ride.”

As the summer of 2025 unfolds, Sakamoto Days Part 2 (premiered July 14, 2025, on Netflix) storms back onto the anime scene with a ferocity that cements its place as a genre-defining masterpiece. This second cour of Season 1, based on Yuto Suzuki’s electrifying manga, doesn’t just pick up where Part 1 left off—it grabs you by the collar, tosses you into a neon-lit alley of chaos, and dares you to keep up. With its seamless blend of over-the-top action, gut-busting comedy, and surprising emotional depth, Sakamoto Days Part 2 isn’t just a continuation; it’s a next-level evolution that redefines what an action-comedy anime can achieve. This review dives deep into why this cour is a must-watch, offering a unique and informative perspective on its brilliance, flaws, and everything in between.

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A Premise That Defies Convention

For the uninitiated, Sakamoto Days follows Taro Sakamoto, a once-legendary hitman who traded his assassin’s blade for a convenience store apron after falling in love with Aoi. Now a chubby, ramen-loving family man, Sakamoto’s peaceful life with his wife and daughter, Hana, is constantly under siege by his past. Old rivals, new assassins, and a mysterious figure named Slur keep pulling him back into the underworld, forcing him to protect his loved ones without breaking Aoi’s no-kill rule. Joined by his makeshift family—clairvoyant ex-assassin Shin Asakura, mafia heiress Lu Xiaotang, and sniper Heisuke Mashimo—Sakamoto navigates this double life with a mix of ingenuity, brute force, and absurd humor.

Part 2 picks up after the high-stakes “Casino Battle” of Episode 11, thrusting viewers into the Death Row Prisoners arc. Four sadistic serial killers—Dump, Apart, Minimalist, and Saw—have been unleashed by Slur to hunt Sakamoto and his crew, alongside the elite assassin group, The Order. What follows is a relentless escalation of stakes, action, and character-driven storytelling that makes this cour feel like a pressure cooker ready to explode.

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The Action: A Visual and Narrative Feast

If Part 1 was a warm-up, Part 2 is a full-throttle sprint. TMS Entertainment, under the deft direction of Masaki Watanabe, delivers some of the most inventive fight choreography in recent anime. The battles against the Death Row Inmates are not just visually spectacular but narratively rich, each one tailored to highlight the unique skills and personalities of Sakamoto’s crew. From Shin’s psychic-powered showdown with Saw to Lu’s booze-fueled, mafia-honed rampage, every fight feels like a character study disguised as a brawl.

Take Episode 13’s “Just Desserts,” where Lu’s drunken fighting style steals the show. Her transformation into a ruthless “killing machine” after downing what seems like pure ethanol is both hilarious and jaw-dropping, with TMS Entertainment’s animation capturing every fluid kick and punch with a kinetic energy that rivals Jackie Chan’s finest stunts. The sequence is elevated by sharp sound design—think clanging bottles and Lu’s slurred battle cries—that makes you feel every hit. Meanwhile, Osaragi’s fight against Dump in Episode 2 is a masterclass in blending brutality with emotional resonance, as her calm, almost ritualistic combat style contrasts with Dump’s tragic backstory. These moments don’t just dazzle; they deepen our connection to the characters.

However, the animation, while improved from Part 1, isn’t flawless. Some fans have noted that it still lacks the polish of heavyweights like Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen. Speed lines and quick cuts are used to mask budget constraints, and certain scenes feel like they’re “faking it” rather than delivering the sakuga madness fans crave. Yet, what TMS lacks in raw visual fidelity, it makes up for in creativity and pacing. The new opening, “Method” by Kroi, is a vibrant, chaotic masterpiece that sets the tone with super-saturated colors and meta gags, like Sakamoto smashing a mascot with the director’s credit. It’s a visual promise of the mayhem to come, and Part 2 delivers.

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Characters That Steal the Show

What sets Sakamoto Days Part 2 apart is its character-centric approach. While Sakamoto remains the heart of the series, this cour wisely shifts the spotlight to his supporting cast, giving them moments to shine that feel earned and impactful. Shin’s evolution from a “Sakamoto glazer” to a formidable fighter with a new ability to predict opponents’ moves (not quite future sight, but a subconscious-reading “Ultra Instinct” vibe) is a highlight. His battle against Saw in Episodes 1 and 2 showcases not just his growth but his emotional stakes, as he fights to protect Lu and Sakamoto’s family.

Lu Xiaotang, often sidelined in the manga after her initial prominence, gets her due here. Her drunken fighting form is both a comedic goldmine and a testament to her mafia roots, adding layers to a character who could’ve been just a quirky sidekick. Osaragi, a member of The Order, emerges as a fan favorite with her stoic yet badass demeanor, her shrine fight against Dump blending Japanese cultural nuances with bone-crunching action. Even minor characters like Heisuke and Nagumo get moments that hint at deeper arcs to come, ensuring no one feels like filler.

Sakamoto himself, while less prominent in the early episodes, remains the glue holding this chaotic family together. His ability to shift from chubby dad to lean, mean killing machine (sans mustache, a comedic quirk that still baffles some fans) is played for laughs but also underscores his duality. Matthew Mercer (English) and Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese) continue to deliver stellar performances, balancing Sakamoto’s deadpan humor with his unspoken intensity.

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Humor and Heart: The Secret Sauce

Sakamoto Days Part 2 doesn’t just rely on action; it’s the interplay of humor and heart that makes it next-level. The series’ ability to pivot from a pet store brawl to a quiet moment of Sakamoto helping his daughter with a toy is what makes it resonate. The comedy is absurd yet grounded—think Shin freaking out over puppies or The Order bickering in a minivan like a dysfunctional family. These moments don’t just break tension; they make the characters feel human.

The emotional beats hit harder than expected. Lu’s flashback in the “Casino Battle” finale of Part 1 sets the stage for her growth in Part 2, while Dump’s backstory in Episode 2 adds a tragic layer to an otherwise cartoonish villain. These glimpses of vulnerability amidst the carnage show Suzuki’s knack for balancing lighthearted chaos with poignant storytelling, a trait that elevates Sakamoto Days above its shonen peers.

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Flaws and Criticisms: Room to Grow

No series is perfect, and Sakamoto Days Part 2 has its stumbles. The animation, while creative, doesn’t always match the manga’s visual flair, leading some fans to argue it’s “mid” compared to top-tier productions. Pacing can feel uneven, with slower setup moments (like the video rental store scene) clashing with the breakneck action fans expect. Some X posts express frustration with the Death Row Inmates and The Order, calling them “quirky for quirkiness’ sake” and wishing for deeper villain development.

Lu’s reduced role in the manga’s later arcs looms over the adaptation, with fans speculating that Part 2 might be her last major hurrah. This could disappoint viewers who’ve grown attached to her, especially after her standout moments here. Additionally, the series’ reliance on shonen tropes—power rankings, sudden ability upgrades—might feel formulaic to some, though the comedic lens keeps it fresh.

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Why It’s Next-Level

What makes Sakamoto Days Part 2 truly unique is its refusal to be just another action anime. It’s a love letter to the absurd, a celebration of family, and a showcase of creative combat that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The series’ ability to make you laugh at Lu’s drunken antics, cheer for Shin’s growth, and gasp at Osaragi’s lethality—all in a single episode—is a testament to its versatility. It’s Spy x Family meets John Wick, with a dash of One-Punch Man’s irreverence, yet it carves out its own niche.

The cultural impact is undeniable. Part 1 spent 10 weeks on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV list, and Part 2’s early episodes are already generating buzz on X, with fans praising its “jaw-dropping fight scenes” and “stellar animation.” The series’ blend of accessibility (casual Japanese dialogue great for language learners) and universal appeal makes it a standout in a crowded season.

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The Verdict: A Must-Watch That Redefines the Genre

Sakamoto Days Part 2 is a chaotic, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining ride that takes everything great about Part 1 and cranks it to 11. It’s not perfect—the animation could use more polish, and some characters deserve deeper exploration—but its flaws are overshadowed by its infectious energy, memorable cast, and innovative action. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the fights, or the surprising moments of heart, this cour delivers in spades.

As the series hurtles toward the JCC arcs and the manga’s looming “Final Battle” arc, the stakes have never been higher. Sakamoto Days Part 2 isn’t just a sequel; it’s a bold statement that action-comedy anime can be both absurdly fun and profoundly moving. If you’re looking for something fresh, fast-paced, and unlike anything else, this is your next binge. Watch it on Netflix, and brace yourself for a wild, ramen-fueled adventure.

Rating: 9/10
“Sakamoto Days Part 2 is the anime equivalent of stopping a bullet with a chopstick—impossible, ridiculous, and absolutely unforgettable.”

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Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix, with new episodes every Monday.
Recommendation: Perfect for fans of Spy x Family, One-Punch Man, and John Wick-style action. Start with Part 1 if you’re new, but don’t sleep on this cour—it’s a game-changer.