Sakamoto Days Manga Review: The Unbeaten Legend of the Retail World

Introduction

In the vibrant landscape of modern shonen manga, a series occasionally emerges that defies expectations while delivering a fresh take on familiar tropes. Sakamoto Days, penned and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki, is precisely such a phenomenon. Since its serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump, it has captivated readers with its unique premise: what happens when the world’s greatest hitman retires, settles down, and gains a significant amount of weight?

This manga masterfully blends high-octane action, razor-sharp comedy, and genuinely touching character moments, establishing itself as a standout title. It offers a refreshing perspective on the action genre, proving that even the most formidable individuals can find peace and purpose in a mundane existence, albeit one constantly threatened by a past that refuses to stay buried.

Plot Summary

The story of Sakamoto Days revolves around Taro Sakamoto, once the most feared and legendary hitman in the underworld. His name alone sent shivers down spines, and his combat prowess was unparalleled. However, Sakamoto chose to leave his violent past behind, fell in love, got married, had a child, and opened a convenience store with his wife. Now, years later, he’s a portly, glasses-wearing husband and father, unable to speak (due to an incident related to his past), but still possessing terrifying combat instincts and skills.

Sakamoto’s peaceful, albeit eccentric, life is continually disrupted by individuals from his past—rival hitmen, former associates, and shadowy organizations—all seeking to either kill him, recruit him, or simply settle old scores. He is joined in his daily battles by Shin, a young psychic who can read minds, and Lu Xiaotang, a skilled martial artist and the daughter of a prominent Triad boss. Together, this unlikely trio must navigate the perilous world of assassins while trying to maintain the façade of ordinary life at the Sakamoto Store, protecting Sakamoto’s family and the new values he holds dear.

Review

Story

The narrative of Sakamoto Days is an exhilarating rollercoaster, perfectly balancing its disparate elements. At its core, it’s a shonen action series, featuring incredible fight choreography and escalating stakes. Yet, it never loses sight of its comedic roots. The contrast between Sakamoto’s formidable reputation and his current, often goofy, persona is a wellspring of humor. The overarching plot, which delves deeper into the syndicate that once employed Sakamoto and the true reasons behind his retirement, unfolds at a compelling pace, offering enough mystery and intrigue to keep readers invested.

What truly elevates the story is its ability to ground the absurd. Despite the over-the-top abilities and fantastical fights, the emotional beats are genuine. Sakamoto’s unwavering dedication to his family and his newfound peace provides a strong emotional anchor. The series also excels in its arc structure, often presenting “missions” that feel self-contained but subtly contribute to the larger narrative, introducing new characters and expanding the world. It’s a masterful demonstration of how to blend episodic adventures with a developing overarching plot.

Characters

Taro Sakamoto himself is a masterful creation. He is both an unstoppable force of nature and a relatable family man struggling with the realities of retirement and the responsibilities of domestic life. His transformation from a cold-blooded killer to a caring father who uses his lethal skills to protect his convenience store is both hilarious and heartwarming. His silence, ironically, makes him an even more expressive character, with his actions speaking louder than any words.

His supporting cast is equally strong. Shin, the earnest and often overwhelmed psychic, provides an essential window into Sakamoto’s thoughts and acts as a fantastic comedic foil. His internal monologues and reactions to the chaos around him are consistently funny. Lu brings a different dynamic, offering fierce combat skills and a no-nonsense attitude, often serving as the straight man to Sakamoto and Shin’s antics. The villains and secondary characters are also remarkably well-developed, each with distinct personalities, unique fighting styles, and often surprising backstories, preventing the world from feeling static and ensuring every encounter feels fresh.

Art Style

Yuto Suzuki’s art style in Sakamoto Days is nothing short of exceptional, perfectly complementing the manga’s unique tone. The action sequences are dynamic, fluid, and incredibly detailed, making every punch, kick, and evasive maneuver feel impactful and easy to follow. Suzuki has a keen eye for panel composition, creating cinematic layouts that enhance the intensity of crucial moments.

Character designs are distinctive and memorable, particularly Sakamoto’s ability to seamlessly shift between his imposing, lean past self and his more rotund present-day form without losing his menacing aura. The comedic expressions are priceless, effectively conveying humor through exaggerated reactions and physical comedy. Furthermore, the attention to environmental details, whether it’s the cluttered shelves of a convenience store or the intricate designs of various hideouts, adds a layer of richness to the world, making it feel lived-in and believable despite its fantastical elements.

Conclusion

Sakamoto Days stands as a testament to the fact that even well-trodden genres can find new life with a fresh perspective and impeccable execution. It’s a series that brilliantly combines exhilarating action, laugh-out-loud comedy, and genuine heart, wrapped in a visually stunning package. The compelling characters, the intriguing plot, and the consistently engaging artwork make it a must-read for anyone seeking an action-packed shonen with a delightful twist.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of shonen manga or simply looking for a new series that offers a perfect blend of thrills and chuckles, Sakamoto Days comes highly recommended. It’s not just a manga; it’s an experience that consistently delivers excitement and reminds readers that even legendary assassins deserve a peaceful retirement—even if they have to fight tooth and nail to keep it.