Get ready to press play again: one of Netflix’s biggest surprises of the year is returning, and fans everywhere are counting down the hours. After dominating the global charts for ten straight weeks, this anime-inspired hit is back with fresh episodes that promise even more action and laughs.
The Return of a Global Sensation
Earlier this year, Netflix quietly revealed that half of its subscribers regularly tune in to Japanese anime—a statistic that underscores the platform’s diverse tastes. Among those shows, one title stood out: the tale of a former assassin turned grocery-shop owner, which stormed into the Top 10 in countries from Brazil to Belgium. Streaming analytics firm Parrot Analytics notes that this series maintained its spot in the global top ten for a remarkable ten weeks, a feat matched by only a handful of Netflix originals.
I experienced the frenzy firsthand when a friend called me at midnight, breathless after discovering the show’s blend of humour and high-octane combat. It felt less like a cartoon and more like an adrenaline-fuelled comic book come to life.
Why Sakamoto Days Resonates
At its heart, the series follows Taro Sakamoto, a once-feared contract killer who hung up his guns to run a cosy neighbourhood shop. But when old rivals reappear, he’s forced back into a world of shadows—albeit in a decidedly more rotund physique. What makes the show irresistible is its dance between lighthearted banter and jaw-dropping fight sequences. Each adversary arrives with an eye-catching gimmick—think a swordsman whose blades sing or a pair of twins whose teamwork is flawlessly choreographed.
According to the Animation Guild, shows that balance comedy and choreography—rather than lean heavily on one or the other—tend to retain viewers episode after episode. This series ticks both boxes, which explains why fans binge with such gusto.
What to Expect in Part Two
Dropping on Monday, July 14, the second half of season one raises the stakes. Viewers can look forward to two formidable villain factions, each with unique powers that test Sakamoto’s legendary skills. We’ll also delve deeper into his mysterious past—peeling back the layers on why this unassuming shopkeeper remains one of the world’s most formidable fighters.
For those planning a watch party, stock up on snacks and clear your schedule: these episodes move at breakneck speed, yet pause for moments of genuine warmth. As Netflix’s own social channels have hinted, the new instalments may well eclipse the excitement of the first batch. So lace up your comfiest socks, settle onto the sofa and prepare to rejoin Sakamoto on a ride that’s as unexpected as it is unforgettable.
