If you’re diving into Sakamoto Days, you’re in for a wild ride filled with humor, heart, and some seriously intense action. But with its colorful cast of characters—from retired hitmen to deadly assassins—it can be tricky to keep track of who’s who. Here’s a detailed character guide to help you get to know the main players driving the story forward.

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🧔 Taro Sakamoto – The Reluctant Hitman-Turned-Shopkeeper

At the center of the story is Taro Sakamoto, a former legendary hitman who left behind his violent past to live a peaceful life with his wife Aoi and their daughter Hana. Now overweight and running a local convenience store, Sakamoto seems like an ordinary family man. But don’t be fooled—beneath his laid-back exterior is a terrifyingly skilled fighter.

• Background: Once feared as the world’s deadliest assassin, Sakamoto retired after marrying Aoi. His motivation is simple: protect his new family and live a normal life. However, danger always finds him.
• Unique Trait: His “dad bod” hides incredible strength. When pushed to his limits, he can shed his excess weight instantly, unleashing a faster, stronger, and more lethal version of himself.
• Personality: Calm, humorous, and surprisingly gentle, he’s the perfect mix of loving dad and unstoppable killer.
• Voice Actors: Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese), Matthew Mercer (English)

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🧠 Shin Asakura – The Telepathic Protégé

Shin Asakura is Sakamoto’s right-hand man at the convenience store, but he’s no ordinary employee. A former hitman with telepathic abilities, Shin uses his mind-reading skills to protect Sakamoto and provide comic relief.

• Background: Shin has a complicated past as an esper and assassin. His telepathy makes him invaluable but often leads to awkward and funny moments.
• Personality: Loyal, cheeky, and quick-witted, Shin balances the seriousness of their dangerous lives with humor.
• Role: Shin is a bridge between Sakamoto’s violent past and his current peaceful front, helping manage threats while keeping the store running.

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👧 Lu Xiaotang – The Fierce Martial Artist

Joining the team is Lu Xiaotang, a young martial artist tied to a powerful Chinese crime family. She uses her mastery of Tai Chi and the Drunken Fist style to take down enemies with grace and deadly precision.

• Background: Initially an outsider, Lu grows closer to Sakamoto’s family and becomes a vital ally in the fight against growing threats.
• Personality: Lighthearted and carefree on the surface, but fiercely determined and skilled in battle.
• Combat Style: Fluid and unpredictable, Lu’s fighting contrasts perfectly with Sakamoto’s brute strength and Shin’s psychic powers.

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🏠 The Family: Aoi and Hana Sakamoto

No character guide would be complete without mentioning Aoi and Hana, Sakamoto’s wife and daughter. Though not fighters themselves, they represent the heart of the series—the family Sakamoto fights to protect.

• Aoi: Sakamoto’s loving wife, she grounds him emotionally and serves as a reminder of why he abandoned his old life.
• Hana: Their young daughter, innocent and playful, she adds warmth and stakes to every dangerous situation.

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⚔️ Antagonists and Allies: The Shadowy Figures of the Underworld

Sakamoto Days wouldn’t be complete without its deadly villains and complex allies:

• Kei “Slur” Uzuki: A cold-blooded assassin with a split personality, Uzuki represents one of Sakamoto’s toughest enemies. His unpredictable nature and brutal tactics challenge Sakamoto both physically and mentally.
• JAA/JCC Members: These various assassin organizations add layers of intrigue and danger, each with unique members who push the protagonists to their limits.
• Other minor villains and allies pop up regularly, deepening the story and expanding the dangerous world Sakamoto navigates.

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🎥 Behind the Scenes: The Anime Adaptation

The Sakamoto Days anime, produced by TMS Entertainment and directed by Masaki Watanabe, has brought these characters to life with vibrant animation and dynamic fight scenes. Premiering in January 2025 on Netflix, the series has quickly gained a fanbase for its unique blend of action and comedy.

• Voice Acting: The stellar voice cast in both Japanese and English adds depth and personality to every character.
• Season 1 Part 2: Continuing from July 2025, the second half of Season 1 promises even more character development, intense battles, and surprising twists.

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🔚 Why These Characters Matter

The heart of Sakamoto Days lies in its characters and their relationships. Sakamoto’s struggle to balance his deadly skills with family life creates emotional tension and comedy. Shin’s telepathic antics lighten the mood while adding strategy. Lu brings fresh energy and fighting prowess, and the villains test every limit.

Together, they create a story that’s about more than just action—it’s about loyalty, redemption, and the meaning of family.

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📣 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of high-octane battles or heartfelt stories, Sakamoto Days delivers on all fronts thanks to its unforgettable cast. This character guide is your roadmap to understanding the complex and exciting world of assassins trying to live normal lives—or failing spectacularly.

Stay tuned as the series unfolds, because with characters this compelling, every episode is a must-watch!