# Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Review – A Stunning Redemption Arc That Unleashes the Series’ True Potential
Ngetrenz – The life of a retired legendary hitman is a ticking time bomb, and with the explosive return of Sakamoto Days for its second cour, that bomb has finally, gloriously detonated. Taro Sakamoto, the peerless assassin turned portly convenience store owner, is back, and this time, the stakes are higher, the fights are fiercer, and the anime itself has undergone a transformation as dramatic as Sakamoto shedding his weight for a serious fight. This is the comprehensive Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Recap and Review you’ve been waiting for.
Let’s be honest: the first part of the season had a bit of a rocky start. While the core premise of a hitman balancing family life was solid gold, many manga fans felt the adaptation pulled its punches. The online discourse was dominated by critiques of its sometimes static action and, most notoriously, the “infamous paper filter” that gave the visuals a strange, muted quality that felt out of place. But if Cour 1 was the quiet setup, Sakamoto Days Season 1 Part 2 is the electrifying payoff. This isn’t just a continuation; it’s a full-blown course correction, shedding the awkwardness of its initial run to become the high-octane, stylishly violent, and surprisingly heartfelt action-comedy that the source material always promised.
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The Mission Briefing: Recapping the Chaos of the Death Row Prisoners Arc
Forget the leisurely pace of stocking shelves and dealing with quirky customers. Cour 2 throws us, and Taro Sakamoto, directly into the fire with the Death Row Prisoners Arc, adapting chapters 32 through 54 of the manga. This arc immediately signals a massive shift for the series. The episodic, slice-of-life flavor that defined much of the first cour is pushed aside for a relentless, high-stakes plot that redefines the entire show.
The conflict kicks off when the enigmatic antagonist known only as “X” (or Slur) masterminds the release of four exceptionally dangerous death row inmates. Their singular, chilling mission: hunt down and kill Taro Sakamoto. But this is no random hit. It’s a calculated gambit designed to draw out not only our favorite retired assassin but also the Japan Assassin Association’s (JAA) ultra-elite enforcement unit, the Order.
The arrival of these killers instantly escalates the threat level. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill thugs; they are sadistic specialists who push our heroes to their limits. This is where we see the supporting cast truly shine. The ensuing chaos forces incredible growth from Sakamoto’s employees, particularly in the standout battle where the clairvoyant Shin Asakura and Lu Xiaotang face off against the deadly Saw. Here, Shin’s mind-reading evolves into a potent combat tool, and Lu unleashes her “Mafia Drunk” mode—a powerful transformation triggered by alcohol that dramatically alters her personality and fighting prowess.
Just as things seem overwhelming, the Order makes its grand entrance. Members like the stoic, saw-wielding Osaragi and the deceptively casual Nagumo appear on the scene, dispatching the remaining inmates with terrifying efficiency. Their involvement is a crucial piece of world-building, establishing a new power ceiling and hinting at the complex politics of the assassin underworld. The arc culminates in the stunning revelation that the prisoners were merely pawns. The true threat, Slur and his powerful associate Gaku (voiced by the talented Koki Uchiyama ), finally steps out of the shadows. In a chilling final move that raises the personal stakes to an all-time high, they set their sights on Sakamoto’s wife, Aoi, proving that no part of his peaceful life is safe.
This entire arc serves as more than just a series of thrilling fights; it functions as a narrative filter for the show’s identity. The first cour established the characters and the core “retired hitman” concept, but the threats were often self-contained and less severe. By introducing an existential threat like Slur and a powerful governing body like the Order, the story deliberately pivots. The production’s choice to skip some of the manga’s more slice-of-life chapters was a clear, conscious decision to accelerate this transition. The Death Row Prisoners Arc is the point of no return, solidifying Sakamoto Days not as a quirky comedy with some action, but as a full-fledged battle shonen with a story to tell.
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A Deep-Dive Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Recap and Review
With the stage set, it’s time to break down what makes this second cour such a monumental improvement. This isn’t just a better batch of episodes; it’s a fundamental upgrade across the board, turning many of the first part’s weaknesses into newfound strengths.
A Visual Redemption (Animation & Direction)
The most immediate and widely celebrated change in Sakamoto Days Season 1 Part 2 is the visual overhaul. The production team at TMS Entertainment clearly listened to the feedback. The “horrible photoshop filter” and that strange paper-like texture on the shadows are completely gone. This single change does wonders for the series, allowing for cleaner linework and more vibrant colors. The result is a sharper, more professional look that finally feels at home alongside its modern action anime peers.
Beyond that, the action choreography has taken a significant leap forward. Fights feel more dynamic and fluid, a stark contrast to the “stiff and repetitive” sequences that sometimes held back Cour 1. Episode 21, which centers on a frantic battle with Shin at its core, is a perfect example, praised by critics for its “greater grace and fluidity” and “propulsive energy”. The animation team excels at capturing the unique fighting styles of each character, from Sakamoto’s inventive use of everyday objects to Gaku’s balletic and brutal martial arts.
To provide a truly trustworthy Sakamoto Days Anime Review, however, one must acknowledge that the scars of a challenging production schedule are still visible. The director himself has spoken about the immense workload, staff shortages, and tight deadlines the team faced. Because of this, some “visible cracks” remain. Viewers might still spot occasional missing in-between frames, awkward camera angles that stick too closely to the manga panels, or a reliance on speed lines over more complex animation. But these moments are now the exception rather than the rule, and the overall upward trend in quality is undeniable.
Finding Its Killer Instinct (Pacing & Tone)
One of Cour 1’s biggest hurdles was its pacing, which was often criticized for meandering without a strong narrative hook to keep viewers invested. Cour 2 demolishes this problem by dedicating itself almost entirely to the
Death Row Prisoners Arc. This focused structure gives the season a relentless forward momentum and a powerful sense of urgency. Every episode builds on the last, creating a tense and engaging viewing experience.
This newfound focus is accompanied by a significant tonal shift. While the series’ signature humor is still present (Osaragi’s deadpan animal comparisons during a brutal fight are a highlight ), Cour 2 is a much darker and more violent affair. The on-screen deaths and the very real threat to Taro Sakamoto and his family ground the story in tangible consequences. This is the tone that manga readers were so excited for, and it marks the point where the anime truly “found its stride”. This shift is even reflected in the music; the new opening, “Method” by Kroi, and the ending, “Dandelion” by go!go!vanillas, carry a more intense, rock-infused energy that perfectly complements the on-screen mayhem.
The Expanding Crew (Characters & Performances)
While the legendary hitman’s name is in the title, the heart of this Sakamoto Days Anime Review lies in its fantastic ensemble cast, which gets plenty of room to grow in Cour 2. Shin Asakura, in particular, evolves from a capable sidekick into a genuine co-protagonist. His clairvoyance becomes a critical combat asset, allowing him to sync up with allies and anticipate enemy moves in spectacular fashion. Voice actor Nobunaga Shimazaki expertly captures this journey from an insecure upstart to a confident and indispensable member of the team.
Meanwhile, Lu Xiaotang gets some of the most memorable moments of the season with her “Mafia Drunk” mode. This power-up doesn’t just make her stronger; it completely transforms her personality into that of a cold, calculating mafia boss, complete with a deeper, more commanding voice—a detail fans absolutely loved. The introduction of the menacing Gaku and the coolly efficient members of the Order also does wonders for the series, immediately expanding the world’s lore and setting up compelling antagonists and allies for the future.
Interestingly, Lu’s time in the spotlight carries a fascinating subtext for those familiar with the manga’s journey. While the anime gives her a significant power-up and several highlight-reel moments, her role in the source material reportedly began to diminish after these arcs, a change some have linked to a dip in manga sales during periods where she was the focus. This creates a unique situation for anime-only viewers who are just becoming invested in her character. They are witnessing her thrilling ascent, completely unaware that the source material, shaped by the pressures of weekly publication and reader feedback, has already charted a different path for her. Cour 2, therefore, may represent the peak of Lu’s prominence in the story, making her incredible moments here both exhilarating and, for the informed viewer, slightly bittersweet.
Eyes on the Next Target: The High Probability of a Sakamoto Days Season 2
With the second cour wrapped up, the big question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next? Will there be a second season of Sakamoto Days on Sakamoto Days Netflix? All signs point to a resounding “yes.”
The anime’s second cour concludes its adaptation around chapter 61 or 62 of the manga. For perspective, the Sakamoto Days manga is still ongoing and, as of September 2025, has blazed past chapter 229. This means there are over 160 chapters of incredible, high-stakes action and comedy just waiting to be adapted—more than double the amount of material covered in the entire first season. The well of source material isn’t just deep; it’s an ocean.
A potential second season would dive into one of the manga’s most beloved sagas: the JCC Transfer Exam Arc (chapters 55-72) and the subsequent JCC Infiltration Arc (chapters 73-104). Without giving too much away, this storyline sees Sakamoto and Shin attempting to infiltrate the JAA’s elite training academy to dig up information on Slur. It’s essentially a deadly “school arc” filled with a host of fantastic new characters, bizarre entrance exams, and some of the most creative and mind-bending fights in the entire series.
Ultimately, a sequel feels almost inevitable due to one key factor: massive commercial success. Despite the early criticisms, Sakamoto Days has been a monster hit for Netflix, consistently appearing in its global most-watched series charts and even outperforming massive hits like Squid Game at times. For a platform driven by viewership data, these numbers are everything. The combination of proven popularity, a vast amount of acclaimed source material, and a fan base re-energized by the quality of Cour 2 creates the perfect business case for a renewal. A second season is no longer a question of “if,” but “when,” and it will likely arrive with the resources needed to maintain the high standard set by this latest batch of episodes.
The Verdict on Sakamoto’s Glorious, Gory Return
This Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Recap and Review can only come to one conclusion: the season was a resounding success and a triumphant return to form. It systematically addressed the visual flaws of its predecessor, sharpened its narrative focus into a deadly weapon, and elevated its fantastic cast of characters. The anime has transformed from a serviceable but flawed adaptation into a must-watch action series that finally does justice to Yuto Suzuki’s brilliant manga. Sakamoto Days Season 1 Part 2 has hit its stride, and with a treasure trove of incredible arcs on the horizon, the future for the legendary hitman has never looked brighter or more brutally exciting.
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Summary of Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Review
- Cour 2’s Focus: The second cour adapts the action-packed Death Row Prisoners Arc, shifting the series from a slice-of-life comedy to a full-fledged battle shonen.
- Visual Upgrade: The most praised improvement was the removal of the controversial visual filters from Cour 1, resulting in a cleaner, more vibrant, and professional look.
- Improved Action & Pacing: Fight choreography became more fluid and dynamic, and the single-arc focus created a sense of urgency and relentless pacing that was missing in the first cour.
- Character Growth: Side characters like Shin Asakura and Lu Xiaotang received significant development and power-ups, with Shin becoming a co-protagonist and Lu’s “Mafia Drunk” mode stealing the show.
- World Expansion: The introduction of the main villain, Slur, and the elite assassin group, the Order, dramatically raised the stakes and expanded the series’ lore.
- Sequel Probability: A second season is highly likely due to the show’s massive commercial success on Sakamoto Days Netflix and the vast amount of remaining manga chapters to adapt, including the highly anticipated JCC Transfer Exam Arc.