Remember that lovable, overweight former hitman who just wanted to run his convenience store in peace? Well, Taro Sakamoto is back in the highly anticipated continuation of one of Shōnen Jump's most refreshing action-comedy series. If you thought the first part of Sakamoto Days was a wild ride, buckle up because Part 2 takes everything we loved and cranks it up to eleven.
The Story So Far: A Quick Refresher
Before diving into Part 2, let's remember where we left off. Taro Sakamoto was once the world's most feared assassin who shocked the underworld by suddenly retiring after falling in love. Trading his guns for grocery items, he became an overweight, cheerful convenience store owner with a loving family. But his peaceful days were numbered as his past eventually caught up with him, forcing him to protect his new life while occasionally tapping into his lethal skills.
The first arc brilliantly established the core premise: what happens when the deadliest man alive tries to be a normal family man? We watched Sakamoto balance diaper changes with dispatching hitmen, all while trying to keep his murderous past hidden from his unsuspecting wife and daughter.
What's New in Sakamoto Days Part 2?
Deeper Character Development
Part 2 delves deeper into the psyche of our favorite convenience store owner. We're seeing a more nuanced exploration of Sakamoto's internal struggle between the peaceful life he's chosen and the violent skills that remain second nature to him.
"The beauty of Sakamoto Days has always been how it balances laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine character growth," explains manga critic Yuki Tanaka. "Part 2 takes this to another level by exploring the psychological toll of Sakamoto's double life."
We also get expanded backstories for supporting characters like Shin, the mind-reading former assassin who's become Sakamoto's right-hand man. His mysterious past and connection to the Order organization becomes a central plot point that drives much of the new narrative.
Expanding the Assassin Universe
If you thought the first part introduced some crazy characters, Part 2 introduces us to an even wilder cast of assassins and organizations. Aemine has created a rich universe populated with uniquely talented killers, each with distinctive abilities and motivations.
The standout new antagonist has to be Miyabi Kitaoji, a seemingly gentle elderly woman who runs a bakery by day but happens to be one of the founding members of the mysterious Order. Her ability to weaponize literally anything in her environment (you'll never look at a rolling pin the same way again) makes for some of the series' most creative fight sequences.
That Perfect Balance of Comedy and Action
What makes Sakamoto Days special is its masterful balance of heart-stopping action and genuine belly laughs. Part 2 continues this tradition with sequences that will have you on the edge of your seat one moment and rolling with laughter the next.
Take the now-famous "PTA Meeting Arc," where Sakamoto must attend his daughter's school event while simultaneously thwarting an assassination attempt. Watching him dispatch killers in the hallway before rushing back to his seat for the principal's speech, all while maintaining his cheerful dad persona, is peak Sakamoto Days humor.
The Five Most Jaw-Dropping Moments in Part 2 (So Far)
Without venturing into heavy spoiler territory, here are some standout moments that have fans talking:
- The Reunion - When Sakamoto encounters his former mentor in the most unexpected place, leading to a confrontation that's both hilarious and heartbreaking.
- The School Festival - An innocent family day turns into a battleground when three separate assassin groups converge on Sakamoto's daughter's school festival.
- The Weight Loss Saga - A three-chapter storyline where Sakamoto temporarily returns to his lean, mean fighting form for a specific mission, only to find that his family prefers him "cuddly."
- The Convenience Store Siege - When a rival organization takes over the neighborhood, turning Sakamoto's store into the last bastion of resistance.
- The Truth Revealed - A pivotal moment when a character close to Sakamoto finally discovers his true identity, changing their relationship forever.
Why Sakamoto Days Continues to Stand Out
In a genre often dominated by teenage protagonists gaining power through training arcs, Sakamoto Days flips the script with a protagonist who is already at the peak of his abilities but chooses a different path. It asks the question: what happens after the typical shōnen story ends?
"There's something profoundly refreshing about a character who's trying to move away from violence rather than toward it," notes manga analyst Kenji Yoshida. "It's a unique premise that allows for both exciting action and meaningful character development."
The series also stands out for its positive portrayal of family life, showing Sakamoto as a devoted husband and father who genuinely loves the domestic life he's chosen. It's a surprisingly wholesome core for a series that also features spectacular fight scenes.
What to Expect Going Forward
As Part 2 continues to unfold, several plot threads promise exciting developments:
- The true nature and goals of the Order organization
- Whether Sakamoto can truly keep his family separate from his former life
- The growing network of former and current assassins who become part of Sakamoto's extended "family"
- Potential international story arcs as the series expands beyond Japan
Where to Read Sakamoto Days Part 2
You can follow Taro Sakamoto's continuing adventures through official Shōnen Jump channels. The series is available through:
- The Shōnen Jump app
- VIZ Media's official website
- Physical tankobon volumes released quarterly
For international readers, translations are typically available within a week of the Japanese release.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Another Action Series
What keeps readers coming back to Sakamoto Days isn't just the spectacularly choreographed action or the laugh-out-loud comedy moments—it's the heart. At its core, this is a story about choosing the life you want and fighting to protect it, even when your past threatens to pull you back.
As Part 2 continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Taro Sakamoto's journey is far from over. And as long as there are convenience stores to run and assassins to dodge, we'll be eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next in this uniquely entertaining manga series.
Have you caught up with Sakamoto Days Part 2 yet? What's been your favorite moment so far? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to recommend other similar series for fans looking for their next action-comedy fix!
This article was last updated on May 15, 2025. Release schedules and plot details may change as the series continues publication.