REVIEW: ‘Sakamoto Days’ Episode 22 – “Each One’s Mission”

Directed by Daisuke Nakajima, Sakamoto Days Episode 22 begins as the series began: with strong characters, a decent aesthetic, but a lackluster direction. As the story shifts gears to further the plot and the mystery behind Slur  (Daisuke Namikawa), the narrative splits to cover a greater expanse of characters and plots. But while the world itself is growing with Shin (Nobunaga Shimazaki), Sakamoto (Tomokazu Sugita), and Akira (Mao Ichimichi) headed to the JCC, and Mafuyu (Daiki Yamashita) and Toramaru (Hisako Kanemoto) kidnapped by Slur’s group, the visual story remains stagnant and small. 

There are brief moments of fun in the transitional Sakamoto Days Episode 22. All of which are born from character moments and interactions. Throwaway visual gags such as Sakamoto carrying Shin under his arm like an unruly cat following their fight with Shinaya, and later, the Sakamoto team celebrating Shin’s first-place grade following the exam. Due to the lack of dynamic direction in the action-heavy set pieces, these familial moments are when the anime adaptation shines. 

Beyond the exam and our leading group, there are some highlights, such as the work of the Order, as Nagumo (Natsuki Hanae), Shishiba (Taku Yashiro), and Osaragi (Saori Hayami) take on an assignment that sends them to Kyoto to investigate Slur’s latest murder. The series boasts an excellent ensemble, and “Each One’s Mission” ensures we catch up with each notable character before the wait for Season 2. And Nagumo – an instant fan-favorite (and for good reason) brings a level of mischievous charm to the series. 

Nagumo and the Order allow for greater world-building. 

He, Shishiba, and Osaragi also help delve deeper into the world in which assassins are commonplace. It’s not just that they exist – it’s that, in this version of the world, they’re turning a major, widespread, and commodified profit. JCC is a school for assassins – but it isn’t the only school. The three talk about why they do what they do and why the world needs order through their line of work, enriching the baseline foundation of how this universe ticks. It’s absurd – but that’s the point. 

Nagumo’s character is used sparingly enough that each of his interactions shines. The visual gag of a shot of the group at Sakamoto’s that flashes away only to return with Nagumo standing there is some of the best comedy the series has utilized. His character works because he’s so at odds with what Sakamoto and, to an extent, Shin stand for; his work is tinged with a sense of nihilism, contrasting against the former’s optimistic, no-killing belief. 

But despite these momentary reprieves, Sakamoto Days Episode 22 can’t get out from under itself. There’s too much set up crammed into the finale. Mafuyu and Toramaru are both kidnapped, which aligns with Slur seemingly wanting to bring in new recruits. But through that storyline, we also learn more about Kanaguri and the character Carolina Reaper as Slur tells them all of his master plan to destroy the JAA. 

Sakamoto Days Episode 12 has charming moments but is unfortunately rushed. 

Meanwhile, Sakamoto isn’t allowed to enter as a new student since he’s barred due to having a bounty on his head. That’s remedied, however, with Nagumo disguising Sakamoto as Aoi to infiltrate the school as a teacher.

That, plus Shin’s arrival for his first day, and the fact that they have a countdown to access the JCC database, all culminate in too much happening. As a finale Sakamoto Days Episode 22 needed better pacing, even if it all works as mainly set up for the eventual Season 2. 

It’s hardly terrible, but Sakamoto Days Episode 22 continues to highlight the show’s greatest weaknesses while struggling to justify the adaptation. The characters are immensely lovable, and this is an established world in which drama is easy to draw from. But there’s no sense of fun in the action, no sense of personality in the animation, and no grittiness to the fights. It’s too clean and glossy, despite the work that many of them are involved in. And, at some point, said lovable characters won’t be enough to sustain it. 

Sakamoto Days Episode 22 is out now on Netflix. 

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