You’ve probably seen the memes by now. Taro Sakamoto, the chubby, retired hitman who looks more like a tired dad than a world-class assassin, is finally hitting his stride in the anime adaptation. But Sakamoto Days episode 12 is where the stakes stop being a "flavor of the week" gag and turn into a high-stakes conspiracy. If you've been following the manga, you knew this shift was coming. If you're anime-only, welcome to the real show.
The transition from the Amusement Park arc into the Lab Raid is jarring. It’s meant to be. We go from Sakamoto fighting a guy on a roller coaster to uncovering the dark, genetic underbelly of the assassin world. Honestly, it’s about time.
The Shift From Slapstick to High Stakes
Most people thought Sakamoto Days was just going to be John Wick meets Mrs. Doubtfire. Episode 12 proves that wrong. The introduction of the Lab—and specifically the revelation surrounding the "Deerhead" character, Kashimon—flips the script. We aren't just protecting a convenience store anymore. We are looking at a systematic threat to the JAA (Japan Assassins Association).
The animation in this episode, handled by TMS Entertainment, really leans into the "weight" of the characters. When Sakamoto moves, he isn't just fast; he’s efficient. That’s the core of his character. He doesn't waste energy because he’s literally trying to burn as few calories as possible to get back to his family.
But let’s talk about the lab itself. The atmosphere is sterile, creepy, and a complete contrast to the vibrant Sakamoto Grocery store. This is where the world-building gets heavy. We start learning about the "New Order" and the dissenters who think the current assassin hierarchy is soft.
Why Kashimon is the Villain We Needed
Kashimon is a weirdo. There, I said it. But he’s the kind of weirdo that makes this series work. Up until Sakamoto Days episode 12, the villains felt a bit like "bosses of the week." Kashimon feels like a harbinger. His obsession with the "science" of killing and his mechanical gadgets provide a physical challenge that Sakamoto can't just punch away easily.
He represents the antithesis of Sakamoto.
Sakamoto is all about instinct and using everyday objects—pens, umbrellas, lab equipment—to win.
Kashimon is about pre-meditated, technological superiority.
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It’s a classic matchup. But the nuance here is how Sakamoto protects Shin and Lu. He isn't just a tank; he's a teacher. You see him subtly positioning himself to take the brunt of the impact so the "kids" can find an opening. It’s fatherhood disguised as tactical warfare.
The Secret Sauce of the Lab Fight
The choreography in the lab is insane. There’s a specific sequence where the environment becomes the weapon. In the manga, Yuto Suzuki is a master of "3D space" on a 2D page. The anime captures this by having the camera follow the objects as much as the people.
- The use of the environment: It's not just a backdrop. Walls are broken to create new angles.
- Shin’s growth: We see his telepathy becoming more of a burden as the enemies get faster. He can’t keep up with the "noise."
- The "Thin" Sakamoto tease: Fans are always waiting for Sakamoto to burn enough fat to return to his prime form. Episode 12 dances around this perfectly, keeping the tension high without giving away the full payoff too early.
The Order is Watching
We can't discuss this episode without mentioning the looming shadows of the Order. The JAA's elite squad is the gold standard for power scaling in this universe. Episode 12 starts to hint that the chaos in the lab isn't just a random attack—it’s a test.
Nagumo’s presence, even when he isn't center stage, changes the air. He’s the trickster. He’s the guy who knows more than he lets on, and his dynamic with Sakamoto (his former teammate) adds a layer of "glory days" sadness to the high-octane action. You get the sense that Sakamoto misses the thrill, even if he’d never admit it over a bowl of ramen.
Is the Animation Holding Up?
Look, there’s been some chatter online about whether TMS is doing the manga justice. Sakamoto Days is notoriously hard to animate because the action is so fluid.
Honestly? Episode 12 is a win.
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The color palette shifts during the fight scenes, using more saturated tones to emphasize the impact of blows. It’s a stylistic choice that helps bridge the gap between the detailed manga art and the limitations of weekly television animation. It’s not Jujutsu Kaisen level of "every frame is a painting," but it’s snappy. It has personality. That matters more for a series that relies on "cool factor" and gags.
What Most People Get Wrong About Sakamoto’s "No-Kill" Rule
A big theme in Sakamoto Days episode 12 is the strain of the no-kill rule. A lot of viewers think this makes the show "softer." It’s actually the opposite.
It is infinitely harder to incapacitate a professional killer without killing them than it is to just end their life. By sticking to this rule, Sakamoto is essentially fighting with one hand tied behind his back. This episode shows the physical toll that takes. He’s exhausted. He’s taking hits he shouldn't take. It raises the question: can he actually keep this up as the enemies get deadlier?
The lab raid proves that the villains aren't playing by those rules. They are aiming for the throat. The contrast creates a palpable sense of dread that wasn't there in the earlier, more comedic episodes.
The Impact on the Shonen Landscape
In a world full of "chosen ones" and teenagers saving the world, a story about a 30-something retired guy who just wants to run his shop is refreshing. Episode 12 solidifies this. It treats Sakamoto's maturity as his greatest weapon. He doesn't have a "power up" in the traditional sense; he has experience.
The "experience over power" trope is handled so well here. While the younger characters are panicking, Sakamoto is analyzing the trajectory of a bullet or the weight of a chemical beaker. It’s a masterclass in character-driven action.
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Where Does the Story Go From Here?
The fallout of the lab raid is going to ripple through the rest of the season. We are moving away from the "villain of the week" structure and into a serialized conspiracy.
- The identity of Slur: The shadow behind the scenes is moving closer.
- Shin’s evolution: He needs to find a way to use his telepathy that doesn't fry his brain.
- The JAA’s corruption: Is the organization Sakamoto used to work for actually the good guys?
The stakes have officially left the grocery store.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive deeper into the series after watching Sakamoto Days episode 12, here are a few things you should actually do.
First, go back and read the manga chapters corresponding to this episode (roughly chapters 25-30). The paneling by Yuto Suzuki is legendary and gives you a different perspective on the "flow" of the fight that even the best anime can't quite replicate.
Second, pay attention to the background details in the lab. There are Easter eggs pointing toward future members of the Order that haven't been officially introduced in the anime yet.
Lastly, keep an eye on the sound design. One of the best parts of this episode is the "clink" and "thud" of the improvised weapons. It’s a detail that many overlook but it’s what makes the combat feel grounded.
The lab raid is the turning point. The "comfy" days of Sakamoto’s retirement are effectively over, and the war for the future of the assassin world has begun. If you thought it was just a comedy, episode 12 is your wake-up call.
To stay ahead of the curve, focus on the relationship between Sakamoto and the JAA. The tension there is the real story. Sakamoto isn't just hiding from his past; he's actively being hunted by it, and the lab is just the first place they’ve managed to corner him. Watch the background characters during the raid—some of them reappear much later in the series in ways you wouldn't expect. Keep a close eye on the red-haired kid; his role is far more pivotal than his current screen time suggests.