Beyond Sakamoto Days: The Most Powerful Hitmen in Anime

The anime Sakamoto Days, adapted from Yuto Suzuki’s manga, is bringing hitmen back into the spotlight. Skilled assassins have long been a popular subject for anime fans.

This list highlights some of the most memorable hitmen in anime. We’ll be focusing on those who were the main characters, rather than those who played smaller or supporting roles in the stories.

10. Taro Sakamoto – Sakamoto Days

The Retired Hitman Who Now Wants to Live in Peace with His Family

Starting with Taro Sakamoto is a smart move – it’s a great way to honor the creator and capitalize on the buzz around Sakamoto Days. With the second season of the anime coming soon and a live-action movie launching in Japan, Taro Sakamoto is currently the most popular action star.

Before his retirement, Taro was a legendary hitman, considered by many to be the best there ever was – some even called him a god of assassination. His skills were unparalleled, and no one could defeat him. Even after he retired to work at a convenience store, other hitmen tried and failed to challenge him. During fights, he temporarily transforms back into peak physical condition, but he quickly returns to his normal, overweight build afterward.

Taro Sakamoto isn’t like most retired assassins; he’s content with his new life and has no desire for revenge. More than anything, he wants to make amends for his past, and he’s trying to do so by living a peaceful life and following the expectations his wife has for him.

9. Duke Togo – Golgo 13

A Legend From the Past that Has Outlived Its Author and Continues to be Published

Duke Togo, the main character of the manga and anime Golgo 13, is considered the most iconic hitman in the genre. Created by Takao Saito, he’s become a legend among fictional assassins and even earned a place in the Guinness World Records. Golgo 13 holds the record for the longest-running manga series in terms of published volumes, having been consistently released since 1968.

The popular manga series Golgo 13, spanning 220 volumes, has been adapted into multiple anime shows. The main character is a highly skilled and unflinching assassin who takes on any job, remaining completely detached emotionally. He’s often hired to eliminate criminals like mafia members and other dangerous figures, which naturally makes him a target for those seeking revenge.

8. Ryo Saeba – City Hunter

He Works as a Detective, Protector, or Hitman, But Only for Good Reasons

Ryo Saeba from City Hunter often comes across as charming and playful, but it’s easy to forget he’s a skilled and seasoned hitman. While he now frequently works as a bodyguard for people in need, he still takes on jobs to eliminate criminals and those who deserve it.

Ryo Saeba has a strict personal code: he only uses his incredible fighting skills and signature one-shot technique when absolutely necessary. He needs a strong justification before taking a job that involves using his gun, a Colt Python .357 Magnum, to harm or kill someone. It’s also worth remembering that Ryo used to be a guerrilla fighter, and even then, he was forced to kill enemies as part of his duties.

7. Hikaru Gero – Marriagetoxin

The Hitman Who Needs to Get Married as Soon as Possible to Help His Sister

The new anime series Marriagetoxin focuses on professional hitmen, with the main character, Hikaru Gero, being a poison specialist. What sets this anime apart is that each assassin has a unique skill set, making the action more diverse and interesting than typical gunfights or duels.

Hikaru Gero is a remarkably versatile poison expert, able to adapt his methods to any situation. While the anime primarily follows his quest for a partner, the intriguing world of assassin families provides a compelling backdrop.

6. Yor Forger – Spy x Family

She Knows She Must Continue Doing her Job for an Important Reason

Yor is a fascinatingly complex character in the world of Spy x Family. The show is a funny, heartwarming story about family, but it also cleverly explores the life of an assassin, prompting viewers to really think about her experiences.

Yor Forger works as a secret assassin, taking out important targets to maintain security or for political reasons. While she isn’t someone who enjoys killing, she feels it’s a necessary evil to help others live safer, more peaceful lives. She’s an assassin driven by her situation, but her hidden life shows she’s far more compassionate than most. Yor is a key reason why Spy x Family has so many memorable and heartwarming scenes.

5. Hei – Darker than Black

Maintaining a Double Life isn’t Always Easy for a Hitman

The anime series Darker than Black first appeared in 2007 and sparked some discussion because of its unique setting. Over its 25 episodes, the show featured compelling characters, including the main character, Hei. Hei leads a double life as both an exchange student and a highly skilled assassin with the ability to control electricity.

Like many assassins, he has a personal reason for his work: he’s searching for his lost sister. He began killing as a child to keep her safe, and now continues his relentless search. What sets him apart is his depth of feeling – he’s more emotionally complex than most anime hitmen. While possessing special abilities is new for this type of character, he’s still compelling, and capable of completing his missions even without them.

4. Reborn – Reborn!

He Uses his Time and Energy to Teach, But he’s a Great Hitman

Despite appearing as a child, Reborn is a highly experienced and dangerous individual. He was once the most feared and skilled assassin, known for his deadly accuracy with a CZ75 pistol. But a strange curse transformed him into a baby, drastically altering his position within the mafia world.

Even as a child, Reborn is remarkably strong and hard to beat, though he was even more powerful in his prime. He’s a stern and uncompromising character, and as an assassin, he rarely shows mercy. Many fans feel Reborn’s potential was never fully explored in the anime, which is a shame, because he’s one of the most compelling action heroes of his time.

3. Brandon Heat – Gungrave

The Hitman Who Returns From the Dead More Powerful and With More Weapons

The anime Gungrave, inspired by the video game, is a fast-paced action series filled with shooting, explosions, and a compelling story. It follows a talented hitman who climbs to power within a criminal organization, only to be betrayed by his closest friend. Madhouse, the animation studio, is known for its high-quality work, and Gungrave is no exception.

Brandon comes back to life as Beyond the Grave after a near-death experience, driven by a desire for revenge. He’s now much more powerful and armed, but still holds onto his emotions and compassion. Despite being removed from the world of the living, he remains dedicated to protecting the people who have always been there for him. The anime series, which has 26 episodes, is a great addition to the existing games that started with the original PlayStation 2 release.

2. Train Heartnet – Black Cat

A Tragic Past Pushed Him to Leave Everything Behind

The anime Black Cat was very popular in Japan between 2005 and 2006. A major reason for its success was the compelling main character, Train Heartnet, who grew up immersed in the dangerous world of assassins.

He was trained as a hitman from childhood and has made many enemies over the years. But when his life stalls, he decides to leave his life of crime. A new person enters his life and changes his perspective. Though he’s given up killing, he remains incredibly skilled – a perfect shot with any weapon. He’s even capable of incredible feats, like shooting bullets out of the air with his revolver.

1. Lin Xianming – Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens

A Tragedy Will Change His Life Forever

We really wish Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens had gotten a second season! This anime, which aired in 2018, only had 12 episodes, but it was a lot of fun to watch. A big part of that was the great connection between the two main characters, including Lin Xianming, a highly trained assassin.

Like the other assassins featured here, he’s searching for his sister. But his story is particularly heartbreaking, which is a big part of what makes the anime so captivating. What sets him apart is that he disguises himself as a woman to carry out his work, and this actually helps him succeed against his enemies.

2026-04-16 02:07