1. Taro Sakamoto (Sakamoto Days)
The gold medal and the title of the absolute best recent anime dad goes to Taro Sakamoto. He is the definition of “giving it all up for love.” Sakamoto was the most feared and respected hitman in the world, but the moment he fell in love and realized he was going to be a father, he completely retired to run a neighborhood convenience store. Even when his violent past comes knocking at his door, he stays true to his promise to his wife never to kill again, settling international-scale fights using supermarket items just to protect his daughter Hana’s peace and innocence. His calm demeanor, unconditional love, and ability to turn into an absolute shield when his family is in danger make him the ultimate dad in modern anime.
Who is your favorite anime dad?
Anime fatherhood has come a long way, shifting from the classic absent-father tropes of older shonen to characters who are much more present, human, and willing to do whatever it takes to see their kids smile.
If you enjoyed this breakdown and want to dive into more anime reviews, theories, and recommendations, stick around—there’s plenty more on the way!
Also, if you’re as passionate about anime as I am and love seeing your favorite characters brought to life, make sure to follow me on Instagram over at @saya_tkm2. I post all my cosplay work. I’d love to connect with you, talk anime, and hear about your favorite shows!
