Ep. 46 Baby Assassins: Nice Days

cover design by Cordelia Shan

Written by Cordelia.

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Hello my dear listeners! Hope you are doing well.

It’s the last week of November 2024! The holidays are right around the corner, and as I glance at my work calendar—jam-packed with deadlines and projects—I can’t believe how quickly we’ve arrived here. Seriously, where did the year go?

Guess what? TV Tokyo has done it again, bringing us another gem in their iconic midnight time slot. This time, it’s the hilarious and action-packed Baby Assassins: Nice Dyas. I still can’t get over how the show opens: Chisato and Mahiro, our two assassin leads, sitting in a family restaurant, casually eating steak and pasta while complaining about their lives, like some small things, laundry, rent. It’s so slice-of-life, yet somehow so absurd, and it sets the tone for all the chaotic fun that follows.

So grab a warm drink, cozy up, and let’s dive into this quirky, late-night masterpiece.

About the Show

Imagine this: two highly skilled teenage assassins, Chisato Sugimoto and Mahiro Fukagawa, trying to navigate the mundane aspects of daily life. From job hunting to paying bills, these lethal ladies are hilariously out of their depth when it comes to adulting. The series picks up after the events of the Baby Assassins movies, showcasing their ongoing struggle to blend into civilian life while handling their unconventional careers.

It’s bloody, sure—after all, they are assassins—but somehow, it’s also comforting. It’s the perfect show to binge on a lazy Sunday afternoon, especially when you’re stuck in that “I don’t want to go to work tomorrow” Monday-hate kind of mood. There’s something oddly therapeutic about watching these two stumble through life, knowing they can take down a dozen bad guys but can’t figure out how to split the rent.

History of Baby Assassins

To truly appreciate Baby Assassins: Nice Days, let’s rewind a bit. The journey began with the original film in 2021, written and directed by Yugo Sakamoto, Baby Assassins, which introduced us to Chisato and Mahiro as they balanced their lives as assassins with the challenges of everyday existence. The film was well-received for its unique blend of action and humor, leading to a sequel, Baby Assassins 2 Babies in 2023, which continued to explore the duo's misadventures.

Building on the success of the films, the creators expanded the universe with Baby Assassins: Nice Days, a 12-episode TV series that delves deeper into the characters' lives. The series premiered on September 4, 2024, on TV Tokyo, with episodes airing weekly until November 21, 2024. This expansion allowed for more in-depth storytelling and character development, giving fans a closer look at Chisato and Mahiro's attempts to lead normal lives.

What Is So Weird but So Good about the Show

So, why should you tune in? The show masterfully satirizes societal expectations and the gig economy, all while delivering sharp humor and dynamic action sequences. Chisato, the proactive planner, and Mahiro, the laid-back introvert, create a dynamic duo whose contrasting personalities lead to both comedic and heartfelt moments.

The series doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the absurdities of modern life. For instance, there’s a scene where they attempt to ace a job interview by downplaying their assassin skills, leading to hilariously awkward exchanges. These moments highlight the show’s clever writing and the relatable struggles of its protagonists.

One of the show’s standout features is its tone. It’s self-aware without being overly meta, balancing humor with insightful commentary on contemporary issues. The action scenes are meticulously choreographed, reminding viewers of the characters' lethal expertise amidst their everyday blunders.

The chemistry between Akari Takaishi (Chisato) and Saori Izawa (Mahiro) is palpable, bringing depth to their characters and making their friendship both believable and endearing. Realy, I think they are a couple. Really, I do. Soulmate or something. Call me a CP fan, and I don’t care, I really think they are a couple. Their performances anchor the series, making it more than just an action-comedy but a story about friendship and personal growth.

Let’s talk about some memorable moments. In one episode, Chisato and Mahiro decide to split household chores using their assassination missions as a negotiation tool. The absurdity of applying their lethal skills to mundane tasks leads to laugh-out-loud scenarios.

Another highlight is when Mahiro attempts to master small talk, resulting in painfully awkward yet endearing interactions. These scenes showcase the show’s ability to blend humor with character development, making the audience root for these unconventional heroines.

Ending

If this sounds like your cup of tea, you’re in luck. The first episode of Baby Assassins: Nice Days is available for free streaming on YouTube with English subtitles. 

There’s no easy job in the world—we all know that. But something about the premise of being an assassin, completing a dangerous, high-stakes mission, and then going home to eat, vent, play video games, and sleep? It’s weirdly relatable. Maybe it’s the simplicity of it: the idea that no matter how intense or wild your day is, you still crave those small, comforting moments of normalcy.

And that’s what makes Baby Assassins: Nice Days so brilliant. It’s not just a slice-of-life show; it’s slice-of-life with assassins. The juxtaposition is hilarious and oddly satisfying. Watching Chisato and Mahiro navigate this strange balance between their double lives feels like a reflection of our own struggles—balancing work, personal life, and everything in between. The fact that their ‘work’ involves taking out targets only amplifies the absurdity.

The setting itself is so unique. It’s mundane yet heightened, comedic yet grounded. You can almost picture yourself sitting beside them in that family restaurant, eating a cheap steak and pasta combo while complaining about your job. It’s a comforting world to escape into because, at its heart, it’s about survival—not just in their dangerous profession but in the everyday grind we all go through.

So, if you’re looking for a show that’s equal parts bloody and hilarious, comforting and chaotic, Baby Assassins Nice Days is the perfect pick. Whether you’re stuck in a Sunday slump, dreading the workweek ahead, or just need something to lift your spirits, this show delivers. It’s a reminder that no matter how wild life gets, there’s always time to sit down, have a meal, and just be.

Thanks for listening to Thursday Night Kissaten! If you’ve seen Baby Assassins: Nice Days, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you as obsessed with this quirky blend of action and slice-of-life as I am? Let me know on our socials @ThursdayKissaten. And if you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for?

Until next time, stay curious, stay cozy, and keep exploring the wonderful world of Japanese pop culture. See you soon!