Check out the reviews for the second flick, Babies, and the third one, Nice Days.
Now that Yugo Sakamoto’s Baby Assassins 3 is available on home video in North America, watching all three films back-to-back shows just how uniquely fun this franchise has become. Better still, the story isn’t finished. It’s not over yet for the Baby Assassins franchise!; a 12-episode spin-off mini-series aired on TV Tokyo in September 2024. It is available for import through YesAsia, but without English subtitles, leaving fans to hope the North American distributor will secure international rights.
What makes the series stand out is its mix of action, deadpan and comedy. Imagine Laverne and Shirley—if they were professional killers. That’s the dynamic between Mahiro (Saori Izawa) and Chisato (Akari Takaishi). One is outgoing and impulsive, while the other is more laid back and prefers to avoid action unless persuaded. Their partnership feels like a live-action twist on the “girls with guns” formula, with classics such as Dirty Pair and Noir serving as touchstones. The franchise succeeds because these stories balance buddy-cop banter with constant clashes against the criminal underworld, keeping the familiar tropes fresh.
The series works largely because of how their relationship evolves. In the first film, they’re reluctant partners. By the second, their rivalry sharpens and fuels their growth. By the third, their bond deepens into a genuine friendship—almost family—tested by meddling authority figures, interrupted vacations, and rivals who threaten both their skills and their loyalty. Everyday struggles, like paying bills and keeping jobs, play out alongside explosive action, grounding these assassins in absurd yet relatable realities. Taken together, the trilogy peels back the layers of their shadowy organisation (or Agency/Guild), preparing audiences for more revelations.
Until the TV series receives proper subtitles, international audiences can only imagine how far the sitcom-style elements go. A format similar to City Hunter seems fitting: less about missions and more about everyday absurdities. Fansubs exist, but they’re difficult to track down. Even so, the fact that this universe continues to expand is encouraging.
What’s Next for the Baby Assassins Franchise?
Given the trajectory so far, the next instalment will likely heighten the clash between personal life and professional duty. Baby Assassins 3 introduced surrogate parental figures and tighter oversight. The natural next step is a crisis of independence: will Mahiro and Chisato conform to the system, or rebel against it?
Rival characters are also a staple, so the next antagonist may mirror their partnership—forcing them to confront what makes their bond unique. Retirement feels unlikely. That path would be too John Wick, and it seems doubtful that Sakamoto wants to follow it.
From reading online episode guides, the television series explores these themes even further, often leaning into everyday absurdities with the tone of vintage sitcoms. Thanks to resources like trakt.tv and AniwotaWiki, fans can get a glimpse of what they are missing until an official release surfaces. For those curious, I’ve included a translated and expanded episode guide below.
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The Future of the Baby Assassins Franchise
In an interview with Eastern Kicks, Sakamoto explained he never intended the films to be just slick assassin stories. Instead, he envisions Mahiro and Chisato in slice-of-life situations: camping, cooking competitions, or even running a food truck. He compared the tone to Jon Favreau’s Chef—warm, grounded, and infused with absurd levity.
This vision suggests Baby Assassins is as much about friendship and generational anxieties as it is about bullets and brawls. Whether the next step is another film, more manga, or further television spin-offs, one thing is certain: this saga still has plenty of stories left to tell.
Episode Guide: Baby Assassins Everyday! (2024)
Arc 1: “Fūrinkazan” (風林火山)
- In Ten Years, Let’s Freeze a Corpse Here Again
Mahiro and Chisato are tasked with disposing of a fellow guild member’s body, but complications arise, testing their partnership. - You’ve Always Got to Be Ready to Take Responsibility
Disguised as bar employees, they infiltrate a money-laundering operation, revealing the clash between their contrasting personalities. - I Will Welcome This Buddy
Mahiro clings to normalcy with a plush toy while the duo struggles to adapt to society under Miyahara’s project. - The Truly Important Things in Life Cannot Be Summed Up in Some 140 Characters
Living with Miyahara, the girls juggle teenage life and assassin duties, highlighting the absurdity of their double lives. - What’s the Line Between Guidance and Harassment?
The girls face ethical dilemmas and strained mentorship, raising questions about boundaries. - Only Thing You Can Really Trust Is Cash
A money-driven mission tests loyalty and resourcefulness, leaving consequences for their bond.
Arc 2: “Job Rotation” (ジョブローテーション)
- Things That Happen When You Go Back to Your Parents’ House After a Long Time
Returning home brings unresolved issues and conflicting emotions. - I Don’t Want to Learn or Grow
The duo resists change, fearing the loss of their identity. - Because All I Can Do Is Kill
They wrestle with purpose and question their worth beyond killing. - Just Killing Them Is Fine
A mission forces them to weigh ethics against efficiency. - Why Am I a Hitman?
They seek answers about their pasts and motivations, strengthening their bond. - Let’s Talk About the Future Together
The series concludes with the assassins reflecting on their futures, opening the door to new beginnings.
Baby Assassins Everyday!
Episode One Teaser (Subtitled)
