Summary
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There are many antagonists that appear inSakamoto Days, and sometimes, even those with a smaller role make a lasting impression. One of these characters is Mad Horiguchi, a member of the Order, who finds himself in contact with Shin and Sakamoto as they visit the Okutabi Laboratory. He is indirect connection with Slur, and follows the orders of Kashima in the group.
As a member of Slur’s gang in the Order, it only makes sense that Mad Horiguchi would possess impressive abilities, ones that he created for himself as a prominent scientist. However, there is much more to his equipment and abilities than meets the eye, which causes Shin and Sakamoto to find themselves against a formidable opponent inSakamoto Days.
Mad Horiguchi is first introduced in the Sakamoto Days anime when Sakamoto and Shin take a trip to the Okutabi Laboratory in search of Asakura,Shin’s former father figure. As Mad Horiguchi is not their main target, both Shin and Sakamoto don’t think much of him as a foe, but soon learn that he is much more capable than he appears.
Upon their meeting, Mad Horiguchi implants one of his electrodes in Shin’s brain that reverses his language, making him speak backwards. As for Sakamoto, he injeccts something in him that makes him attack Shin rather than Mad Horiguchi. Though it is clear to the group that Mad Horiguchi will not be a simple battle, they are able to overcome his manipulation and take him out by using some simple punches. Although Mad Horiguchi makes ashort appearance in the Lab Arc, his personality and fighting strategy make him a memorable character that stands out among the crowd of enemies.
Breaking Down His Abilities & How They Are Used
Other than possessing the ability to implant electrodes in others' brains, what exactly can Mad Horiguchi use while in battle? As a mad scientist, there is no limit to what Mad Horiguchi will use against his opponents to gain victory.
Mad Horiguchi has two main abilities that he utilizes during the Lab Arc in Sakamoto Days: electrodes, and his strength-enhancing drug. The electrodes that he places in both Shin and Sakamoto’s brains have different functions. As for Shin, the electrode completely scrambles his speech and makes him speak backwards. This gaves Mad Horiguchi the upper-hand, as it makes it difficult for Shin and Sakamoto to communicate (however,Shin eventually uses his clairvoyanceto counteract this). As for Sakamoto, his electrode causes him to have no control over who he attacks. For example, if Sakamoto intends to attack Mad Horiguchi, he ends up attacking Shin instead. Mad Horiguchi is able to implant these electrodes just by directly stabbing a syringe into his target’s head.
Towards the final portion of Mad Horiguchi’s showdown with Sakamoto and Shin, he whips out a strength-enhancing drug as a last resort. Just like the electrodes, all Mad Horiguchi needs to do is take out the drug in a syringe and inject it into himself. With this drug now in his body, Mad Horiguchi becomes much larger, and his muscle mass increases by a significant amount. This drug is a relatively basic concept, as it just multiplies Mad Horiguchi’s strength by a massive amount, making his attacks much more devastating for Shin and Sakamoto. Unfortunately for Mad Horiguchi, however, the effects end soon after they are injected, giving him only a limited amount of time, and ultimately ending in hisdefeat at Sakamoto and Shin’s hands.
Sakamoto Daysis available to stream now onNetflix.
Sakamoto Days
A 2025 anime, Sakamoto Days is an action-comedy based on Yuto Suzuki’s shonen manga, which debuted in 2020. The series follows Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman who has been enjoying the family life for years. He spends his days running a small store alongside Shin, but his peaceful existence is regularly interrupted by ghosts of the past.
