Buddy Daddies

Buddy Daddies was announced in October 2022 as an original anime by P.A. Works, with the series composition by Yuko Kakihara and Vio Shimokura.

Character designs were created based on Katsumi Enami’s originals and brought to life by Soichiro Sako.

The concept aimed to blend heartwarming family dynamics with high-stakes criminal drama, all focused on the theme that family can be forged in unexpected ways.

The anime is set in a modern Japanese city, blending ordinary daily life with dark undertones from the criminal underworld.

Settings transition from gunfire-filled missions to everyday venues like kindergartens, diners, and cozy apartments.

Realistic places (such as seaside towns and cheerful preschools) are presented as safe havens, contrasting with the dangerous working world of assassins.

Kazuki Kurusu and Rei Suwa are professional killers operating as a "buddy" team.

During a Christmas party mission, they assassinate a human trafficking boss, only to cross paths with his unwitting 4-year-old daughter, Miri Unasaka.

Thrown into sudden guardianship, the two men have to keep their identities a secret while caring for Miri, who believes one of them is her father.

Over the year, Miri's estranged mother Misaki returns and tries to take her back, but is tragically murdered by a mafia assassin, Ryo Ogino.

Kazuki and Rei, now heartbroken but determined, leave their criminal pasts behind for Miri's sake.

On the day of the kindergarten Christmas party, they declare their break from the underworld, confronting Rei's mafia-boss father, Shigeki Suwa, and severing all ties.

Years later, the trio reunites—they now run a diner by the sea, living peacefully as a loving family, with Miri a happy high school student.

• Hitman: A professional assassin hired to kill people.
• Diner: A small, casual restaurant, often American-style.
• Kindergarten: Early childhood school, emphasizing the show's family comedy side.
• Organization: Refers to the criminal syndicate both Kazuki and Rei originally worked for.

The anime was broadcast on major Japanese TV networks such as TOKYO MX and BS11, and was distributed internationally via streaming platforms including Crunchyroll and Netflix.

The series was later released on Blu-ray and DVD in six volumes, containing all 12 episodes.

Director Yoshiyuki Asai helmed the project with P.A. Works as the animation studio.

The script was developed by Yuko Kakihara and Vio Shimokura, ensuring a blend of action and character-driven storytelling.

Notable production staff also included character design by Soichiro Sako and music score by Masaru Kitagawa.

The anime’s opening theme, "SHOCK!" is written and performed by Ayase, adding energy and excitement to each episode's start.

The ending theme, "My Plan" by DURDN, captures the emotional undertones and themes of family and redemption.

Buddy Daddies won the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards for Best Original Anime.

This recognition highlighted its compelling original story and moving portrayal of unconventional family bonds.

Buddy Daddies was praised for its unique fusion of slice-of-life comedy and high-action crime thriller.

The dynamic between Kazuki, Rei, and Miri charmed audiences—viewers loved watching the two hitmen clumsily navigate parenthood.

Both casual fans and critics celebrated the series for its heart, stylish animation, and ability to balance suspense with warmth and humor.

Many noted the touching message: family isn’t just about blood, but the bonds formed through caring for one another.