The Drunken Fist Enigma: How Old Is Lu Shaotang In Sakamoto Days? (Official Age & Timeline Breakdown)

The question of "How old is Lu in Sakamoto Days?" is one of the most frequently searched queries by fans, and the answer is surprisingly precise, yet slightly confusing due to the manga's timeline. As of the latest information available in December 2025, the beloved former assassin and current Sakamoto Store employee, Lu Shaotang (sometimes referred to as Lu Xiaotang), is canonically established to be either 18 or 19 years old when she is first introduced in the series. This young age makes her one of the most formidable—and youngest—major characters in the series, a stark contrast to the middle-aged protagonist, Taro Sakamoto.

Her exact age depends on which point in the manga's timeline you reference and whether her canonical birthday has passed in the story, a common point of ambiguity in many ongoing manga series. We have the definitive birthdate, however, which helps us pinpoint her exact status.

Lu Shaotang: Full Character Biography & Profile

Lu Shaotang is not just a store clerk; she is a powerful, highly skilled martial artist and a key supporting figure in the Sakamoto Days universe. Her background is rooted in the criminal underworld, which gives her a unique perspective among the main cast.

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• Full Name: Lu Shaotang (魯 少糖)
• Aliases: Lu Xiaotang, Lu
• Initial Age: 18–19 years old
• Canonical Birthday: April 8, 2002
• Height: 165 cm (5'5")
• Weight: 48 kg
• Occupation: Former Triad Family Member, Current Sakamoto Store Employee
• Fighting Style: Drunken Fist (Zui Quan) and Tai Chi-based martial arts
• Affiliations: Sakamoto Store, Triad Family (former)
• First Appearance: Chapter 3

The discrepancy between 18 and 19 years old is often seen across various fan and official databases. Reputable sources like MyAnimeList list her at 18, while some fan-compiled character lists from the official data place her at 19. Given her April 8th birthday, a time jump of even a few months in the manga could push her age up by a year.

The 18 vs. 19 Debate: Why Lu’s Age is Confusing

The main source of confusion regarding Lu Shaotang’s age stems from two primary factors: the specific point in the story when her age was released, and the ambiguity of the manga's internal timeline.

The Official Birthdate Clue

Her official birthdate is confirmed as April 8, 2002. This is the most concrete piece of data. Since the Sakamoto Days manga began serialization in late 2020, and the initial character data was likely released around that time, a character born in April 2002 would be 18 for most of 2020 and 19 for most of 2021, and so on. The age of 18 is likely her age at the very beginning of the series, with 19 being her age shortly after an in-story birthday has passed.

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Timeline Progression in Sakamoto Days

Unlike some manga that clearly mark the passage of time, Sakamoto Days has a somewhat fluid timeline. While the story features a massive amount of action, the actual in-story duration of events is not always explicitly stated. This means that while the core cast—including Shin Asakura (20-21), Heisuke Mashimo (21), and Taro Sakamoto (27-28)—have relatively stable ages, Lu’s youthful age makes her particularly susceptible to a one-year bump.

For the purpose of the current manga, it is safest to assume Lu Shaotang is 19 years old, having celebrated her birthday in the time that has passed since her introduction, but she is still firmly in her late teens. This places her close in age to her colleague, Shin Asakura, and the sniper, Heisuke.

Lu’s Significance: The Power of Youth in the Assassin World

Lu Shaotang's relatively young age of 18–19 is crucial to her character arc and her role in the story. She represents the next generation of assassins, but one who is trying to escape the life of violence after being rescued by Sakamoto and Shin.

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A Former Triad Prodigy

Lu is the daughter of a Triad Family leader, meaning she was raised in a highly dangerous and disciplined environment. Her mastery of martial arts, specifically the legendary Drunken Fist, is a testament to her prodigal talent and rigorous training from a young age.

The Drunken Fist Warrior

Her fighting style is one of the most unique in the series. Lu's Drunken Fist is not just a gimmick; it's a sophisticated martial art that involves four distinct modes, each triggered by different types and amounts of alcohol. This allows her to use her opponents' force against them, a technique often associated with Tai Chi, which she also practices.

Her youth allows her to be underestimated by older, more conventional assassins, which she often uses to her advantage. She is an emotional and energetic character, a stark contrast to the stoic and experienced assassin veterans like Yoichi Nagumo or even the protagonist, Taro Sakamoto.

Relationship with Shin Asakura

Lu’s age places her in the same young adult demographic as Shin and Heisuke, forming a trio of younger main characters. Her relationship with Shin, in particular, is a major element of the story. They are close in age—Shin is 20 or 21—and share a dynamic that is both comedic and supportive, often working together on missions and in the Sakamoto Store.

Key Entities and Character Ages in Sakamoto Days

To put Lu's age into perspective, here is a quick look at the ages of other core members of the Sakamoto Days cast, based on the most recent character data:

• Taro Sakamoto: 27–28 years old (The protagonist, a former legendary assassin)
• Shin Asakura: 20–21 years old (The psychic apprentice)
• Heisuke Mashimo: 21 years old (The sniper)
• Aoi Sakamoto: 26 years old (Sakamoto’s wife)
• Hana Sakamoto: 6 years old (Sakamoto’s daughter)
• Yoichi Nagumo: Around the same age as Sakamoto (27–28) (Sakamoto's old colleague)

Lu Shaotang, at 18 or 19, is clearly positioned as one of the youngest adult members of the main fighting group. Her age is a significant factor in her characterization, highlighting her potential as a future powerhouse in the assassin world, should she choose to fully embrace her past. Her journey is about finding a new path away from the Triad Family and embracing a normal life while still utilizing her incredible martial arts skills for good alongside the Sakamoto family.