The fourth episode of Sakamoto Days anime, which premiered on January 25, 2025, has captivated fans with its seamless blend of action and humor. Titled “Hard-Boiled,” this installment continues the Amusement Park arc, focusing on Taro Sakamoto and his family amidst escalating threats. This article delves into how the anime adaptation measures up against its source material, the manga, and how the anime staff is bringing the world of Sakamoto Days to life.
Episode 4: A Faithful Adaptation
Sakamoto Days episode 4 adapts chapters 9 through 11 of Yuto Suzuki’s manga. The episode primarily focuses on the introduction of the assassin duo Boiled and Obiguro, their subsequent fights with Sakamoto, Shin, and a drunk Lu, and Sakamoto’s return to his slim form. Overall, the anime remains incredibly faithful to the manga, with no significant changes to the storyline or character interactions.
Introduction of Boiled and Obiguro
The episode opens with Boiled and Obiguro’s debut, a move praised by many for setting the stage for the intense action that follows. Their interaction with Tatsu, who was previously apprehended, is also adapted straight from the manga. The anime excels at capturing their dynamic, with voice actors Yasuhiro Mamiya (Boiled) and Yumi Uchiyama (Obiguro) receiving positive feedback for their performances.
The Amusement Park Mayhem
The narrative continues with the group enjoying the amusement park, specifically a horror house, as they attempt to keep their assassin encounters hidden from Sakamoto’s wife, Aoi, and daughter, Hana. The anime stays true to the manga panels, including scenes of Shin dodging a zombie assassin and Boiled and Obiguro observing the main cast. The episode also depicts Boiled’s flashback, detailing his reasons for seeking revenge against Sakamoto.
Sakamoto vs. Boiled
The final part of the episode showcases the fight between Sakamoto and Boiled. While the anime extends the fight slightly, it remains largely faithful to the manga, including Sakamoto’s transformation back to his slim form. Lu’s fight with Obiguro also unfolds exactly as it does in the manga, with the anime perfectly capturing Obiguro’s comical reaction to Lu’s drunken state. The anime also includes specific panels from the manga, such as Boiled’s attacks on Sakamoto and the flashback explaining Boiled’s bomb formula.
Anime Enhancements
While the anime remains a faithful adaptation, it does introduce some enhancements that elevate the viewing experience.
Animation Quality
TMS Entertainment has been lauded for its exceptional animation quality in this episode, particularly during the action sequences. The showdown between Sakamoto and Boiled features dynamic visuals and expertly crafted shots that heighten the intensity of the fight. The studio’s ability to blend humor and action seamlessly has been a major draw for fans. Some viewers, however, have noted that the animation doesn’t always capture the fluid art style of the manga, particularly in the fight scenes.
Sound and Music
The anime’s use of music and sound effects has been praised for amplifying the emotional impact of scenes. The tense music and close-ups surrounding the Order, for instance, add to the suspense. However, some viewers have found the sound effects, such as those used for Boiled’s “super balls,” to be a bit underwhelming, and the sounds effects of murderous intent did not resonate well with some.
Pacing and Coherence
The anime has made some minor rearrangements to improve coherence. For example, the introduction of Boiled and Obiguro at the beginning of the episode creates a sense of anticipation. While the manga is known for its fast pace, the anime has stretched some jokes out for more comedic effect. This has been a point of contention, with some appreciating the added humor and others finding it a bit tedious. Some have also noted that the anime’s pacing feels a bit rushed and that they struggle to connect with the characters as much as they did in the manga.
Minor Differences and Fan Reactions
Despite the high praise, some minor differences between the anime and manga have been noted.
Changes in Details
One minor point of criticism is that the anime changed the details of a past incident mentioned in the manga, specifically the number of people slaughtered by Boiled and Obiguro. Additionally, the anime’s portrayal of Sakamoto’s slim form reveal has been called underwhelming by some viewers, noting that it could have been more impactful if the anime had not skipped certain manga chapters.
Manga vs. Anime Debate
The debate on whether the Sakamoto Days manga is better than the anime continues, with fans split on their preferences. Some prefer the manga’s pacing and snappier delivery, while others appreciate the anime’s enhanced visuals and voice acting. The general consensus is that both mediums offer a unique experience, with the anime being a largely successful adaptation of the manga.
Overall Reception
Sakamoto Days episode 4 has been overwhelmingly well-received. The episode has been praised for its faithful adaptation, exceptional animation, and seamless blend of action and humor. Both manga readers and anime-only fans have found the episode to be an engaging and entertaining experience. The introduction of new characters and plotlines has further expanded the series’ appeal, making it a highlight of the Winter 2025 lineup.
In conclusion, Sakamoto Days episode 4 successfully brings the manga’s narrative to life, showcasing the series’ strong potential. TMS Entertainment’s commitment to the source material, coupled with their innovative animation style, has resulted in a truly captivating anime adaptation. While there are some minor differences and pacing issues, the overall quality of the episode demonstrates a clear dedication to the franchise and its audience. The episode sets the stage for even more thrilling action and comedic moments in the future.
