The much-anticipated anime adaptation of Yuto Suzuki’s Sakamoto Days has finally arrived, and it’s proving to be a compelling blend of high-octane action and slice-of-life comedy. The first three episodes, which premiered on Netflix starting January 11, 2025, have generated significant buzz, leaving fans eager for more. Produced by TMS Entertainment, the studio behind Detective Conan and Dr. Stone, Sakamoto Days follows the story of Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who has traded his life of violence for a quiet existence as a convenience store owner.
A Retired Assassin’s Mundane Life
At the heart of Sakamoto Days lies the intriguing premise of a former assassin attempting to live a normal life. Taro Sakamoto, once feared in the criminal underworld, now grapples with everyday challenges like managing his store and raising his family. This juxtaposition of the mundane and the extraordinary is a core element of the series’ appeal. Sakamoto’s decision to retire was prompted by his love at first sight for Aoi, a convenience store clerk, who gave him the ultimatum to quit his hitman work. This romantic element adds a layer of depth to Sakamoto’s character, making him more than just a killing machine.
The Return of the Past
However, Sakamoto’s past life refuses to stay buried. Former colleagues and enemies from his hitman days come seeking revenge, disrupting his peaceful existence. This forces Sakamoto to use his exceptional combat skills once again, albeit while trying to maintain his ordinary facade. This conflict between his desire for normalcy and his inescapable past creates a compelling narrative tension, drawing viewers into his world. The arrival of Shin Asakura, a former protégé who initially comes to bring Sakamoto back into the fold, further complicates matters. Shin’s character, with his unique ability of clairvoyance, adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
Action and Animation
The action sequences in Sakamoto Days are a significant draw. The anime doesn’t shy away from showcasing Sakamoto’s deadly skills, adapting the fluid and impactful fight choreography from the manga effectively. The series blends over-the-top action with comedic elements seamlessly, providing an engaging viewing experience.
Animation Quality
While some initial concerns were raised about the animation quality, particularly when compared to other recent anime giants like Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece, the premiere episodes have largely dispelled these worries. The animation, while not always the most fluid, is generally considered well-executed, with some scenes achieving a high level of dynamism and impact. The fight scenes are a highlight, with animators capturing the essence of Sakamoto’s speed and power. There are some moments of rigid animation and still frames, but overall, the visual presentation serves the story well, with careful attention to detail in backgrounds, lighting, and the characters. The series’ opening action sequence, showing a young Sakamoto effortlessly dispatching a group of opponents, sets a high bar for the animation quality and establishes his legendary status.
Manga vs. Anime
The anime adaptation stays remarkably faithful to the manga, with the first episode being a near one-to-one recreation of the first chapter. However, the anime adds extra action and details, expanding on the manga’s scenes and enhancing their impact. The pacing is slightly different, with the anime stretching some jokes for comedic effect, which may appeal more to some viewers, and some scenes were extended with fluid animation to give new viewers a taste of the protagonist’s capabilities. The anime introduces the main characters effectively, supported by a great soundtrack and voice acting, though it has been noted that the manga’s pacing is a bit faster. The voice acting has been praised for capturing the tone of the characters, with Tomokazu Sugita making Sakamoto memorable even with minimal dialogue, and Nobunaga Shimazaki portraying Shin’s competence and childlike wonder.
Themes and Tone
Sakamoto Days is not just an action-packed spectacle; it also explores themes of family, redemption, and the search for normalcy. The series balances its intense fight sequences with light-hearted comedy and heart-warming moments. The romanticism of being a gangster is replaced by the romanticism of a father’s mundane life, creating a unique and compelling narrative. The show captures the vibe of a deadly hitman who wants nothing more than a quiet life with his family, making it easy to understand his motivations. This blend of action and everyday life is a major draw for the series.
Key Characters
Besides Taro Sakamoto and Shin Asakura, the series features a diverse cast of characters, some of whom will become more prominent as the story progresses. These include:
- Aoi Sakamoto: Taro’s wife, a convenience store clerk who was the reason he retired.
- Hana Sakamoto: Taro and Aoi’s daughter.
- Lu Xiaotang: A new character in Sakamoto’s convenience store.
- Yoichi Nagumo: A master of disguise and a member of “The Order.”
- Shishiba and Osaragi: other notable members of “The Order”, an influential group in the world of assassins.
The dynamic between Sakamoto and Shin is a highlight of the early episodes, with Shin’s admiration for Sakamoto contrasted with his mission to bring him back into the world of assassins.
A Promising Start
Sakamoto Days has made a strong debut, with the first three episodes striking a chord with fans of the manga and newcomers alike. The series’ ability to balance action, comedy, and heart, coupled with its faithful adaptation of the source material and its memorable characters, position it as a standout anime of the Winter 2025 season.
What to Expect
The first season of Sakamoto Days will be split into two parts, with the second cour set to release in July 2025. The initial episodes have laid a solid foundation, setting the stage for an engaging story that promises to deliver more intense action, comedic situations, and heartfelt moments. The series’ main focus will be on Sakamoto balancing his peaceful life with the constant threats of his past. The animation is expected to improve as the season progresses, which should allay any lingering concerns about its quality. Overall, the series is well on its way to becoming a new shonen fan favorite. Sakamoto Days is a must-watch for anime enthusiasts this season.
