Sakamoto Days, the anime adaptation of Yuto Suzuki’s popular manga, has become a global sensation, achieving the #2 spot on Netflix’s worldwide rankings for non-English shows. This impressive feat highlights the growing popularity of anime and its ability to compete with mainstream entertainment. The show’s debut has broken records, exceeding expectations and solidifying its place as one of Netflixâs biggest anime hits.
A Global Phenomenon
The anime premiered on January 11, 2025, and quickly captured the attention of viewers around the world. During its first week, Sakamoto Days garnered a staggering 8.6 million views, surpassing the premiere record set by Baki Hanma. It has dominated charts across the globe, reaching the #1 spot in five countries and securing a place in the top 10 in 67 others. Notably, it even ranked #9 for overall shows in the U.S., showcasing its broad appeal. While it was narrowly surpassed by Squid Game: Season 2 for the top spot globally among non-English TV shows, this achievement is still significant for a new anime series.
Surpassing Expectations
The performance of Sakamoto Days is a testament to its quality and widespread appeal. It has not only broken records for anime premieres on Netflix but has also demonstrated that anime is no longer a niche genre. This success has positioned the series as a major player in the streaming giant’s library, proving that diverse, non-English content can draw large audiences. The anime’s achievement is remarkable, especially considering that it is challenging established franchises and industry giants.
The Story Behind the Success
Sakamoto Days follows the story of Taro Sakamoto, a former legendary assassin who has traded his life of danger for a peaceful existence as a neighborhood store owner. However, his past life catches up to him, forcing him to balance his family responsibilities with his formidable combat skills. This unique premise blends action, comedy, and heartwarming moments, making it enjoyable for a wide range of viewers.
Unique Blend of Action and Comedy
The series has been lauded for its ability to expertly blend action and comedy. The protagonist’s struggle to maintain a normal family life while dealing with his past as an assassin creates humorous situations and engaging narratives. The show also features creative and exciting fight sequences that have been compared to those in John Wick and Jackie Chan films.
A Refreshing Take on the Shonen Genre
Sakamoto Days provides a refreshing take on the shonen manga genre by introducing a protagonist who subverts typical heroic tropes. Taro Sakamoto is not the slender, muscular hero often seen in shonen manga. Instead, he is a somewhat overweight convenience store owner with a “dad bod.” This makes him a relatable and endearing character, while still showcasing his incredible fighting abilities.
Production and Release
The anime is produced by TMS Entertainment, with Masaki Watanabe directing and Taku Kishimoto overseeing the series scripts. The character designs are by YĆ Moriyama, and the music is composed by Yuki Hayashi. The opening theme song, “Hashire Sakamoto” (Run, Sakamoto), is performed by Vaundy, while the ending theme song, “FutsĆ«” (Normal), is performed by Conton Candy.
Split Season Format
The first season of Sakamoto Days is split into two cours, with the first part consisting of 11 episodes. The first part is set to run until March 22, 2025, with new episodes released weekly on Saturdays. The second cour is scheduled for release in July 2025. This split-season approach has built anticipation for the continuation of the story.
The Manga’s Popularity
The anime adaptation has been highly anticipated due to the popularity of the original manga by Yuto Suzuki. By December 2024, the manga had over 7 million copies in circulation. The series was also nominated for Best Print Manga at the 2021 Next Manga Awards. Its blend of action and comedy has resonated with readers, making the anime a highly anticipated adaptation.
Key Characters and Fan Favorites
The introduction of fan-favorite characters like Yoichi Nagumo has further boosted the anime’s popularity. Nagumo, a powerful assassin and one of Sakamotoâs allies, made his debut in the third episode, which led to excitement among manga fans. Known for his bright smile, humor, and exceptional fighting skills, Nagumo was voted the second most popular character in the manga, adding to the showâs already strong appeal.
A Growing Fanbase
Despite the initial reservations about the animation style, the anime has won over fans with its unique characters and engaging storyline. The series is lauded for its faithful adaptation of the manga, and the popularity of its key characters has contributed to its success on Netflix. The growing fanbase and positive reception suggest that Sakamoto Days has the potential to become a long-standing hit in the anime world.
The Impact on Netflix
The success of Sakamoto Days has had a significant impact on Netflix, demonstrating the platform’s ability to showcase diverse and high-quality content. The series has also proven that anime can rival the popularity of live-action shows and become a mainstream entertainment option.
A Strategic Gamble Pays Off
Netflix’s decision to secure exclusive streaming rights for Sakamoto Days has paid off handsomely. The anime’s performance has solidified the platform’s position as a key player in the anime streaming market. By surpassing the premiere viewership of other popular anime series, Sakamoto Days has set a new benchmark for Netflix anime.
Looking Ahead
With its compelling story, dynamic characters, and high-quality production, Sakamoto Days is poised to continue its run of success. The anticipation for the second part of the season is already high, and fans are eager to see how the story unfolds. The anime has not only captured the hearts of viewers worldwide but has also set a new standard for anime adaptations on streaming platforms. As it continues to gain popularity, Sakamoto Days is solidifying its place as one of the most successful anime series on Netflix.
