“Sakamoto Days” is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in the United States on January 11, 2025. The anime adaptation of Yuto Suzuki’s popular manga will be available for streaming worldwide, including the U.S., with new episodes released weekly.
The series is produced by TMS Entertainment, known for their work on titles like Detective Conan and Lupin the Third. Directed by Masaki Watanabe, with scripts by Taku Kishimoto and character designs by Yō Moriyama, the anime promises to deliver an engaging experience faithful to the original manga.
SAKAMOTO DAYS ㅣInformation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Native title | サカモトデイズ |
| Country | JAPAN |
| Genre | Action, Comedy |
| Written by | KYuuto Suzuki |
| Directed by | Masaki Watanabe |
| Release Period | Part 1 : 11 January 2025 Part 2 : July 2025 |
| Characters | Sakamoto Taro Asakura Shin Lu Xiaotang Nagumo Yoichi Shishiba Osaragi |
| Number of Episodes | 12 Episode / Part 1 |
| Where to Watch | Netflix |
Watch from Netflix : https://www.netflix.com/title/81663325
Main Characters
Taro Sakamoto
The legendary hitman who was once feared by all villains and admired by fellow assassins. After retiring, he now runs a small convenience store, hoping to live a peaceful life with his wife, Aoi, and daughter, Hana. However, as former colleagues and enemies reappear, Sakamoto is forced to use his old skills once again.
Shin Asakura
A former subordinate of Sakamoto with the psychic ability to read minds. Initially, he tried to bring Sakamoto back into the assassin world but ended up working at Sakamoto’s store. His unique skill often plays a crucial role in their adventures.
Lu Xiaotang
The daughter of a Chinese mafia boss who escaped her father’s organization. After meeting Sakamoto and Shin, she joins their store staff. Lu has a unique ability to become significantly stronger when she drinks alcohol, making her a formidable fighter.
Heisuke Mashimo
Originally introduced as a hitman targeting Sakamoto, Heisuke eventually becomes an ally. He is an exceptional sniper and is often seen with his pet parrot, Piisuke, adding a quirky element to his character.
Aoi Sakamoto
Sakamoto’s wife, who knows all about his past as a legendary assassin. She manages the store alongside him and is the only person who can truly fluster Sakamoto. Her calm and charming personality balances the chaos around her.
Hana Sakamoto
The adorable daughter of Sakamoto and Aoi. She brings lighthearted moments to the story and is cherished by her parents.
SAKAMOTO DAYS ㅣPlot
Sakamoto Days follows Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who left the world of assassination after falling in love. Now in his 30s, he’s living a quiet life with his wife and young daughter while managing a local convenience store. However, the dark underworld hasn’t forgotten him. Former colleagues and rivals resurface, forcing Sakamoto to defend his family. Despite his immense strength and agility, he adheres to his principle of non-lethality, creatively neutralizing his enemies without killing them.
The series combines high-stakes action with moments of humor and heartfelt family interactions. It’s this unique mix that makes the story compelling and relatable to a wide audience.
Point to watch
Overview of the Manga
Sakamoto Days is a popular Japanese manga written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki. Hailing from Aichi Prefecture, Suzuki made his debut with this remarkable series, first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in November 2020. Despite being his first long-form work, the manga quickly gained a massive following thanks to its unique premise, action-packed sequences, and heartfelt humor. The story has been compiled into over 10 volumes and translated into multiple languages, winning fans worldwide.
The plot revolves around Taro Sakamoto, a former legendary assassin who left the dark world behind to live a peaceful life as a family man. He now runs a small convenience store, but his past refuses to stay buried. Old allies, rivals, and enemies resurface, threatening his newfound peace. With his unmatched skills, Sakamoto fights to protect his family, all while adhering to his strict no-kill policy. This blend of humor, action, and emotional depth has made Sakamoto Days a standout series.
Why Is It So Popular?
Sakamoto Days has captivated readers with its fresh take on the action genre. While it features thrilling combat scenes, the story is deeply rooted in themes of family and redemption. Taro Sakamoto’s transformation from a feared assassin to a loving husband and father resonates with audiences. His commitment to non-violence, despite being constantly pulled into dangerous situations, adds a unique layer to the narrative.
The manga also boasts a diverse and colorful cast of characters. Each character has a distinct personality and backstory, contributing to the series’ dynamic storytelling. In addition, the comedic moments interwoven with intense action make the story entertaining and emotionally engaging. The manga’s clever balance of these elements keeps readers coming back for more.
About the Author: Yuto Suzuki
Yuto Suzuki, originally from Aichi Prefecture, is the mastermind behind Sakamoto Days. This series is his first serialized work, marking a sensational debut in the world of manga. Before this, he gained attention with his one-shot Ping Pong in 2019. Suzuki’s ability to blend action with humor and heartfelt moments has established him as a rising star among manga creators.
While Sakamoto Days features assassins and action, Suzuki’s work is deeply human at its core, often exploring themes of relationships and personal growth. His storytelling, combined with expressive art, showcases his unique perspective and remarkable talent.
Popularity in Japan and Beyond
In Japan, Sakamoto Days has consistently ranked among the top manga in Weekly Shonen Jump. While its sales are slightly lower compared to some blockbuster titles, its unique charm and growing fanbase reflect its success. Internationally, the series has gained attention, especially with the announcement of its upcoming Netflix anime adaptation in January 2025. This adaptation is expected to bring Sakamoto Days to a broader audience and further solidify its global popularity.
Unique Action Sequences in Sakamoto Days
One of the defining features of Sakamoto Days is its inventive and dynamic approach to action scenes. Unlike traditional action stories where the protagonist often resorts to lethal force, Taro Sakamoto employs non-lethal methods to neutralize his opponents. This not only showcases his exceptional skills but also highlights his moral commitment to protecting life, even when faced with dangerous adversaries.
What sets these sequences apart is the creative use of everyday objects as weapons. From convenience store items like canned goods and shopping carts to random objects found in his environment, Sakamoto turns ordinary tools into effective combat instruments. These moments not only add a layer of humor but also demonstrate the character’s resourcefulness and quick thinking.
The choreography of the fights is another standout feature. The manga artist, Yuto Suzuki, masterfully balances fast-paced action with comedic timing. For example, in one scene, Sakamoto uses a rubber band and a bag of snacks to disarm an enemy, leaving readers both impressed and amused. This unique blend of tension and lightheartedness keeps the audience engaged.
Additionally, the action is enhanced by the contrast between Sakamoto’s unassuming appearance and his lethal precision. His bulky figure and kind demeanor disguise his assassin’s instincts, creating moments of surprise and awe when he effortlessly takes down opponents. This duality adds depth to his character and keeps readers on their toes.
In the upcoming anime adaptation, these action scenes are expected to be even more visually striking, with fluid animation bringing Sakamoto’s ingenuity to life. The manga’s ability to combine humor, creativity, and intense combat is a major reason why Sakamoto Days has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
The Unique World and Setting of Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days unfolds in a world that seamlessly blends the ordinary with the extraordinary. At first glance, the story appears to take place in a typical suburban Japanese setting, centered around a humble convenience store. However, beneath this everyday facade lies a dangerous underworld of assassins and shadowy organizations.
The duality of this world is one of the series’ most compelling aspects. On one hand, there’s the warmth and simplicity of Sakamoto’s family life, where he works as a store owner and enjoys peaceful moments with his wife and daughter. On the other hand, there’s the cold, calculated world of assassins who will stop at nothing to pull him back into their fold. This juxtaposition creates a constant tension that drives the narrative forward.
The convenience store itself serves as a fascinating microcosm. While it’s a place where Sakamoto interacts with his community and embraces his new life, it also becomes a battleground where past and present collide. Enemies often track him down here, leading to explosive confrontations amidst shelves of snacks and drinks. This creative use of the setting adds an extra layer of humor and ingenuity to the story.
Furthermore, the series explores the culture of the assassin underworld. From secret codes and rival organizations to unique fighting styles, the world-building is rich with details that immerse readers. The assassins often have exaggerated, larger-than-life personalities, adding a dose of unpredictability to the story.
Ultimately, Sakamoto Days presents a world where the mundane and the extraordinary coexist, making it relatable yet thrilling. This balance allows the story to appeal to a wide audience, combining heartfelt family moments with adrenaline-pumping action.
Recommended Anime for Fans of Sakamoto Days
If you love Sakamoto Days for its blend of action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, here are three anime you should definitely check out:
Spy x Family
Spy x Family shares many thematic similarities with Sakamoto Days. The story revolves around a master spy, Twilight, who must build a fake family for a mission. However, his “family” consists of a telepathic child and an assassin wife, leading to hilariously chaotic situations. Like Sakamoto, Twilight balances a dangerous professional life with domestic responsibilities, creating a perfect mix of action and comedy.
One Punch Man
This series features Saitama, a hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. While Saitama’s immense strength mirrors Sakamoto’s legendary assassin skills, the comedic tone and satirical take on hero tropes make it equally entertaining. The series combines stunning fight sequences with moments of absurd humor, much like Sakamoto Days.
Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO)
Although not an action-packed anime, GTO shares Sakamoto Days’ charm in its focus on an unconventional protagonist. Eikichi Onizuka, a former gangster turned high school teacher, uses his street smarts to tackle challenges in hilarious and heartwarming ways. Both series highlight characters who break stereotypes and use their unique skills to navigate everyday life.
Each of these series offers something unique while capturing the spirit of Sakamoto Days. Whether it’s the balance of family and danger, the blend of humor and action, or the exploration of unconventional heroes, these anime are sure to delight fans.
SAKAMOTO DAYS l Trailer
10DANCE Overview – Cast, Plot and Original Manga
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