Sakamoto Days has officially arrived. After what felt like an eternity, fans of Yuto Suzuki’s beloved manga can finally enjoy the highly anticipated anime adaptation, now streaming its first episode on Netflix.
Announced back in May 2024, the anime sent fans into a frenzy, dreaming about the possibilities. However, the journey from announcement to release was anything but smooth for Sakamoto Days.
Promotional materials like posters and trailers are meant to build excitement for an upcoming project, but each new release seemed to heighten fans’ anxieties. Concerns ranged from the voice cast to the animation quality from TMS Entertainment.
When Vaundy dropped the show’s opening theme, “Run, Sakamoto, Run,” it sparked yet another wave of apprehension (unjustified, as the track turned out to be a certified banger). Ultimately, it all rested on the premiere episode to deliver—and deliver it did, exceeding all expectations.
Sakamoto Days Episode 1 Outshines the Manga
Claiming that an adaptation surpasses its source material is a bold statement, often met with skepticism in most fandoms. Yet, in the case of Sakamoto Days, it’s true.
Before jumping to conclusions, let’s dive into why this statement holds water. The premiere not only assuaged the earlier concerns but also exceeded even the highest expectations.
The voice acting in the episode was exceptional. The cast seamlessly captured the essence of their characters.
Nobunaga Shimazaki masterfully portrayed Shin, balancing his skills with his childlike awe upon reuniting with Taro Sakamoto. Meanwhile, Tomokazu Sugita, who voiced Taro, delivered a subtle yet profoundly impactful performance, even with limited dialogue.
The animation also turned out to be stunning, far surpassing what was hinted at in the trailers. TMS Entertainment faithfully translated Yuto Suzuki’s distinct art style from the manga into vibrant pastel hues that enhanced the black-and-white illustrations.
And as for Vaundy’s opening theme? It’s destined to win over skeptics as the series attracts a growing fanbase.
Sakamoto Days Anime
Capturing the Spirit of Sakamoto Days
One of the most vital aspects of Sakamoto Days is its unique vibe. Despite revolving around the world’s deadliest hitman with a 1 billion yen bounty on his head, the story remains lighthearted, optimistic, and often serene.
Taro Sakamoto’s primary goal is to leave behind the chaos of his assassin days and enjoy a quiet life with his family. The anime nails this balance perfectly. Even amidst high-octane fight scenes (more on those shortly), the show exudes positivity, making it easy to understand why Taro walked away from his former life.
The Fight Scenes Shine
Fans were particularly worried about how the anime would handle the manga’s intricate fight scenes. Yuto Suzuki’s choreography is both visually striking and innovative, showcasing Taro’s use of non-lethal methods to dispatch adversaries.
The anime, however, takes these scenes to another level. Unlike the limitations of a static page, the animated sequences seamlessly bring every high-kick, palm strike, and elbow to life, filling in the gaps left by the manga.
If you’re still on the fence, consider this: the anime opens with a cold open that’s not part of the manga’s first chapter. Set in a cinematic 2.39:1 aspect ratio with a hazy color palette, the scene depicts a younger Taro Sakamoto effortlessly taking down henchmen with a pistol and katana.
Evoking the vibes of John Wick and Kill Bill, the sequence brilliantly sets the tone for the series, culminating in Taro’s transformation into his dad-bod form later in the episode.
What’s Next for Sakamoto Days?
New episodes of Sakamoto Days will release every Saturday on Netflix, with the first episode now available for streaming.
Is this shaping up to be the peak anime of the Winter 2025 season? Did the premiere episode meet your expectations? Or are you still undecided about the series?
