Netflix has released a thrilling “mid-season” preview for the anime adaptation of Yuuto Suzuki’s popular manga series, Sakamoto Days, igniting further excitement among fans. The preview teases intense action and new challenges awaiting Taro Sakamoto and his companions as the first part of the season progresses.
Sakamoto Days: The Story So Far
Sakamoto Days follows the life of Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who abruptly retired from his dangerous profession after falling in love. Years later, he lives a peaceful life with his wife and daughter, running a small convenience store. However, Sakamoto’s past catches up to him as former enemies and new threats emerge, forcing him to protect his family and newfound tranquility. Despite his now-larger physique, Sakamoto’s skills are as sharp as ever, blending comedy and action seamlessly.
The anime adaptation, produced by TMS Entertainment and directed by Masaki Watanabe, premiered on January 11, 2025, on TV Tokyo and Netflix. The first part of the season consists of 11 weekly episodes, with new episodes released every Saturday.
Mid-Season Preview: What to Expect
The newly released mid-season preview offers glimpses of upcoming action-packed episodes. It introduces members of the ORDER organization, hinting at new and formidable adversaries for Sakamoto. Fans can anticipate more intense fight scenes, further development of the characters, and deeper exploration of Sakamoto’s past.
The preview also highlights the series’ blend of humor and high-octane action, a combination that has resonated with viewers. Sakamoto’s commitment to protecting his family while adhering to his “no killing” rule adds an extra layer of complexity and entertainment to the narrative.
Production Details
- Production Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Director: Masaki Watanabe
- Series Composition: Taku Kishimoto
- Character Design: Yō Moriyama
- Music Composer: Yuki Hayashi
- Original Manga Author: Yuuto Suzuki
Release Schedule and Where to Watch
Sakamoto Days is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix worldwide. New episodes are released weekly on Saturdays.
- Episode 6 Release Date: February 15, 2025, at 6:00 AM Pacific Time/9:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Part 2 Premiere: July 2025.
Sakamoto Days: A Global Hit
Sakamoto Days has quickly gained popularity, earning a spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for four consecutive weeks. For the week of January 13-19, it ranked #2 worldwide for non-English shows, demonstrating its broad appeal.
The Appeal of Sakamoto Days
The anime has been praised for several reasons:
- Unique Premise: The story of a retired legendary hitman trying to live a normal life is both engaging and humorous.
- Action-Comedy Blend: The series skillfully combines intense action sequences with comedic elements, creating a balanced and entertaining experience.
- Character Development: The characters are well-developed, with Sakamoto’s past and motivations gradually revealed.
- Animation Quality: The animation is visually appealing, with fluid fight scenes and detailed character designs.
Sakamoto Days: The Manga
Written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki, the Sakamoto Days manga has garnered a dedicated fanbase since its debut in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2020. As of December 2024, the manga had over 7 million copies in circulation.
Reception
Critics have lauded Sakamoto Days for its distinctive blend of action, comedy, and heart. Many have drawn comparisons to “John Wick,” citing the series’ stylish action sequences and compelling protagonist. The anime’s success can be attributed to its faithful adaptation of the manga’s source material, as well as its strong voice acting and high-quality animation.
Cast
The anime boasts a talented cast, with Tomokazu Sugita voicing Taro Sakamoto in the original Japanese version and Matthew Mercer lending his voice to the English dub. The supporting cast includes:
- Shin voiced by Yuki Kaji (Japanese) / Ben Diskin (English)
- Aoi voiced by Kana Hanazawa (Japanese) / Cristina Vee (English)
- Lu voiced by Yūichi Nakamura (Japanese) / Kaiji Tang (English)
What Makes Sakamoto Days Stand Out?
- Relatable Protagonist: Despite his extraordinary past, Sakamoto’s desire for a peaceful life and his dedication to his family make him a relatable and sympathetic character.
- Creative Action Sequences: The fight scenes are inventive and visually impressive, showcasing Sakamoto’s unique fighting style and resourcefulness.
- Humorous Tone: The series doesn’t take itself too seriously, incorporating plenty of humor to lighten the mood and keep viewers entertained.
- Intriguing World: The world of assassins and hitmen is richly detailed, with its own rules, organizations, and colorful characters.
“Sakamoto Days”: The Road Ahead
As Sakamoto Days approaches the end of its first part, viewers can anticipate a thrilling climax with unresolved conflicts and rising stakes. The mid-season preview suggests that Sakamoto and his companions will face their toughest challenges yet, testing their skills and resolve to the fullest. With the promise of more action, comedy, and character development, Sakamoto Days is poised to maintain its position as one of the top anime series of 2025.
The second part of the season, scheduled for release in July 2025, will likely delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the ORDER organization and explore the origins of Sakamoto’s legendary status. Fans can also expect new characters, unexpected alliances, and even more over-the-top action sequences.
Conclusion
With its engaging plot, dynamic characters, and seamless blend of action and comedy, Sakamoto Days has captured the attention of anime enthusiasts worldwide. The mid-season preview only intensifies the anticipation for the remaining episodes of the first part, promising an action-packed and memorable conclusion. As fans eagerly await the arrival of Part 2 in July 2025, Sakamoto Days solidifies its place as a must-watch anime series for those seeking a thrilling and entertaining experience.
