The anime adaptation of the popular manga series Sakamoto Days has quickly become a global phenomenon, achieving impressive rankings on Netflix and capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. The series premiered on January 11, 2025, and within its first week, it had already made a significant impact on the streaming platform.
From Hitman to House Husband: The Rise of Sakamoto
Sakamoto Days tells the story of Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who abruptly retires from his dangerous profession after falling in love. He settles down, starts a family, and takes on the seemingly ordinary life of a convenience store owner. However, his past as a feared assassin continues to haunt him, forcing him to protect his newfound peaceful existence and loved ones from the dangers that resurface. The unique blend of action and comedy, coupled with the endearing character of Sakamoto, has resonated with audiences globally.
Plot Overview
The anime follows Taro Sakamoto’s attempts to maintain a normal life while simultaneously dealing with threats from his past. He’s joined by Shin Asakura, a young hitman with telepathic abilities, who initially came to assassinate Sakamoto but becomes his ally and works alongside him at the store. Together, they face various adversaries while adhering to Sakamoto’s rule of “no killing.”
Netflix’s Newest Sensation
Sakamoto Days has swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of Netflix’s biggest anime hits. For the week of January 13-19, 2025, the anime secured the #2 spot globally for non-English shows on Netflix. It was only surpassed by Squid Game: Season 2, a testament to its widespread appeal. In its debut week alone, Sakamoto Days garnered 8.6 million views. Its success extends beyond viewership numbers, as it also claimed the #1 spot in five countries and ranked in the top 10 in 67 countries. Even in the United States, it reached #9 for overall shows, demonstrating its ability to transcend cultural boundaries and appeal to a broad audience.
A Strategic Win for Netflix
Netflix’s decision to secure exclusive streaming rights for Sakamoto Days has proven to be a strategic triumph. The anime’s popularity has exceeded expectations, outperforming other titles and establishing itself as a major player in the streaming platform’s anime offerings. The show’s success highlights the increasing demand for diverse, non-English content on Netflix.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reception
Sakamoto Days has garnered praise for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and seamless blend of action and humor. Critics have lauded the anime’s ability to capture the essence of the manga while adding its own unique flair. Fans have embraced the series, praising its animation, voice acting, and overall production quality.
Production Quality
The anime adaptation is produced by TMS Entertainment, with Masaki Watanabe as the director and Taku Kishimoto handling the scripts. Yō Moriyama is responsible for character designs, and Yuki Hayashi composes the music. The opening theme song, “&Hashire Sakamoto&” performed by Vaundy, and the ending theme song, “&Futsū&” performed by Conton Candy, have also been well-received.
Areas for Improvement
While the anime has been largely praised, some fans have expressed concerns about the animation quality, particularly in the earlier episodes. Some viewers felt that certain scenes appeared rigid and stiff, with an over-reliance on still frames and cuts. However, these criticisms have been tempered by the overall positive reception of the series and the anticipation for the second part of the season.
The Manga’s Enduring Popularity
The Sakamoto Days anime is based on the manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Yuuto Suzuki. The manga debuted in 2020 and has since amassed a large and dedicated following. As of December 2024, the manga had over 7 million copies in circulation, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Manga vs. Anime
While the anime is a faithful adaptation of the manga, there are some differences between the two mediums. Some fans have noted that the manga’s plot is faster-paced and snappier, while the anime sometimes stretches out jokes for comedic effect. However, both the manga and the anime offer a unique and enjoyable experience for fans of the series.
Looking Ahead: Season 1 Part 2
The first part of Sakamoto Days Season 1 consists of 11 episodes and concluded in March 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Season 1 Part 2, which is scheduled to premiere in July 2025. The second part is expected to continue the story, introducing new characters and challenges for Sakamoto and his allies.
What to Expect
Based on the manga’s storyline, fans can expect Season 1 Part 2 to delve deeper into Sakamoto’s past, explore the motivations of his enemies, and introduce new and formidable adversaries. The action sequences are expected to be even more intense, and the comedic elements will continue to be a prominent feature of the series.
The Global Appeal of Anime
The success of Sakamoto Days on Netflix is a testament to the growing global popularity of anime. Once considered a niche genre, anime has now entered the mainstream, attracting viewers from all over the world. Streaming platforms like Netflix have played a crucial role in making anime more accessible to a wider audience, and the success of shows like Sakamoto Days demonstrates the potential for anime to become a major force in the entertainment industry.
Other Winter 2025 Anime
Sakamoto Days is not the only anime that has gained popularity during the Winter 2025 season. Other titles, such as The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 and Dr. Stone Season 4, have also performed well on streaming platforms. However, Sakamoto Days has undoubtedly emerged as the frontrunner, capturing the attention of both critics and fans alike.
A New Benchmark for Netflix Anime
Sakamoto Days has set a new benchmark for anime on Netflix. Its impressive viewership numbers, global rankings, and positive reception have solidified its position as a major hit. The anime’s success demonstrates the potential for Netflix to become a leading platform for anime content, and it paves the way for more anime adaptations of popular manga series in the future.
Netflix’s gamble on securing exclusive rights for Sakamoto Days has paid off handsomely. By the end of its debut week, the series had surpassed previous records, topping the charts in Japan and securing the #2 spot in Netflix’s non-English TV category, just behind Squid Game Season 2. Globally, it ranked #4 across all shows, an extraordinary achievement for a fledgling anime series.
Sakamoto Days Captures Hearts Worldwide
Sakamoto Days captures the hearts of fans across the globe with its amazing blend of humor, action, and adorable moments. Its ability to rank #1 in five countries and remain in the top 10 in 67 others proves this. The show’s protagonist, Taro Sakamoto, a former assassin turned family man, offers a refreshing take on the action genre. The character’s hilarious and heartwarming attempts to balance his past life with his present responsibilities create a story that everyone loves.
