Welcome to another art post here in the community.
After much anticipation, we finally got the premiere of Sakamoto Days, and, honestly, I must confess that my inner fan of shonen manga was quite excited. This adaptation was eagerly awaited not only by loyal manga readers though I’ve never read it myself but also by curious viewers drawn to the premise of the former hitman who just wants to live in peace.
But did the anime live up to the hype, or is it just "one more"?
Continue the post to analyze this.
From the moment the episode began, the initial vibe already delivered that relaxed and captivating tone.
Taro Sakamoto, the legendary former hitman, is now an adorable grocery store owner, but don’t be fooled he’s still capable of taking down anyone who dares to disturb his peace. This mix of comedy, action, and a touch of slice of life is what makes many people compare Sakamoto Days to works like Gokushufudou and even the more serious John Wick universe.
I think that John Wick comparison is a bit too much no comparisons to the best assassin Keanu Reeves, please!
But here’s the thing:
Sakamoto Days is much more unique than these comparisons might suggest. Yes, it has a retired protagonist returning to action, but the way the story unfolds especially with the introduction of characters like Shin Asakura (the guy hired to kill Sakamoto who ends up becoming his partner) brings an interesting freshness. Their relationship is almost comedic but full of possibilities for plot development.
Humor in just the right measure and well-choreographed action.
The balance between comedy and action was something I really enjoyed in the first episode. The fight scenes are fluid and dynamic, with choreography that respects the manga's original material. You can tell the production team made an effort to preserve the essence of the comics something that isn’t always guaranteed in adaptations.
Moreover, the humor works well.
Sakamoto is a charismatic protagonist who doesn’t need many words, while Shin brings a more explosive and talkative contrast. Their dynamic reminded me of the classic "unlikely duo" trope, but with its own charm that keeps you engaged.
Not everything is perfect.
I missed deeper emotional development. Of course, I understand that the initial goal is to hook the audience with exciting scenes, but it would be nice if they showed more of Sakamoto's human side, especially his relationship with his family, which is the main reason for his retirement. Another point is that, despite all its originality, Sakamoto Days still feels like “I’ve seen this before.”
Not that this is a bad thing, but it’s something to think about.
The series will need to quickly establish its unique identity, especially because the anime audience is demanding and doesn’t forgive works that seem "generic."
From browsing forums and social media, the reception has been very positive. Many praised the faithfulness to the manga and the episode's pacing, while some highlighted the animation quality. Of course, there are always comparisons to other works, but overall, the community seems pleased with the start of this journey.
After watching the first episode and absorbing all the hype around Sakamoto Days, my rating is 8/10. It’s a solid premiere, with the potential to grow and become one of the season’s favorite anime. The mix of action, comedy, and captivating characters is a combo that rarely fails.
However, I still want to see how the story develops over the next episodes. If they can deepen the characters and maintain the quality of the action scenes, the anime has everything to stand out and earn a place in fans’ hearts.
And you, have you watched it?
What did you think of the first episode?
Does Sakamoto Days have what it takes to be great, or will it end up as just another fun shonen? Leave a comment and share your thoughts in the #TheAnimeRealm community.
- Captured and edited images from Sakamoto Days | Official Trailer.