Netflixis fully committed to taking over the world ofanime, much like it’s already done with mainstream TV. The past few years have seen the streamer release the acclaimed video game adaptationsCyberpunk: EdgerunnersandCastlevania, and the end of 2024 has brought with it one of the most bonkers new anime to-date inDandadan. The streamer is also in the middle of releasing the criminally underratedOrb: On the Movements of the Earth, and the second season ofMy Happy Marriageis also currently releasing weekly.Netflix’s next big swing in the anime worldtakes them to the action genre, in aJohn Wick-style action comedy that could be the big hit of 2025…Sakamoto Days.
Sakamoto Dayspremieres on Netflix on January 11.Based on the manga by Yuto Suzuki, the animefollows former hitmanTaro Sakamoto, who is unwillingly forced out of retirement (sound familiar?). Despite trying to live a quiet, sensible life with his family, Taro is forced to fight again after a 1 billion yen bounty is placed on his head. But, his wife says she’ll divorce him if he ever kills again. Dedicated to living the family life, Taro Sakamoto must fend off dangerous assassins using non-lethal methods. Oh yeah, did we mention he’s also wildly out of shape compared to his peak.
The first trailers forSakamoto Daysteased the kick-ass action sequences, balanced with the screwball comedy of a hitman trying to live a mundane life. The anime is being produced by TMS Entertainment (Dr. Stone), and Masaki Watanabe (Terra e…) is directing the first season. The beloved Japanese musician, Vaundy, has written the show’s OP, titled “Run Sakamoto Run,” which was recently revealed. The official synopsis for the series reads:
“Taro Sakamoto was the ultimate assassin, feared by villains and admired by hitmen. But one day…he fell in love! Retirement, marriage, fatherhood and then… Sakamoto gained weight! The chubby guy who runs the neighborhood?store is actually a former legendary hitman! Can he protect his family from danger? Get ready to experience a new kind of action comedy series!”
‘Sakamoto Days’ Will Release on Netflix in Two Parts
Sakamoto Dayspremieres on Netflix on January 11.Season 1 has been divided into two “cours.” Cour one begins this January, and will run for 11 episodes. The second cour will then begin streaming in July, running for another 11 episodes, giving Season 1 a total of 22 episodes. Fans are excited thatSakamoto Daysis being given a full-length first season, instead of the much shorter 11-13 episode season-length many new anime adaptations have received.
‘Ghost of Tsushima’ Is Getting a Small Screen Adaptation… and It Sounds Perfect
The acclaimed action-adventure video game is getting a small screen adaptation alongside ‘John Wick’ director’s movie.
If you’re new to the world of anime but love the action genre (who doesn’t love the action genre),Sakamoto Daysis a great entry point.The anime will blend the manga’s hilarious and wholesome moments while bringing the phenomenally creative action scenes from the manga to life on screen. Having promised his wife he won’t kill, Taro Sakamoto finds many ingenious ways to dispatch his enemies, leading to some Jackie Chan-esque fight sequences.
Sakamoto Days
