The second episode of the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Yuto Suzuki’s manga, Sakamoto Days, has arrived, and it’s already making waves among fans. While generally faithful to the source material, the episode takes a notable detour by skipping a full manga chapter to introduce a significant character, Lu Shaotang, earlier than expected. This change has sparked discussion about the anime’s pacing and its approach to adapting the beloved manga.
Shin Asakura’s Transition From Hitman to Convenience Store Worker
Episode 2, titled “Vs. Son Hee and Bacho,” continues the story of Taro Sakamoto, a legendary assassin who has retired to run a local convenience store. The episode opens with Sakamoto and his new protégé, Shin Asakura, reflecting on their recent battle. Shin, a young, former hitman with the power of clairvoyance, is still adjusting to his new life working at the store. He is fascinated by Sakamoto’s mundane existence, a stark contrast to the life of violence he once knew. However, Sakamoto often humorously imagines killing Shin when he becomes annoyed, which Shin can sense due to his abilities.
Episode 2 Changes from the Manga
While the anime generally sticks to the manga’s narrative, episode 2 makes some significant changes. Most notably, it skips chapter 3 entirely, which focuses on Officer Nakaze, and jumps directly to adapting chapters 4 and 5. This decision allows the anime to introduce Lu Shaotang earlier in the story. In the manga, she appears later, but her introduction is sped up in the anime. The episode covers only the first few pages of chapter 2, skipping the rest of that chapter, including a bus jacking incident where Sakamoto and Shin save the day. Sakamoto’s flashback to his promise to his wife Aoi also takes place in a different scene than in the manga.
Lu Shaotang: A New Ally Enters the Scene
The main focus of episode 2 is the introduction of Lu Shaotang, a young woman who is being pursued by assassins. She is the daughter of a mafia boss and is now a target because she possesses a key to the Lu family vault. During a shopping trip, Sakamoto and Shin encounter Lu when she literally falls on Sakamoto’s back while trying to escape thugs. Impressed by her bravery and resourcefulness, Sakamoto decides to help her.
Lu is portrayed as strong-willed and not afraid to confront her pursuers. She is a key ally to Sakamoto and Shin, and her addition promises to bring more action, comedy, and drama to the series. Lu’s character design has been updated from the manga, giving her a more modern look while still maintaining her signature long ponytail.
Anime’s Pacing and Creative Liberties
The decision to skip chapter 3 and introduce Lu earlier showcases the anime’s willingness to take creative liberties with the source material. This change allows the anime to introduce a central character earlier and move the plot forward at a faster pace. While some manga purists might be concerned by these changes, most fans appear to appreciate the fresh direction. The anime’s alterations seem aimed at enhancing the viewing experience, making the narrative more streamlined and impactful.
The episode also provides a deeper look into the characters’ interactions, strengthening the bond between Sakamoto and Shin. The dynamic between the two, with Sakamoto’s fantasies about killing Shin and Shin’s ability to sense them, forms a running gag that adds to the series’ comedic charm.
Action, Humor, and Heart
Sakamoto Days continues to impress with its blend of action and humor. The fight scenes in episode 2 are well-choreographed and dynamic, showcasing the exceptional skills of Sakamoto and his allies. The humor is well-integrated into the story, arising naturally from the characters’ interactions and situations. The anime also manages to convey a sense of heart, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and the value of a peaceful life, contrasting sharply with the violent world of assassins.
The anime also expands upon scenes in the manga, such as an extended introduction to Sakamoto’s hitman days, which provides a visual spectacle of his abilities and demonstrates the contrast between his past and present. Similarly, the introduction of Shin has been enhanced with additional background details, giving viewers a fuller understanding of the character. The subtle addition of the moment when Sakamoto’s wife threatens him with divorce if he kills again, and the Christmas flashback provides more depth to their relationship and adds a layer of complexity to Sakamoto’s decision to abandon his life as an assassin.
Where to Watch
For fans eager to catch the latest episodes, “Sakamoto Days” is available for streaming on Netflix. The first season is expected to be split into two cours, with a total of around 22 episodes. New episodes are released weekly, keeping fans engaged in the ongoing story.
Conclusion
Sakamoto Days Episode 2 demonstrates the anime’s ability to balance fidelity to the source material with creative adaptation. The introduction of Lu Shaotang earlier than in the manga adds a new dimension to the story and promises to make the series even more compelling. The anime’s excellent animation, dynamic action sequences, engaging humor, and heartfelt moments make it a must-watch for both fans of the manga and newcomers alike. With its unique blend of genres and its memorable characters, Sakamoto Days is proving to be a standout anime of the season.
