If you’re a fan of high-octane action, mixed with a healthy dose of comedy and heart, then the new anime series Sakamoto Days is a must-watch. This series, which premiered on Netflix on January 11, 2025, draws clear inspiration from the John Wick franchise, but manages to forge its own unique identity. It’s quickly gaining popularity, even breaking into Netflix’s top 10 most popular shows of the week.
From Legendary Hitman to Family Man
The story centers around Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman who was once feared by villains and admired by his peers. However, Sakamoto abandons his life of violence after falling in love with a convenience store clerk named Aoi. He settles down, starts a family, and opens a small neighborhood store. Years later, Sakamoto is no longer the lean, mean killing machine of his past. He’s now a plus-sized dad, running his shop and trying to live a peaceful life.
This sets the stage for a unique blend of action and comedy. The contrast between Sakamoto’s past as a ruthless assassin and his present as a slightly out-of-shape shopkeeper is a central source of humor. It’s a far cry from the grim and gritty world of John Wick, but that’s part of the charm.
When the Past Comes Knocking
Despite his best efforts to leave his old life behind, Sakamoto’s past inevitably catches up with him. Former enemies and colleagues resurface, threatening the quiet life he’s built. Now, he must once again utilize his exceptional combat skills to protect his family and loved ones, all while trying to maintain his ordinary facade.
This is where the action comes in. Sakamoto Days features impressive fight choreography and intense battles. However, unlike John Wick, who has a high kill count, Sakamoto has sworn off killing. This adds another layer of complexity and humor to the action scenes, as Sakamoto must resort to non-lethal methods to subdue his adversaries.
A Homage, Not a Rip-Off
While the premise of a retired hitman being pulled back into the world of assassins might sound very similar to John Wick, Sakamoto Days is more than just a copycat. The series is a clear homage to the Keanu Reeves-led franchise, but creator Yuto Suzuki puts his own spin on the formula.
Suzuki has stated that John Wick was a significant influence on Sakamoto Days, and the similarities are intentional. The series even includes subtle references to John Wick, such as a scene where Sakamoto imagines killing his ally with a pencil, a nod to one of Wick’s signature weapons. These references make it clear that Sakamoto Days isn’t trying to hide its inspiration, but rather celebrate it.
The tone of Sakamoto Days is markedly different from John Wick. Where John Wick is a serious, action-packed thriller, Sakamoto Days leans heavily into comedy. It blends action with slice-of-life elements, showing Sakamoto’s struggles with everyday life while also facing off against assassins. It manages to be both an exciting action series and a heartwarming family comedy.
Anime Production and Release
The Sakamoto Days anime is produced by TMS Entertainment, the studio known for other popular series such as Detective Conan, Fruits Basket, and Dr. Stone. The series is directed by Masaki Watanabe, with scripts by Taku Kishimoto, character designs by Yō Moriyama, and music composed by Yuki Hayashi.
The anime premiered on January 11, 2025, on TV Tokyo and its affiliates and is available internationally on Netflix. The first season is being released in two parts (cours), with the second part set to premiere in July 2025. The opening theme song is “Hashire Sakamoto” (Run, Sakamoto) performed by Vaundy, and the ending theme song is “Futsū” (Normal) by Conton Candy. The English dub features the voice of Matthew Mercer as Taro Sakamoto, and Tomokazu Sugita voices him in the original subtitled version.
The series is a faithful adaptation of the manga, with the first episode closely following the source material. Fans of the manga will appreciate the attention to detail, while new viewers will find an engaging and entertaining story.
Why You Should Watch
Sakamoto Days offers a unique blend of action, comedy, and heart that is sure to appeal to a wide audience. If you’re a fan of the John Wick movies, then you’ll definitely find something to enjoy in this new anime series. But even if you’re not a fan of the action genre, the series’ charming characters and funny situations make it a worthwhile watch.
Here’s a quick summary of what makes Sakamoto Days a must-watch:
- Unique Premise: A legendary hitman retires to become a family man, only to be dragged back into his old life.
- Action-Packed: Features impressive fight choreography and intense battles.
- Comedy: Balances humor, action, and slice-of-life elements.
- Charming Characters: Sakamoto and his allies are memorable and engaging.
- Homage to John Wick: Pays tribute to the action franchise while forging its own path.
- Faithful Adaptation: The anime closely follows the manga source material.
Sakamoto Days is not just another action anime; it’s a story about family, redemption, and the absurdity of trying to live a normal life when you have a killer past. It’s a series that will keep you entertained, and leave you eagerly awaiting the next episode. With its mix of over-the-top action and genuinely funny moments, Sakamoto Days is poised to be a big hit this year, and is certainly worth checking out on Netflix.
