The popular Sakamoto Days manga by Yuto Suzuki is officially receiving a live-action film adaptation, slated to open in Japan during the Golden Week holidays (late April to early May) in 2026. This announcement, revealed in the 43rd issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, has generated significant buzz among fans of the action-comedy series.
A Legendary Hitman’s New Life on the Big Screen
The Sakamoto Days live-action film will bring to life the story of Taro Sakamoto, a once-feared legendary hitman who retired from his violent past after falling in love. Now, a considerably chubbier family man running a convenience store, Sakamoto finds his peaceful existence constantly threatened by former enemies and new adversaries seeking revenge or looking to claim a bounty on his head. Despite his changed physique, Sakamoto retains his exceptional combat skills, using them to protect his family and maintain his “no-kill” policy.
Key Talent Behind the Adaptation
Reports indicate that Fukuda Yuichi, known for his work on the Gintama live-action films, will direct the Sakamoto Days movie. This suggests fans can anticipate crisp choreography and the blend of action and humor that defines the manga. Meguro Ren, a well-known Japanese actor and member of the idol group Snow Man, has been confirmed to play the lead role of Taro Sakamoto. The film is expected to be released in two parts.
The Rising Popularity of Sakamoto Days
Since its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump in November 2020, Sakamoto Days has rapidly ascended in popularity, becoming one of the magazine’s cornerstone series.
Manga Sales Milestones
The manga has achieved impressive sales figures, with over 15 million copies in circulation as of August 2025. It has consistently ranked high in popularity polls for Weekly Shonen Jump and was even the 8th best-selling manga of 2025 by May of that year. This sustained success underscores the strong reader base and critical acclaim the series has garnered.
Anime Adaptation and Global Reach
An anime television series adaptation, produced by TMS Entertainment, premiered in January 2025, with a second part following in July of the same year. The anime also debuted on Netflix, further expanding its global reach. While the anime adaptation received mixed reviews, its popularity on streaming platforms, including being Netflix’s most streamed anime at one point, has contributed to the manga’s increasing fame.
What to Expect from the Live-Action Film
The live-action adaptation is poised to deliver a unique action-comedy experience, blending intense fight sequences with the manga’s characteristic humor. The premise of a retired, overweight assassin trying to live a normal life while fending off his past has drawn comparisons to franchises like John Wick. With filming already completed, fans can look forward to more details, including a “super teaser visual” and additional cast announcements, which are expected to be revealed soon.
The confirmation of a live-action film further solidifies Sakamoto Days‘ position as a major franchise, promising to introduce its compelling narrative and dynamic characters to an even wider audience.
