Yuuto Suzuki’s popular manga series, Sakamoto Days, is set to enter its “Final Battle” arc with its next chapter, beginning in the combined 36th and 37th issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, shipping on August 4. This development signals the approaching climax for the action-comedy series, which has captivated readers since its debut in November 2020.
The Dawn of the Final Conflict
Leaks from Weekly Shonen Jump’s 35th issue, released on July 24, 2025, confirmed that the manga will embark on its concluding narrative phase. Following the release of chapter 223 on July 28, chapter 224, set for August 4, will officially kick off this high-stakes confrontation. While the term “Final Battle” often suggests an imminent end, neither Suzuki nor Shueisha has provided a definitive timeline for the series’ conclusion, leaving fans to speculate whether it will wrap up in months or potentially years.
The Stakes of the Final Battle
The “Final Battle” is expected to bring together all the major players of the Sakamoto Days universe, culminating in an epic showdown. The central conflict is anticipated to be between the protagonist, Taro Sakamoto, and the enigmatic main antagonist, Kei Uzuki, also known as Slur. This long-awaited confrontation is set to be a thematic and emotional peak, as Slur has been established as Sakamoto’s ideological opposite. Characters like Shin, Heisuke, and Lu are also expected to play significant roles on Sakamoto’s side.
A Journey Since 2020
Sakamoto Days, written and illustrated by Yuuto Suzuki, began its serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in November 2020. The manga has been collected into 22 compiled volumes. Before the main series, Suzuki published a one-shot titled “Sakamoto” in Jump Giga in December 2019. Viz Media and MANGA Plus digitally publish the manga in English, with Viz Media also releasing print editions.
Adapting to Other Media
The popularity of Sakamoto Days has extended beyond the manga. An anime adaptation, picked up by TMS Entertainment, premiered on TV Tokyo and affiliated channels on January 11, with simultaneous streaming on Netflix. The anime’s second part began on July 14. The series has also inspired a novel in April 2023, a second novel in December 2024, and a smartphone puzzle game that launched on April 2. Additionally, a spinoff manga, Sakamoto Holidays, drawn by Tetsu Ōkawa (an assistant on the main manga), debuted in Shueisha’s Saikyō Jump magazine in July 2024.
Fan Reactions and Future Outlook
The announcement of the “Final Battle” has evoked mixed reactions among fans. While some express disappointment, fearing a swift conclusion, others remain optimistic, noting that such “final battle” announcements in shonen manga can often span extended periods. The series has garnered a loyal fanbase for its unique blend of comedic slice-of-life elements with intense assassination action, centered around Taro Sakamoto, a former legendary hitman now living a quiet life as a convenience store owner. As the manga approaches its climax, fans are eager to see how Suzuki will conclude the story of Sakamoto and his unexpected return to the world of assassins.
