Sakamoto Days#Anime

{{Infobox animanga/Header

| image = Sakamoto Days manga volume 1.jpg

| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volume cover, featuring Taro Sakamoto (front) and Shin Asakura (back)

| genre = {{ubl|Action|Comedy}}

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| author = {{Ill|Yuto Suzuki (manga artist)|lt=Yuto Suzuki|ja|鈴木祐斗}}

| publisher = Shueisha

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher

| NA = Viz Media

}}

| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|Shōnen}}

| imprint = Jump Comics

| magazine = Weekly Shōnen Jump

| first = November 21, 2020

| last =

| volumes = 22

| volume_list = List of Sakamoto Days chapters

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = Novel

| title = Sakamoto Days: Koroshiya no Method

| author = Renka Misaki

| illustrator = Yuto Suzuki

| publisher = Shueisha

| publisher_en =

| demographic = Male

| imprint = Jump J-Books

| published = April 4, 2023

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| title = Sakamoto Holidays

| author = Tetsu Ōkawa

| publisher = Shueisha

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher

| NA = Viz Media

}}

| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|Shōnen}}

| imprint =

| magazine = Saikyō Jump

| first = July 4, 2024

| last =

| volumes = 1

| volume_list = List of Sakamoto Days chapters#Sakamoto Holidays

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = tv series

| director = {{Ill|Masaki Watanabe (director)|lt=Masaki Watanabe|ja|渡辺正樹}}

| producer =

| writer = Taku Kishimoto

| music = Yuki Hayashi

| studio = TMS Entertainment

| licensee = Netflix

| network = TXN (TV Tokyo)

| network_en =

| first = January 11, 2025

| last =

| episodes = 11

| episode_list = List of Sakamoto Days episodes

}}

Sakamoto Days (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by {{Ill|Yuto Suzuki (manga artist)|lt=Yuto Suzuki|ja|鈴木祐斗}}. It has been serialized in Shueisha's Shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump since November 2020, with its chapters collected in 22 {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes as of June 2025. It is simultaneously published in English by Viz Media and the Manga Plus online platform.

The story revolves around Taro Sakamoto, a retired legendary hitman who has settled into a quiet and mundane life as a family man. However, his peaceful life is disrupted when former enemies and colleagues from his hitman days come seeking revenge. To protect his family and loved ones, Sakamoto must use his exceptional combat skills to face off against a variety of adversaries while trying to maintain his ordinary facade.

An anime television series adaptation produced by TMS Entertainment aired from January to March 2025, with a second cours set to release in July of the same year.

By June 2025, the manga had over 12 million copies in circulation.

Plot

{{See also|List of Sakamoto Days characters{{!}}List of Sakamoto Days characters}}

Taro Sakamoto used to be an unrivaled hitman, earning legendary status in the criminal underworld by being feared by some and idolized by others. One day, however, Sakamoto fell in love at first sight with Aoi, a convenience store clerk. For them to date, Aoi gave him the ultimatum that he must quit being a hitman and never kill again. Sakamoto agreed, and after his retirement, they started dating, got married, had a daughter named Hana, and eventually opened a family-run convenience store of their own in the suburbs of Tokyo.

Several years later, Sakamoto has settled into his humble life, but also grown portly as a result of his relative inactivity despite still being immensely powerful. The world of hitmen eventually locates him, and many soon attempt to target the Sakamoto family, either seeking revenge or resenting his retired status. Now, with the help of three other former criminals who become employed at the store under Sakamoto—clairvoyant hitman Shin Asakura, orphaned crime boss daughter Lu Xiaotang, and sniper Heisuke Mashimo—Sakamoto must protect his family (or die trying) against the criminal underworld, all while maintaining Aoi's no-kill policy.

Production

The idea of pairing up Taro Sakamoto with a character that can read minds allowed for insight into the character's motivations and for comedy to flourish since Suzuki intended for Sakamoto to be a quieter and reserved character. According to editor Soushiro Ishikawa, Suzuki focuses on readability while creating action scenes, and his background in {{Transliteration|ja|Nihonga}} style of painting allows him to create interesting layouts. Suzuki and Ishikawa would hold meetings every week in person to discuss how to progress the story, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, they hold meetings online.{{Cite web|url=https://mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/web_pages/1293/|title=2024 Manga Picks Editor Interview Vol. 3 – Sakamoto Days|website=Manga Plus|publisher=Shueisha|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008124132/https://mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/web_pages/1293/|archive-date=October 8, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=January 12, 2025}} Suzuki is influenced by manga artists Katsuhiro Otomo, Takehiko Inoue, and Hiroya Oku, and by the works of director Christopher Nolan. He draws inspiration from action films such as The Equalizer and the John Wick series.

Suzuki originally drew dark one-shot stories. However, when creating Sakamoto Days, he opted for a more lighthearted tone to better suit the demands of weekly serialization. For the concept of Sakamoto being a retired hitman, Suzuki said he was fascinated with the idea of a fat person being incredibly strong, thinking as well about the reasons that led him to that state; "Why is he fat? Because he retired. Why is that? Maybe because he got married? That's how I made it." He was particularly intrigued by the idea of a strong, obese fighter, a notion that was partly influenced by the comedic action film Enter the Fat Dragon. Regarding action scenes, Suzuki strives to captivate readers by incorporating unexpected twists and surprises. He employs an analog pen for character illustrations and works with a team of assistants. The character Shin emerged from Suzuki's interest in exploring the potential of an esper who interacts with Sakamoto through telepathy. Meanwhile, Lu was conceived as a Chinese assassin heroine, reflecting Suzuki's desire to diversify the cast. Although Suzuki acknowledges that his characters can sometimes be difficult to distinguish visually, he found Gaku to be the easiest to draw due his independent personality. Suzuki commented that he had already planned the ending of the series by 2022.{{Cite magazine|script-title=ja:SAKAMOTO DAYS 鈴木祐斗先生激レアインタビュー!!|trans-title=Sakamoto Days: A Very Rare interview with Yuto Suzuki!!|magazine=Jump Giga|language=ja|issue=Winter 2023|publisher=Shueisha|date=December 26, 2022|pages=2, 1194–1197}}

= Adaptation =

For the animated adaptation, {{Ill|Masaki Watanabe (director)|lt=Masaki Watanabe|ja|渡辺正樹}} served as the director. Watanabe noted that Sakamoto's design reflects the original manga's expressiveness while distinguishing his two forms; the fat version has a symbolically deformed face, while the skinny version is more realistic. Watanabe highlighted Sakamoto's distinctive personality and calm daily life, which create a striking contrast during action sequences involving his obese physique. The director also emphasized the unique sound effects and vocal performances for Shin, which were carefully crafted under his guidance. Reflecting on the narrative, Watanabe noted that despite its comedic foundation, the series occasionally delivers unexpected moments of violence, an aspect he found particularly commendable.{{Cite web|last=Solomon|first=Charles|date=December 30, 2024|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/12/director-masaki-watanabe-discusses-bringing-the-retired-hitman-manga-sakamoto-days-to-animated-life/|title=Director Masaki Watanabe Discusses Bringing the Retired Hitman Manga, 'Sakamoto Days,' to Animated Life|website=Animation Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213234816/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/12/director-masaki-watanabe-discusses-bringing-the-retired-hitman-manga-sakamoto-days-to-animated-life/|archive-date=February 13, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=February 15, 2025}} Despite his experience with Shōnen manga, Watanabe found Sakamoto Days to be a unique challenge, as he aimed to balance intense action sequences with the lighthearted tone established by Suzuki. One of the most demanding scenes in the early episodes involved a rollercoaster fight, which required extensive time to create a detailed 3D model and manage the scene's vibrant color palette. The animation was done using Clip Studio Paint and Adobe, incorporating a paper texture to enhance the visual style of the action sequences. Additionally, the team researched real firearms to ensure their accurate depiction in the anime.{{Cite web|last=Davis|first=Victoria|date=February 8, 2025|url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/masaki-watanabe-talks-sakamoto-days|title=Masaki Watanabe Talks 'Sakamoto Days'|website=Animation World Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214033713/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/masaki-watanabe-talks-sakamoto-days|archive-date=February 14, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=February 15, 2025}}

Tomokazu Sugita voices the protagonist Taro Sakamoto, having previously been familiar with the original manga series. Initially cast as Kashima, he was later asked to voice Sakamoto instead, appreciating the character's relationships with family and friends. Nobunaga Shimazaki voices Shin Asakura, who noted that the character's perceived weakness and lack of skill, despite being over 20, creates a deliberate contrast with the stronger, more experienced characters, enhancing the cast's balance and making the dynamics more engaging. Lu Xiaotang is voiced by Ayane Sakura, who enjoyed exploring the character's dynamic interactions.{{Cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/pp/sakamotodays01|script-title=ja:アニメ「SAKAMOTO DAYS」杉田智和×島﨑信長×佐倉綾音インタビュー｜アフレコ現場は"坂本商店みたい"|website=Comic Natalie|language=ja|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|date=January 6, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207084522/https://natalie.mu/comic/pp/sakamotodays01|archive-date=February 7, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=February 22, 2025}}

Media

= Manga =

{{See also|List of Sakamoto Days chapters{{!}}List of Sakamoto Days chapters}}

Sakamoto Days is written and illustrated by {{Ill|Yuto Suzuki (manga artist)|lt=Yuto Suzuki|ja|鈴木祐斗}}. Suzuki first published a one-shot titled {{Nihongo|Sakamoto|SAKAMOTO-サカモト-}} in Shueisha's Jump Giga on December 26, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kinokuniya.co.jp/f/dsg-04-4910299370202|script-title=ja:週刊少年ジャンプ増刊（2020年2月号） - ジャンプGIGA 2020 WINTER|publisher=Books Kinokuniya|language=ja|archive-url=https://archive.today/20231220143725/https://www.kinokuniya.co.jp/f/dsg-04-4910299370202|archive-date=December 20, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=December 20, 2023}} Sakamoto Days debuted in Shueisha's Shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump on November 21, 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-08/shonen-jump-launches-2-new-manga-including-new-series-by-toriko-shimabukuro/.166088|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|date=November 8, 2020|title=Shonen Jump Launches 2 New Manga, Including New Series by Toriko's Shimabukuro (Updated)|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221202930/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-08/shonen-jump-launches-2-new-manga-including-new-series-by-toriko-shimabukuro/.166088|archive-date=December 21, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=February 19, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/405735|script-title=ja:最強の殺し屋が突然引退して...ジャンプのコメディアクション「SAKAMOTO DAYS」|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727154258/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/405735|archive-date=July 27, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=February 19, 2021}} Shueisha has collected its chapters into individual {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes. The first volume was released on April 2, 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.s-manga.net/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-882657-8|title=SAKAMOTO DAYS 1|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128182141/https://www.s-manga.net/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-882657-8|archive-date=November 28, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=February 19, 2021}} As of June 4, 2025, 22 volumes have been released.{{Cite web|url=https://www.shueisha.co.jp/books/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-884554-8|title=SAKAMOTO DAYS 22|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|url-status=live|access-date=June 4, 2025}}

The series is simultaneously published in English by Viz Media and the Manga Plus online platform.{{Cite web|last=Hazra|first=Adriana|date=November 21, 2020|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-21/viz-media-manga-plus-publish-sakamoto-days-manga-in-english/.166580|title=Viz Media, Manga Plus Publish Sakamoto Days Manga in English|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205031751/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-21/viz-media-manga-plus-publish-sakamoto-days-manga-in-english/.166580|archive-date=December 5, 2020|url-status=live|access-date=February 19, 2021}} Viz Media started releasing the volumes in print on April 5, 2022.{{Cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|date=July 9, 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-07-09/viz-to-release-demon-slayer-spinoff-manga-dragon-quest-the-adventure-of-dai-alice-in-borderland-more-manga/.174978|title=Viz to Release Demon Slayer Spinoff Manga, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, Alice in Borderland, More Manga|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709210144/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-07-09/viz-to-release-demon-slayer-spinoff-manga-dragon-quest-the-adventure-of-dai-alice-in-borderland-more-manga/.174978|archive-date=July 9, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=July 9, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/sakamoto-days-volume-1/product/7027|title=Sakamoto Days, Vol. 1|publisher=Viz Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103194635/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/sakamoto-days-volume-1/product/7027|archive-date=January 3, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=January 3, 2022}}

A spin-off manga by Tetsu Ōkawa, who has worked as an assistant on the main manga, titled Sakamoto Holidays, started in Shueisha's Saikyō Jump on July 4, 2024.{{Cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|date=June 2, 2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-02/sakamoto-days-manga-gets-sakamoto-holidays-spinoff-starting-on-july-4/.211434|title=Sakamoto Days Manga Gets Sakamoto Holidays Spinoff Starting on July 4|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602155134/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-02/sakamoto-days-manga-gets-sakamoto-holidays-spinoff-starting-on-july-4/.211434|archive-date=June 2, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=June 2, 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/580818|script-title=ja:坂本たちが平和な商店街を目指し奔走「SAKAMOTO DAYS」スピンオフが最強ジャンプで|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=July 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704080325/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/580818|archive-date=July 4, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=July 22, 2024}} The first {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volume was released on January 4, 2025.{{Cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/606433|script-title=ja:坂本が平和な商店街を目指して町おこし、スピンオフ「SAKAMOTO HOLIDAYS」1巻|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=January 4, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104085955/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/606433|archive-date=January 4, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2025}} In June 2025, Viz Media announced that it will start publishing the volumes in both physical and digital format starting in Q2 2026.{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Viz Media Reveals Releases for Bug Ego, Super Psychic Policeman Chojo, Sakamoto Holidays, More Manga|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-06-06/viz-media-reveals-releases-for-bug-ego-super-psychic-policeman-chojo-sakamoto-holidays-more-manga/.225214|website=Anime News Network|access-date=June 7, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607005704/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-06-06/viz-media-reveals-releases-for-bug-ego-super-psychic-policeman-chojo-sakamoto-holidays-more-manga/.225214|archive-date=June 7, 2025|date=June 6, 2025|url-status=live}}

= Novels =

A novel adaptation with an exclusive story by Renka Misaki, titled {{Nihongo|Sakamoto Days: Koroshiya no Method|SAKAMOTO DAYS 殺し屋のメソッド|Sakamoto Deizu: Koroshiya no Mesoddo|{{Lit|Sakamoto Days: Killer's Method}}}}, was released under Shueisha's Jump J-Books imprint on April 4, 2023.{{Cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|date=October 16, 2022|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-16/yuto-suzuki-sakamoto-days-manga-gets-novel/.190838|title=Yūto Suzuki's Sakamoto Days Manga Gets Novel|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129184733/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-16/yuto-suzuki-sakamoto-days-manga-gets-novel/.190838|archive-date=January 29, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://j-books.shueisha.co.jp/books/sakamotodays_koroshiyanomethod.html|script-title=ja:SAKAMOTO DAYS 殺し屋のメソッド|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418223250/https://j-books.shueisha.co.jp/books/sakamotodays_koroshiyanomethod.html|archive-date=April 18, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=April 24, 2023}}

A spin-off novel with exclusive episodes also written by Renka Misaki, titled {{Nihongo|Sakamoto Days: Koroshiya Blues|SAKAMOTO DAYS 殺し屋ブルース|Sakamoto Deizu: Koroshiya Burūsu|{{Lit|Sakamoto Days: Killer's Blues}}}}, was released on December 4, 2024.{{Cite web|last=Cayanan|first=Joanna|date=October 28, 2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-10-28/sakamoto-days-manga-gets-new-spinoff-novel/.217235|title=Sakamoto Days Manga Gets New Spinoff Novel|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 28, 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.shueisha.co.jp/books/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-703553-7|script-title=ja:SAKAMOTO DAYS 殺し屋ブルース|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|access-date=October 28, 2024}}

= Anime =

{{See also|List of Sakamoto Days episodes{{!}}List of Sakamoto Days episodes}}

In May 2024, it was announced that the series would receive an anime television series adaptation produced by TMS Entertainment. It is directed by {{Ill|Masaki Watanabe (director)|lt=Masaki Watanabe|ja|渡辺正樹}}, with scripts by Taku Kishimoto, character designs by Yō Moriyama, and music composed by Yuki Hayashi. The series is running in two split season cours, with the first cours aired from January 11 to March 22, 2025, and the second cours premiering on July 15 of the same year, on TV Tokyo and its affiliates.{{Cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|date=May 27, 2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-27/sakamoto-days-tv-anime-confirmed-for-january-2025-starring-tomokazu-sugita/.211235|title=Sakamoto Days TV Anime Confirmed for January 2025 Starring Tomokazu Sugita|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527200447/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-05-27/sakamoto-days-tv-anime-confirmed-for-january-2025-starring-tomokazu-sugita/.211235|archive-date=May 27, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=May 27, 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Cayanan|first=Joanna|date=July 31, 2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-07-31/sakamoto-days-anime-unveils-more-cast-members-confirms-netflix-streaming/.213767|title=Sakamoto Days Anime Unveils More Cast Members, Confirms Netflix Streaming|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731080814/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-07-31/sakamoto-days-anime-unveils-more-cast-members-confirms-netflix-streaming/.213767|archive-date=July 31, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=July 31, 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://sakamotodays.jp/staffcast/|script-title=ja:STAFF&CAST|website=sakamotodays.jp|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113102704/https://sakamotodays.jp/staffcast/|archive-date=November 13, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=November 13, 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date=November 12, 2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-11-12/sakamoto-days-anime-video-unveils-opening-song-january-11-debut-2-part-run/.217795|title=Sakamoto Days Anime's Video Unveils Opening Song, January 11 Debut, 2-Part Run|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113043035/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-11-12/sakamoto-days-anime-video-unveils-opening-song-january-11-debut-2-part-run/.217795|archive-date=November 13, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=November 13, 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Cayanan|first=Joanna|date=May 13, 2025|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-05-13/sakamoto-days-anime-2nd-part-main-trailer-reveals-opening-song-july-14-premiere/.224409|title=Sakamoto Days Anime's 2nd Part Main Trailer Reveals Opening Song, July 14 Premiere|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514004421/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-05-13/sakamoto-days-anime-2nd-part-main-trailer-reveals-opening-song-july-14-premiere/.224409|archive-date=May 14, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=May 14, 2025}}{{efn|name="P2-Air"|TV Tokyo lists the second cours premiere as airing on July 14 at 24:00, which is effectively July 15 at midnight JST.{{Cite web|url=https://yofukashi-no-uta.com/1st/bd/vol1/|title=Shīzun Wan Pāto Tsū - On'ea {{!}} Terebi Anime "Sakamoto Deizu" Kōshiki Saito|script-title=ja:SEASON 1 Part 2 - ON AIR {{!}} TVアニメ『SAKAMOTO DAYS』公式サイト|trans-title=Season 1 Part 2 - On Air {{!}} TV Anime "Sakamoto Days" Official Site|website=sakamotodays.jp|language=ja|access-date=July 9, 2025}}}} The first two episodes of the second cours received an advanced screening in Japan on June 15. Netflix licensed the series for a worldwide streaming release, which releases simultaneously with its televised broadcast in Japan.{{Cite web|url=https://tmsanime.com/news/sakamoto-days-netflix-announced|title=Sakamoto Days Coming To Netflix Globally January 2025|publisher=TMS Entertainment|date=July 31, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801044509/https://tmsanime.com/news/sakamoto-days-netflix-announced|archive-date=August 1, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=August 1, 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Hudspeth|first=Christopher|date=July 31, 2024|url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/sakamoto-days-anime-adaptation-release-date-cast-photos-news|title=In SAKAMOTO DAYS, Meet the Greatest Hit Man of All Time|website=Tudum|publisher=Netflix|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240818221332/https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/sakamoto-days-anime-adaptation-release-date-cast-photos-news|archive-date=August 18, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=August 19, 2024}}

The first opening theme song is {{Nihongo|"Hashire Sakamoto"|走れSAKAMOTO||{{Lit|Run, Sakamoto}}}}, performed by Vaundy, while the first ending theme song is {{Nihongo|"Futsū"|普通||{{Lit|Normal}}}}, performed by {{Ill|Conton Candy|ja|Conton Candy}}.{{Cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|date=December 21, 2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-12-21/sakamoto-days-anime-reveals-more-cast-2nd-promo-video/.219320|title=Sakamoto Days Anime Reveals More Cast, 2nd Promo Video|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221064232/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-12-21/sakamoto-days-anime-reveals-more-cast-2nd-promo-video/.219320|archive-date=December 21, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=December 21, 2024}} The special ending theme song "Somebody Help Us", performed by Vaundy, is used for episode 7.{{Cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/music/news/611894|script-title=ja:Vaundyが「SAKAMOTO DAYS」第7話のSPエンディング書き下ろし、今夜オープニング曲のMV公開|website=Music Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=February 15, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215182510/https://natalie.mu/music/news/611894|archive-date=February 15, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=February 15, 2025}} The second opening theme song is "Method", performed by {{Ill|Kroi|ja}}, while the second ending theme song is {{Nihongo|"Dandelion"|ダンデライオン}}, performed by {{Ill|Go!Go!Vanillas|ja|go!go!vanillas}}.{{Cite web|last=Cayanan|first=Joanna|date=June 15, 2025|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-06-15/sakamoto-days-anime-2nd-part-new-trailer-reveals-additional-cast-ending-song/.225597|title=Sakamoto Days Anime's 2nd Part New Trailer Reveals Additional Cast, Ending Song|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615085308/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-06-15/sakamoto-days-anime-2nd-part-new-trailer-reveals-additional-cast-ending-song/.225597|archive-date=June 15, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=June 15, 2025}}

= Other media =

A promotional video for the manga's eighteenth volume, starring {{Ill|Saori Izawa|ja|伊澤彩織}} in the role of a store clerk, was released on August 2, 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/584782|script-title=ja:「SAKAMOTO DAYS」の世界観を表現した、伊澤彩織出演の実写ムービー公開|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=August 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815143059/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/584782|archive-date=August 15, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=October 2, 2024}}

A smartphone game developed by Goodroid, titled {{Nihongo|Sakamoto Days: Dangerous Puzzle|SAKAMOTO DAYS デンジャラスパズル|Sakamoto Deizu: Denjarasu Pazuru}}, was released on April 2, 2025.{{Cite web|last=Cayanan|first=Joanna|date=December 9, 2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-12-09/sakamoto-days-anime-gets-smartphone-game-in-spring-2025/.218776|title=Sakamoto Days Anime Gets Smartphone Game in Spring 2025|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210063236/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-12-09/sakamoto-days-anime-gets-smartphone-game-in-spring-2025/.218776|archive-date=December 10, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=December 10, 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Williams|first=Anna|date=December 14, 2024|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/sakamoto-days-mobile-game-pre-registration-japan/|title=Sakamoto Days Mobile Game Opens for Pre-Registration in Japan|website=ComicBook.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210183945/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/sakamoto-days-mobile-game-pre-registration-japan/|archive-date=February 10, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=March 10, 2025}}

Reception

By October 2022, the manga had 2.2 million copies in circulation;{{Cite tweet|author={{Lang|ja|坂本商店【SAKAMOTO DAYS公式】}}|user=SAKAMOTO_STORE|date=October 31, 2022|number=1586908315350495233|script-title=ja:/ご応援感謝！㊗️累計220万部突破❗️ 11/4㊎発売 #SAKAMOTODAYS 9巻の見本本が到着❗️\ 不気味に微笑む虎丸が目印！🐯 帯にはなんと『#呪術𢌞戦』芥見下々先生からの推薦コメント&描き下ろしイラストが...‼️ ありがとうございます！🙇 帯裏には人気投票の応募券も...‼️ ぜひチェックしてください！|language=ja|access-date=November 26, 2022}} over 4 million copies in circulation by November 2023;{{Cite tweet|author={{lang|ja|坂本商店【SAKAMOTO DAYS公式】}}|user=SAKAMOTO_STORE|date=November 2, 2023|number=1719900498948755672|script-title=ja:⛓️#SAKAMOTODAYS 14巻本日発売！⛓️ 皆様のおかげで累計400万部突破‼️ いつもありがとうございます！🙏|language=ja|access-date=November 6, 2023}} over 5 million copies in circulation by May 2024;{{Cite web|url=https://mantan-web.jp/article/20240527dog00m200044000c.html|script-title=ja:SAKAMOTO DAYS：「ジャンプ」話題作がテレビアニメ化杉田智和が"元・伝説の殺し屋"坂本に 2025年1月スタート|website=Mantan Web|language=ja|date=May 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527171120/https://mantan-web.jp/article/20240527dog00m200044000c.html|archive-date=May 27, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=May 28, 2024}} over 5.5 million copies in circulation by August 2024; over 7 million copies in circulation by December 2024;{{Cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2358213/full/|script-title=ja:『SAKAMOTO DAYS』初のスマホゲーム2025年春に配信事前登録の受付スタート|website=Oricon News|language=ja|date=December 9, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241210070925/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2358213/full/|archive-date=December 10, 2024|url-status=live|access-date=December 10, 2024}} over 8 million copies in circulation by March 2025;{{Cite web|script-title=ja:＜SAKAMOTO DAYS＞人気を呼び込んだ卓越したアクションの構図と映画的カメラワーク、スタイリッシュ×コメディーの魅力|url=https://thetv.jp/news/detail/1252395/|website={{ill|The Television|ja|ザテレビジョン}}|publisher=Kadokawa Corporation|access-date=March 24, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324025048/https://thetv.jp/news/detail/1252395/|archive-date=March 24, 2025|language=ja|date=March 22, 2025|url-status=live}} and over 12 million copies in circulation by June 2025.{{Cite web|script-title=ja:「SAKAMOTO DAYS」第2クール、山下大輝、M・A・O、日野聡、能登麻美子が追加出演！役はどれ？メインPV第2弾も到着|url=https://animeanime.jp/article/2025/06/16/91359.html|website=AnimeAnime.jp|access-date=July 5, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250623200711/https://animeanime.jp/article/2025/06/16/91359.html|archive-date=June 23, 2025|language=ja|date=June 16, 2025|url-status=live}}

The series ranked sixth on the Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/463266|script-title=ja:書店員が選んだおすすめコミック2022、第1位は龍幸伸「ダンダダン」|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127090234/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/463266|archive-date=January 27, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=February 26, 2022}} Manga author Hiromu Arakawa recommended the series with a comment featured on the {{Transliteration|ja|obi}} of the sixth volume.{{Cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/468195|script-title=ja:「SAKAMOTO DAYS」6巻帯に荒川弘の推薦コメント、古賀葵ら出演の新ボイスコミックも|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=March 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103053229/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/468195|archive-date=November 3, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=March 4, 2022}} Sakamoto Days was nominated for Best Print Manga at the 2021 Next Manga Awards. It placed sixth out of 50 nominees, but won the U-Next Prize.{{Cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Lynzee|date=August 24, 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-08-24/kaiju-no-8-oshi-no-ko-win-next-manga-awards-web-print-categories/.176367|title=Kaiju No. 8, Oshi no Ko Win Next Manga Awards Web, Print Categories|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824190524/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-08-24/kaiju-no-8-oshi-no-ko-win-next-manga-awards-web-print-categories/.176367|archive-date=August 24, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=August 24, 2021}} The series was nominated for the 68th Shogakukan Manga Award in the {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} category in 2022.{{Cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|date=December 2, 2022|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-02/chi-blood-on-the-tracks-sakamoto-days-more-nominated-for-68th-shogakukan-manga-awards/.192490|title=Chi, Blood on the Tracks, Sakamoto Days, More Nominated for 68th Shogakukan Manga Awards|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202105233/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-02/chi-blood-on-the-tracks-sakamoto-days-more-nominated-for-68th-shogakukan-manga-awards/.192490|archive-date=December 2, 2022|url-status=live|access-date=December 2, 2022}}

In a review of the first volume, Katherine Dacey of The Manga Critic recommended the series, praising its art and fight choreography. She ended her review with: "If some of the later chapters aren't as tightly executed as the first, Sakamoto Days nonetheless achieves a good balance between character development and karate-chopping."{{Cite web|last=Dacey|first=Katherine|date=May 19, 2022|url=http://mangacritic.mangabookshelf.com/2022/05/19/sakamoto-days-vol-1|title=Sakamoto Days, Vol. 1|website=The Manga Critic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126215558/http://mangacritic.mangabookshelf.com/2022/05/19/sakamoto-days-vol-1|archive-date=January 26, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=April 23, 2023}} In a positive review of the first volume, Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network wrote that the "first volume is, for the most part, a lot of fun", and that "[i]t establishes a good cast of characters [...] has an entertaining premise, and it's executed well."{{Cite web|last=Silverman|first=Rebecca|date=April 24, 2022|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/sakamoto-days/gn-1/.184226|title=Sakamoto Days GN 1 – Review|website=Anime News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404024146/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/sakamoto-days/gn-1/.184226|archive-date=April 4, 2023|url-status=live|access-date=April 23, 2023}} Sheena McNeil of Sequential Tart commented that the series' premise could appeal to fans of Kousuke Oono's The Way of the Househusband and its tone to fans of Akira Toriyama's earlier works, known for their blend of action and comedy. She found the story's content particularly engaging due to the protagonist's endearing relationship with his family and the dynamic he shares with Shin.{{Cite web|last=McNeil|first=Sheena|title=Sakamoto Days Vol. 1|url=http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=12735|website=Sequential Tart|access-date=February 14, 2025|date=April 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125133554/http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=12735|archive-date=January 25, 2025|url-status=live}}

Reiichi Narima of {{Ill|Real Sound (website)|lt=Real Sound|ja|リアルサウンド (ニュースサイト)}} commented that, despite the protagonist's comic appearance, Sakamoto Days is an entertaining action series with well drawn action scenes, comparing them to the ones from Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira. Although Narima stated that the series was initially focused on comedy, he noted the shift in focus toward battles, making it a more standard Weekly Shōnen Jump series as it develops.{{Cite web|last=Naruma|first=Reiichi|date=May 19, 2021|url=https://realsound.jp/book/2021/05/post-762235.html|script-title=ja:"安西先生"にそっくりな殺し屋！？『SAKAMOTO DAYS』圧倒的な画力が冴えるアクションシーンを堪能せよ [1]|website={{Ill|Real Sound (website)|lt=Real Sound|ja|リアルサウンド (ニュースサイト)}}|publisher=Blueprint Co., Ltd.|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527201242/https://realsound.jp/book/2021/05/post-762235.html|archive-date=May 27, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=February 14, 2025}}{{Cite web|last=Naruma|first=Reiichi|date=May 19, 2021|url=https://realsound.jp/book/2021/05/post-762235_2.html|script-title=ja:"安西先生"にそっくりな殺し屋！？『SAKAMOTO DAYS』圧倒的な画力が冴えるアクションシーンを堪能せよ [2]|website={{Ill|Real Sound (website)|lt=Real Sound|ja|リアルサウンド (ニュースサイト)}}|publisher=Blueprint Co., Ltd.|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114231453/https://realsound.jp/book/2021/05/post-762235_2.html|archive-date=January 14, 2025|url-status=live|access-date=February 14, 2025}}

Allen Moody of THEM Anime Reviews praised the anime for its humorous premise and execution, particularly Sakamoto's over-the-top skills and the contrasting youthful energy of supporting characters Shin and Lu. The villains also received acclaim, though the reviewer noted the season's unresolved ending, expressing excitement for the second half.{{cite web|last=Moody|first=Allen|title=Sakamoto Days|url=https://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=2341|website=THEM Anime Reviews|access-date=April 21, 2025|date=April 14, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421230342/https://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=2341|archive-date=April 21, 2025|url-status=live}}

Notes

References

External links

{{Official website|https://www.shonenjump.com/j/rensai/sakamoto.html|Official manga website at Weekly Shōnen Jump}} {{In lang|ja}}
{{Official website|https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/sakamoto-days|Official manga website at Viz Media}}
{{Official website|https://sakamotodays.jp/|Official anime website}} {{In lang|ja}}
{{Official website|https://sakamotodays.jp/en/|Official anime website}} {{In lang|en}}
{{Netflix title|81663325}}
{{Anime News Network|manga|24170}}

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