Prior to its premiere,Sakamoto Dayswas one of 2025’s most anticipated anime releases.Based on theShōnen Jumpmanga of the same name by Yuto Suzuki, the anime series was expected to be one of the year’s headlining shows, bringing the already popular series to a wider anime-watching audience. However, upon the reveal of the anime’s first trailer and opening sequence,fans flocked to the internet to voice their complaints.
Sakamoto Daysis an action comedy series that blends masterfully choreographed and intense combat sequences with its overall humorous, lighthearted tone. An adaptation of the manga would need to be expertly crafted in order to capture the correct feel of the series, and a large section of its fanbasebelieved the upcoming anime failed to do so before it even had the chance to air. Now, following the premiere ofSakamoto Dayson Netflix, those fans have begun to change their tune.
Taro Sakamoto’s feats as a legendary ex-hitman are superhuman, and the original menga does a fine job at portraying that skillful action. The few trailers which released ahead ofSakamoto Days' premiere didn’t quite match the audience’s expectations,though the first episode is proof enough to not judge a series too early. If fans aren’t convinced just yet, it will not take long for the anime to win back their faith, so long as its quality remains at a consistent level.
Sakamoto Days Is Proving the Haters Wrong
Critics of the Anime’s Visuals Have Been Silenced Following its Premiere
Sakamoto Daysis produced by TMS Entertainment, and though the studio might not have one of the bigger mainstream names in the industry compared to a titan like MAPPA, it isone of the oldest and most respected studios in anime. With titles under their belt ranging from iconic to massively popular, likeAkira,Detective Conan, and more recently,Dr. Stone, andBlue Box, anyone familiar with the studio would have known just how capable it is, well before the trailers ofSakamoto Dayscaused any controversy.
Unfortunately, though, many were quick to jump the gun and dismiss the show entirely before it could even air. The series' first episode, titled “The Legendary Hit Man”, quickly proved its deniers wrong,with buttery smooth animation and weighty, impactful combat sequences. Though the episode’s opening flashback scene and final shoot-out held the bulk of the action, there was never a discernible drop in quality, even in its slower moments.
As far as first episodes go,Sakamoto Daysoffers one that hits all the right notes, while showcasing the abilities of the animation studio behind it. The opening visuals may be somewhat weak compared to the most memorable in recent years, likeJujutsu Kaisen’s second season orChainsaw Man’s homage to the film industry, yet it isn’t bad by any means,nor is it indicative of the quality of the series itself. Only one episode has aired thus far, but it seems the critical masses might’ve dropped the ball in their early impressions of the anime.
Sakamoto Days Is Making an Early Push for 2025’s Best Anime, Though It Will Have Competition
2025 Is Shaping Up to Be a Stacked Year for Anime
IfSakamoto Daysis able to keep up the quality of its first episode throughout the entirety of its first season,it may become a serious early contender for anime of the year. However, there will be stiff competition for that title in 2025, and before it can set its eyes on the year as a whole, the anime may have trouble keeping itself from becoming overshadowed in its own season. Being an action series,Sakamoto Dayswill likely be battlingSolo Levelingfor the spotlight this winter season, an anime that has blown up torecord-breaking levels of popularity.
Later in the year, series likeJujutsu KaisenandChainsaw Manwill be returning with highly anticipated releases of their own, sure to demand the mainstream’s attention. Luckily forSakamoto Days,its original manga has become incredibly popularwithout the luxury of anime adaptation boosting its presence, providing the series with a built-in audience to voice their support.
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Regardless of what anime becomes most popular, 2025 is a year that plans to feature some of the biggest anime releases in recent times, andSakamoto Daysis proving itself a strong starting point. After a first episode that defied the expectations of the series' harshest critics, anime fans won’t want to miss out on Taro Sakamoto’s superhuman assassin feats this season.
Sakamoto Days
Cast
Sakamoto Days centers on Taro Sakamoto, a former top-tier hitman who has traded his life of crime for a peaceful existence running a convenience store. Despite his attempts to leave the underworld behind, Sakamoto’s past catches up with him as old rivals and dangerous enemies reappear, threatening his newfound tranquility. Forced to defend his family and business, Sakamoto must draw on his lethal skills while navigating the humorous and unexpected challenges of balancing his ordinary daily life with the chaos of his former profession.
