After much anticipation, the hit mangaSakamoto Dayshas finally made its way to the screen, bringing with it all the charm, humor, and intense action fans have come to adore. In its very first episode, the anime wastes no time in delivering a moment that has the internet buzzing. Taro Sakamoto, the retired hitman turned humble convenience store owner, recalls his deadly past in a sequence that feels straight out of aJohn Wickfilm. A brief yet thrilling scene shows Sakamoto imagining dispatching a man with nothing but a pencil, a direct nod to one of John Wick’s most legendary moments.
This unexpected homage has ignited speculation about whetherSakamoto Dayswill continue to draw from the stylized action and dark humor of Keanu Reeves' iconic franchise. With its blend of quirky slice-of-life antics and lethal combat, the anime has already established itself as a unique contender in the action-comedy genre.
John Wick’s Iconic Pencil Scene Re-imagined
How Sakamoto Days Pays Tribute to John Wick
John Wick’s reputation as a deadly assassin precedes him, and Viggo Tarasov’s infamous line aboutWick killing three men with a pencilremains one of the series’ most quoted moments.The sheer audacity of using such a mundane object as a weaponcaptured audiences' imaginations and became a defining element of Wick’s story. This scene symbolizes his resourcefulness and relentless determination, traits that made him both terrifying and admirable.
Sakamoto Days: The Anime’s Lead Actor “Deliberately Avoided” the Gig But One Realization Changed His Mind
Tomokazu Sugita stars as the eponymous hero of the Sakamoto Days anime, but surprisingly, that role was originally the last he ever wanted to play.
Sakamoto Dayspays homage to this moment by placing its retired hitman in a similar scenario. While Sakamoto doesn’t actually carry out the act, the pencil scene serves as a clever nod to the legacy of resourceful assassins in popular culture. It is a moment that acknowledges Sakamoto’s deadly potential while keeping the tone lighthearted, staying true to the series' signature blend of comedy and action.
A Bold Start for Sakamoto Days
Balancing Comedy, Action, and Heart
This reference sets the tone for what fans can expect from the anime. By drawing from such a recognizable scene, the creators are signaling thatSakamoto Daysis unafraid to embrace its action-packed roots while also poking fun at the genre’s tropes. Taro Sakamoto is not just a deadly assassin, buta man trying to balance his dangerous past with his mundane present, creating many opportunities for comedic moments.
With its strong debut and a clear respect for its genre’s greats,Sakamoto Daysis already off to a thrilling start. By blending heartfelt humor with sharp action, the anime promises to deliver a viewing experience as unique and versatile as Taro Sakamoto himself. If theJohn Wickreference is any indication, fans are in for a ride filled with both laughter and jaw-dropping moments.
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.
