Earlier in May this year, an anime adaptation of Sakamoto Days, based on the hit manga illustrated and written by Yuto Suzuki, was announced with a January 2025 air date for Japan. Netflix has confirmed that there will be no change in plans globally, with the same premiere window slated for the rest of the world.
The comedic action series is also set to release on a weekly schedule, which should sit well with anime fans. TMS Entertainment, the studio behind popular titles like Baki and Dr. Stone, is helming the animation production. Masaki Watanabe (Bakumatsu, Battle Spirits: Mirage) serves as director, while Taku Kishimoto (Blue Lock) and Yo Moriyama (Lupin the Third: Goemon’s Blood Spray) are tapped as writer and character designer respectively.
The news comes by the way of its first official trailer with English subs, offering an extended look at the blend of humour and action to come. While the English voice cast hasn’t been revealed, the official website for the anime lists the following Japanese talents:
- Tomokazu Sugita (Gintoki Sakata in Gintama) as Taro Sakamoto
- Nobunaga Shimazaki (Baki Hanma in Baki) as Shin Asakura
- Ayane Sakura (Uraraka Ochako in My Hero Academia) as Lu Shaotang
- Nao Tōyama (Chitoge Kirisaki in Nisekoi) as Aoi Sakamoto
- Hina Kino (Miri Unasaka in Buddy Daddies) as Hana Sakamoto
- Ryōta Suzuki (Yū Ishigami in Kaguya-sama: Love Is War) as Heisuke Mashimo
- Miyari Nemoto (Mico Vorgeil in Undead Unluck) as Piisuke
Sakamoto Days follows legendary hitman Taro Sakamoto, who is forced to return to the trade after retiring and settling down as a store clerk with his wife and kid. Despite letting himself go, he still proves formidable with his superhuman skill and strength, banding with his comrades to face off against the looming threat of assassins who threaten his peaceful life.
The manga began serialisation in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in November 2020. It currently has 17 volumes, with the 18th set for release on 2 August. The synopsis for the series is as follows:
“The greatest hitman of all — his name was Taro Sakamoto. The man who was feared by all villains, and revered by all hitmen — one day, fell in love! When Sakamoto met Aoi the convenience store clerk, it was love at first sight; and just like that, he retired. Sakamoto got married, had a daughter, opened a mom-and-pop store in a quiet town, and completely transformed… into a plus size! To ensure a peaceful life with his beloved family, the legendary ex-hitman takes on a relentless stream of assassin attacks. This action-packed story of the ordinary and extraordinary begins here!”
Sakamoto Days will air on Netflix globally in January 2025.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Natalie
Kevin Low
