Sakamoto Days: Why Netflix Must Bring Back This Epic Anime for Season 2!

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  • What Is ‘Sakamoto Days’ About?
  • How ‘Sakamoto Days’ Compares to ‘John Wick’

Starting January 11, 2025, the eagerly awaited anime adaptation of the ultra-violent action manga “Sakamoto Days” will debut on Netflix, providing an engaging alternative for fans who enjoyed the John Wick series. Unlike many other Netflix original series that are available all at once, new episodes are released weekly, with fresh installments appearing every Saturday. So far, three episodes have been aired, with eight more still to come.

Fans of John Wick’s hard-hitting action movies will find similar excitement in Sakamoto Days. Just like the series, it revolves around an unwilling assassin who is pulled back into his old ways. This new Netflix anime offers stylish gunfights, vibrant animation, and a personal redemption tale that every John Wick fan can empathize with.

What Is ‘Sakamoto Days’ About?

Hailing from Yuto Suzuki’s 2020 novel and 2024 manga series, Sakamoto Days is a fresh action anime series now available on Netflix. The narrative revolves around Taro Sakamoto (voiced by Tomokazu Sugita), once Japan’s most feared assassin, who has chosen to lead a peaceful life in retirement. Despite his fearsome past as a killer, Sakamoto has opted to abandon his lethal ways and instead take up running a gas station, marry the love of his life Aoi (Nao Toyoma), and settle down. No longer capable of assassination due to his current state of disuse.

Even though Aoi asked Sakamoto to retire from his profession as a hired killer, his former adversaries find it hard to believe that he has truly abandoned his line of work. As a result, Sakamto’s seemingly ordinary gas station becomes the target of several criminals and gangsters who aim to end Sakamoto permanently. To thwart them, Sakamto makes a vow to Aoi not to take any more lives, instead resorting to other means of combat to protect himself.

Placing our main character on a level with the title character from “The Equalizer” means they both prefer non-lethal methods in their intense, brutally violent missions. Comparisons to “John Wick” are even stronger due to Sakamoto’s initial reluctance turning into vengeful anger. As he delves back into his assassin lifestyle, he becomes increasingly skilled and knowledgeable about the tricks of the trade. However, he must adhere to Aoi’s no-killing rule, which is a constant struggle for Sakamoto and a heavy burden for him to bear.

How ‘Sakamoto Days’ Compares to ‘John Wick’

Essentially, both John Wick and Sakamoto Days revolve around retired assassins who are compelled to re-enter the criminal underworld. In the initial John Wick movie, his return is sparked by the death of his wife’s gifted puppy. A similar event triggers Sakamoto’s wife in her series. Additionally, both characters face a moral dilemma when they are hesitant to kill an old associate; this predicament is depicted in John Wick 2 for Wick and in the storyline of Sakamoto.

In the story of Sakamoto Days, tension arises when Sakamoto is pursued by former assassin Shin Asakura (Nobunaga Shimazaki) and Lu Xioatang, the daughter of a local crime boss. To make things more intriguing, Shin has telepathic abilities that allow him to read Sakamoto’s thoughts. He glimpses into Sakamoto’s peaceful retired life, which stirs an unexpected empathy in him. In the end, they form an alliance and seek revenge for Boss (Kenji Nomura), reminiscent of the intense mafia showdowns and gunfights seen in John Wick.

In conversation with MangaPlus, editor Soushiro Ishikawa shared that Suzuki drew a lot of inspiration from the character John Wick.

Suzuki seems to have a soft spot for movies, particularly foreign hitman films like ‘John Wick.’ Movies such as ‘The Equalizer’ also resonate deeply with him. I think that in Suzuki’s view of ‘cool,’ there lies a character who is composed, strong, and diligent. Given his knack for action scenes, it was fitting that this theme would appeal to him.

Why Netflix Must Renew ‘Sakamoto Days’ for Season 2

With an impressive IMDb rating of 8.0 within just three weeks, the action-packed anime series Sakamoto Days is captivating viewers and earning high praise. Each week, a new episode is released every Saturday, with a total of 11 episodes planned for Season 1. Given that there are already 20 manga/novel volumes available since 2020, creator Suzuki has ample material to continue Sakamoto’s engaging storyline.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I can’t help but express my ardent belief that the sensational anime series, “Sakamoto Days,” deserves a second season on Netflix. The show, which has stormed its way into the Top 10 most-viewed TV shows in the U.S., leverages both the dedicated fanbase of its manga origins and the unyielding acclaim from anime enthusiasts online.

Given the current uncertainty surrounding the future of action sensation, “John Wick,” with rumors swirling about a potential fifth installment, it seems only prudent for Netflix to fill this void with the captivating allure of “Sakamoto Days.” If by some chance “John Wick” returns, then “Sakamoto Days” stands ready as an enticing alternative or, at the very least, a delightful respite.

In conclusion, it’s hard to argue against the compelling logic that supports Netflix renewing “Sakamoto Days” for another season. The series boasts an irresistible combination of engaging storytelling and visually stunning animation that leaves viewers yearning for more. So, let’s hope that this enthralling tale continues to captivate audiences far into the future!

If the pilot hints at intense action and combat, viewers should definitely check out the brutal warehouse brawl in Episode 1. Shin initially seems to be in trouble until the rotund Sakamoto steps in and takes down Boss’ thugs. The unexpected contrast between Sakamoto’s lazy candy-eating and corny dad jokes against his fierce fighting skills makes for a hilarious and entertaining spectacle, especially given his non-violent pledge. With its action-packed scenes reminiscent of movies like John Wick or The Equalizer, the series Sakamoto Days has plenty more to offer. It would be quite unexpected and disappointing if Netflix didn’t renew the show for another season. You can catch Sakamoto Days on Netflix.

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2025-01-27 01:06