Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The amount of criticism and scrutinySakamoto Dayshad to face before it even aired was utterly unfair and it inadvertently created a prejudice that could spoil the entire experience for many fans. I tried to keep myself as unbiased as possible, having read multiple interviews that renewed my faith in a plot that was already so gripping. As someone who is eager to see just what is in store (pun intended), the first episode did a good job setting up the basis for who Sakamoto Taro is as a character and what his beliefs are.
The year 2024 has been exceptionally well in terms of anime and the line-up for 2025 has not been looking any less enthusiastic.Sakamoto Daysisn’t just a hyped series but the manga fans have a lot to say about it which is mainly praise. Nothing is easy to adapt all in one go, there is room for error, thus allowing one to improve as well. So while the first episode may not be the best, it wasn’t bad either.
Sakamoto Days is setting itself for greatness
The art style ofSakamoto Daysis trying to merge the old with the new, going for a classic animation style that also attempts to blend modernity. I would assume at first glance that such a strategy would be the recipe for chaos, but thank God I was proven wrong. The animation style is certainly subjective with some people liking it and others not so much, I would categorize myself as the former. It was enjoyable with how well it fit the theme. A former legendary assassin who hasn’t lost his skill just because he wanted to settle down.
As someone who reads a lot of things involving mafias and assassins falling in love, the story itself was an absolute winner for me. You didn’t need me twice before watching the anime and I am glad it didn’t disappoint either. The dynamics between Shin and Sakamoto were genuinely fun to watch, especially with how expressive the latter was without having to use many words.
One Piece Live-Action Cannot Get a Better Omen With Xolo Maridueña Joining Sakamoto Days English Dub
It is the power of good writing that doesn’t require a character to speak a lot just to set up their foundation, and the anime utilizes that skill very well. The music worked well on multiple occasions but not on all. I felt like certain instances were using elevator music and even if that kind of soundtrack is being used, there are better ways and simply better tunes to accompany the scenes.
Not every action sequence requires premium animation
The opening scene of the first episode was one that should require the utmost praise. Showing Sakamoto’s older life and how he transitioned into being a comfortable husband is not only sweet, but also speaks for how he moved on in life after finding a reason to live. Here we have this assassin whose name is enough to make ghosts quiver, and now all he wants to do is protect his family and live a peaceful life.
Shin’s involvement wasn’t just to disrupt flow but also for him to realize that there were more important things in life than the skill of a trained killer. Just because he doesn’t look the same doesn’t mean that he’s not the same man either. Shin learns that when he gets attacked by the very cartel using him to kill Sakamoto. He is still the same legendary assassin, he just now has a reason to pick up his weapons that can be deemed more important.
“This feels like an anime John Wick”: One Piece and Dandadan May Be Responsible for Sakamoto Days’ Unrealistically High Expectations
Not every action scene was on point and it didn’t have to be. The bar has been set way so high by other anime that sometimes people can forget that simplicity is just as good. An unconventional protagonist makes for an unconventional story that leads to unconventional fight scenes. With this being only the first episode, I have hopes that the anime will improve but even if it doesn’t, TMS Entertainment is doing a great job.
Rating: 7/10
Sakamoto Daysis available to watch on Netflix.
‘Sakamoto Days’ Episode 1 Review – Only the Best Assassin Knows Chopsticks and Candy Make the Best Defense Against Bullets
Adya Godboley
Anime Content Manager
Articles Published :1879
Adya Godboley is the Anime Content Lead at FandomWire with over 1800 published articles. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-certified critic with a background in literature. From The Case Study of Vanitas to Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, her anime knowledge is one she’s gathered with years of experience. She also enjoys Marvel, DC and Superhero media with her works having been recognized by prominent figures such as Dwayne Johnson, Abby Trott and the Blood of Zeus creators.
More from Adya Godboley
EXCLUSIVE: Stephen Trumble Dives Into the Inspiration Behind Batman: Broken Promise
To Be Hero X Episode 18 Review: Little Johnny’s Trust Comes with the Price to Pay
To Be Hero X Episode 17 Review: Little Johnny’s Arc Is a Little Too Tainted By Spoilers
Recommended
Gen V Season 2: Total Episodes and Finale Date Revealed
We Were Liars Season 1 Ending Explained: Who Does Cadence Accidentally Kill?
Seth Rogen Had to Apologize for Comparing Clint Eastwood’s Biggest Movie to Inglourious Basterds
New ‘Harry Potter’ BTS Image Reveals Nick Frost’s Shockingly Perfect Look as Hagrid
Upload Season 4: How Many Episodes Will the Final Season Have?
Japan’s 10 Most-Watched Anime of 2025: Naruto Not Even in Top 5
Sakamoto Days
