Shonen Jump Confirms Highly Anticipated "Sakamoto Days" Anime Adaptation

Shonen Jump has officially announced that the popular "Sakamoto Days" manga will be adapted into a television anime series. Set to premiere in January 2025, the series promises to bring to life the action-packed, comedic adventures of Taro Sakamoto, a former legendary hitman now living a quiet life as a convenience store owner.

The confirmation was made during the debut instalment of Jump Press on Shonen Jump’s official YouTube channel. Fans were treated to the first trailer and a teaser visual, generating significant excitement within the anime community. Yuto Suzuki, the creator of "Sakamoto Days," also expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the upcoming adaptation.

Directing the series is Masaki Watanabe, known for his work on "Bakumatsu" and "KADO - The Right Answer." The series composition will be overseen by Taku Kishimoto, whose credits include "BLUELOCK" and "Haikyu!!." Character design is handled by You Moriyama, who has previously worked on "Lupin the IIIrd: Goemon's Blood Spray." The animation will be produced by TMS Entertainment, ensuring high-quality production values. Voicing the lead character, Taro Sakamoto, is Tomokazu Sugita, a seasoned voice actor celebrated for his roles in various popular anime such as "Gintama," "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya," and "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure."

"Sakamoto Days" has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump since 2020 and has quickly risen to prominence. It is renowned for its unique blend of humour, dynamic fight scenes, and captivating artwork. The manga has been collected into 16 volumes so far, with the 17th volume scheduled for release in June 2024. VIZ Media publishes the series in North America, providing both digital and print versions for English-speaking audiences.

The storyline follows Taro Sakamoto, who, after retiring from his life as an elite assassin, gains weight and settles into a tranquil existence running a neighbourhood store with his family. However, his peaceful life is disrupted when a figure from his past reappears, offering him an ultimatum to return to the world of assassins or face death. This premise sets the stage for a series filled with high-stakes action, humour, and heartwarming moments, making it a unique addition to the anime landscape.

Netflix initially listed "Sakamoto Days" among its upcoming releases for 2024, alongside other high-profile projects. However, this listing was quickly retracted, sparking speculation about a potential internal leak. With Shonen Jump's official confirmation, all uncertainties surrounding the series' release have been dispelled, providing fans with a definitive schedule to anticipate.

As anticipation builds, "Sakamoto Days" is poised to make a significant impact in the anime world. Its compelling mix of action, comedy, and character development, combined with a talented production team, suggests that the series could become one of the standout anime of the coming years. Fans and newcomers alike have much to look forward to as they await the arrival of "Sakamoto Days" in January 2025.