Before its much-anticipated launch, Sakamoto Days emerged as one of the most awaited anime debuts of 2025. Derived from the well-loved Shōnen Jump manga by Yuto Suzuki, this anime adaptation was poised to captivate a larger audience already enamored with the series. However, following the premiere of its initial trailer and opening scene, a wave of criticism surged online as fans expressed their discontent.
Characterized as an action-comedy, Sakamoto Days cleverly combines exhilarating combat sequences with a humorous and lighthearted narrative. The success of its adaptation hinged on its ability to authentically represent the manga’s vibrant essence, yet a considerable segment of its fanbase felt apprehensive, declaring prematurely that the anime missed the mark. Yet, after its premiere on Netflix, opinions have begun to shift positively among those who initially expressed skepticism.
Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman with extraordinary abilities, is portrayed masterfully in the manga, which excels at showcasing thrilling action. Initial trailers, however, failed to meet the expectations set by fans. The release of the first episode demonstrates a crucial lesson: it’s unwise to form final judgments too soon. For those still unsure about the anime’s potential, it may only be a matter of time before the series secures their allegiance—provided it maintains high-quality production.
Sakamoto Days Is Proving the Critics Wrong
Visual Criticism Has Faded Post-Premiere
Produced by TMS Entertainment, Sakamoto Days benefits from a studio with a storied legacy in the anime industry. While it may not rank alongside behemoths like MAPPA, TMS has a remarkable portfolio that includes classics such as Akira and popular series like Detective Conan and Dr. Stone. Familiarity with the studio’s history should have alleviated initial concerns, particularly before the controversial trailers surfaced.
Despite this, many dismissed the series outright before its debut. However, the first episode, titled The Legendary Hit Man, swiftly overturned the naysayers’ doubts, showcasing exceptionally fluid animation paired with powerful combat sequences. While the episode’s most engaging moments unfolded in its opening flashback and climactic shootout, the animation quality remained consistently high, even during slower scenes.
The debut episode delivered a compelling introduction that resonated well, while effectively demonstrating TMS Entertainment’s capabilities. The visuals may not have reached the heights of those seen in recent titans like Jujutsu Kaisen or Chainsaw Man, but they certainly fell within acceptable standards, and do not reflect the series’ overall quality. Although only one episode has aired, the early criticism of the series seems to have missed the mark on its potential.
Sakamoto Days Is Making an Early Bid for 2025’s Best Anime Amidst Fierce Competition
2025 Shaping Up to Be an Exceptional Year for Anime
If the momentum continues from this promising start, Sakamoto Days could very well emerge as a top contender for anime of the year. Yet, the competition in 2025 will be formidable. In its own winter season, it is set to compete against Solo Leveling, which has garnered unprecedented popularity.
Looking ahead, heavyweights like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man are also poised to release new content later in the year, undoubtedly vying for mainstream attention. Fortunately for Sakamoto Days, its original manga has built a substantial fanbase long before the anime adaptation, giving it a solid foundation of support.
As 2025 unfolds, it promises to unveil some of the most anticipated anime releases in recent memory. With a remarkable first episode setting the stage, Sakamoto Days is positioned as a compelling starting point for the season. Anime enthusiasts should certainly keep an eye on Taro Sakamoto and his legendary escapades this season.
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