Overview
- Sakamoto Days has gained significant traction as a leading anime on Netflix, enjoying a sustained presence in the global top 10 rankings.
- Despite its acclaim in the anime domain, the corresponding manga sales for Sakamoto Days have experienced a slight decline recently.
- Even with stagnant sales, anime adaptations can still be lucrative through merchandise licensing and related income streams.
Table of Contents
The anime series Sakamoto Days has established itself as a prominent title on Netflix, having consistently featured in the platform’s global top 10 for five consecutive weeks.
In Japan, the show’s impact is even more pronounced, where it has secured a spot among the most viewed programs for six weeks and consistently topped the viewership charts.
Impressive Streaming Popularity, Yet Stagnant Manga Sales
Despite the impressive ratings and viewership success, it’s noteworthy that this popularity has not translated into corresponding growth in manga sales. According to the latest Oricon weekly charts, Sakamoto Days holds the third rank in sales, which is respectable; however, a slight downward trend has been observed.
Oricon provides estimates based on collected sales data, serving as useful market indicators despite not being “perfect”or “official.”The numbers indicate that around 90% of current buyers are purchasing volumes 1-19, while only 10% are opting for the latest volume (Volume 20).This pattern suggests that many newcomers typically start from the beginning after engaging with the anime.
TOP WEEKLY BEST-SELING MANGA January 27 – February 02 · Japan Only No surprise as new Slime volume leads this week! Ohitori-sama seems to be one of the new popular shojos as its second volume has a great start!! pic.twitter.com/JUJSiA32Ug — \u5bff \u4e09\u4e95 (@Josu_ke) February 7, 2025
Given the success of the anime, sales were anticipated to increase steadily. While a 7% decline isn’t particularly alarming, it remains a point of concern for fans who hoped for Sakamoto Days to emerge as a flagship title for Shonen Jump with the anime’s success.
Is Sakamoto Days Doomed?
While these sales figures may not align with expectations, a weekly sale of 75, 000 copies is still commendable. Nevertheless, it raises concerns within the fanbase about the quality of the adaptation itself.
There’s still potential for Sakamoto Days to revitalize its sales figures. For instance, following the airing of its first season, Demon Slayer saw a significant surge in manga sales, particularly after the season concluded. This trajectory serves as a reminder that a sudden change in sales can occur even after an anime season ends.
Currently, the prevailing trend for Sakamoto Days suggests that a rapid sales increase is unlikely, and any such occurrence would be unexpected. However, it’s crucial to note that manga sales are not the sole avenue for profit from anime adaptations. If the series can entice businesses interested in merchandising, the returns on investment through licensing deals may prove advantageous — an essential aspect of the modern anime and manga industries.
While specific contract figures are rarely disclosed, manga sales often serve as a benchmark for gauging a series’ overall commercial viability. To date, the results have indicated a performance that may not meet initial expectations.
Readers can enjoy the latest chapters of Sakamoto Days for free via Manga PLUS and Shonen Jump services. Additionally, the anime adaptation is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: X (formerly Twitter)
Leave a Reply