Sakamoto Days Episode 1 Recap: A Thrilling Beginning for the Hitman Shonen Series

**Sakamoto Days** has officially premiered on Netflix, generating excitement as one of the most eagerly awaited anime series of the Winter 2025 season. Based on the popular manga serialized in **Shonen Jump** since November 2020, it has emerged as a significant success, especially after the conclusion of notable long-running series such as **Jujutsu Kaisen** and **My Hero Academia** last year.

This anime adaptation opens with a remarkable 55-page first chapter, a lengthier format than the typical 20-page chapters found in Shonen Jump, setting the stage for an enthralling blend of slice-of-life storytelling and exhilarating action. The plot follows Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman for a crime syndicate, as he endeavors to safeguard his family from the relentless grasp of his past in the criminal underworld.

The Journey of a Retired Assassin

The debut episode does an excellent job of setting up the main characters, including Sakamoto, his family, and his old partner, Shin, alongside some members of the mafia, hinting at the challenges ahead.

Five years ago, Taro Sakamoto decided to leave his life as a notorious hitman behind, choosing instead to embrace a peaceful existence with his family while managing a convenience store. However, his former employer is unwilling to simply let him go.

Shin, who possesses mysterious telepathic abilities that allow him insights into others’ movements, is reluctantly tasked with eliminating Sakamoto for defecting from the organization. When he confronts Sakamoto at his convenience store, he finds himself surprised by Sakamoto’s resolve, even with his physical transformation. Unable to carry out the assassination, Shin leaves the situation unresolved.

Despite the lack of clarity surrounding Shin’s powers, they create an intriguing dynamic, allowing him to predict his enemies’ actions almost as if they are breaking the fourth wall. He ultimately pleads with his superior to spare Sakamoto’s life, but the outcome is far from what he anticipated. In an unexpected twist, Sakamoto intervenes during a fierce showdown, showcasing his skills while inspiring Shin to rethink his own path and pursue a legitimate career at Sakamoto’s store, complete with fair compensation.

Looking ahead, viewers can expect to see Shin adapting to Sakamoto’s family rules in the next episode. A notable preview hints at the crucial principle of abstaining from further violence. Audiences will likely witness more of the family’s daily life before possibly being introduced to a key character, Lu, before Episode 3, enhancing the narrative depth.

Animation Quality Under Scrutiny

Since the initial trailer’s release, fans have expressed concerns regarding the animation quality, particularly about the perceived inconsistency in action sequences. While some may find the action scenes lacking in fluidity, it remains a point of discussion whether this affects the overall portrayal of the source material.

What viewers experience feels like a creative approach prioritizing narrative impact over dynamism, striving to maintain the original manga’s essence, further enhanced by a gripping soundtrack. The animation style attempts to respect the manga’s aesthetic while offering unique storytelling techniques.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPopd3ZOGUY

Sakamoto Days | Final Trailer | Netflix (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPopd3ZOGUY)

Typically, the inaugural episodes of Shonen anime exhibit a higher consistency in quality, which will be essential to monitor as the series progresses. If the production team employs “simpler shots”to effectively convey action while preventing overexertion of their staff, this could be a well-considered decision. Thus far, **Sakamoto Days** has embarked on its journey with a strong debut that promises further developments.

As fans await the subsequent episode, consider exploring additional anime releases this season for more exciting content.

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