Yuto Suzuki made his debut as a writer and illustrator with the publication of Sakamoto Days, a manga series whose serialization began in Weekly Shonen Jump on November 21, 2020, and later adapted into anime which premiered on January 11 2025 on Netflix. The story centers on Taro Sakamoto, a retired former legend among hitmen who turned his back on assassination to live a peaceful life in the grocery store after falling in love and starting a family.
The anime retains the manga’s true essence while intensifying the action which received as appealing to both new viewers and long-time fans alike. Thematically, Sakamoto Days shares similarities with action films like John Wick and The Equalizer. Both narratives feature retired assassins drawn back into their former lives, blending high-octane action with personal stakes. However, Sakamoto Days distinguishes itself by infusing comedic elements and focusing on the protagonist’s commitment to his family and his vow to avoid killing.
Sakamoto Days Taking Influence from John Wick and Other Action Films
The creation of Sakamoto Days was notably influenced by Hollywood action films, particularly John Wick and The Equalizer. According to the series’ editor, Sousuke Ishikawa, creator Yuto Suzuki has a fondness for movies, and foreign hitman films like John Wick significantly influenced the manga’s development. Ishikawa stated,
“Suzuki has a fondness for movies, and I believe it’s influenced by foreign hitman films like John Wick. Works such as The Equalizer also resonate closely.”
In Sakamoto Days, Taro Sakamoto mirrors John Wick’s archetype as a legendary assassin who retires for love, only to be drawn back into the underworld. However, while John Wick’s return is driven by vengeance, Sakamoto’s re-engagement is often funny, focusing on protecting his family and maintaining his pacifist promise to his wife. This contrast introduces a humorous dynamic absent in the more serious tone of John Wick.
Specific scenes in Sakamoto Days pay homage to classic action films. For instance, the manga includes a character named Hard Boiled, referencing the iconic Hong Kong action film of the same name. These nods highlight the series’ roots in action cinema while blending them with its unique storytelling and humor.
While Sakamoto Days draws inspiration from these films, especially from John Wick, it adapts their themes to fit a narrative that balances action with comedy and family life. The protagonist’s struggle to uphold his no-kill promise, despite his violent past, adds depth to the character and sets the series apart from its cinematic inspirations.
Additional Influences and Fan Reception
Apart from John Wick and The Equalizer, Sakamoto Days incorporates elements reminiscent of 1990s Hong Kong and Japanese action films, known for their over-the-top action sequences and stylized violence. This influence is evident in the manga’s dynamic fight scenes and the protagonist’s larger-than-life abilities.
Sakamoto Day is well received among fans for its blend of action and comedy. Discussions revolve mostly around the action balanced with relaxed moments to offer a fresher take on the assassin-genre story. Sakamoto Days, as creatively done as it can, draws inspiration from various action films but distinguishes itself through its comedic approach and storyline which authentically belongs to the series only.
Arvind is a Senior Writer and Editor at Hilvaro, specializing in anime, entertainment, and pop culture. With a BSc in Transportation Technology, his passion for storytelling led him to a career in journalism. He has previously contributed to Sportskeeda and GameRant, covering anime and entertainment with a keen eye for detail.
Outside writing, Arvind loves gaming and is fond of anime, binge-watching movies and television series. He spends some of his free time listening to rock music and writing poetry. What Arvind appreciates most about pop culture is the theme that makes it more alive and engaging for this generation; thus the possibility of such content reaching readers across the globe.
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