Sakamoto Days is Gambling With Its Fans’ Feelings With a Risk That Could Save the Anime From Premature Failure

Sakamoto Days isn’t a run-of-the-mill hitman series in any case. With peak action scenes and character development, it outclasses most shonen anime in more ways than one.

It stands as one of the most awaited anime adaptations of 2025. And while the trailer garnered a mixed bag of reviews, fans may have been wrong to throw brickbats for this very reason.

While the first trailer seemed underwhelming to most readers, the final teaser had fans eating their words. It is the constant seesaw of expectations that leaves readers on the fence regarding the animated adaption.

But most of all, TMS may have exposed itself to a risk regarding its recent move. This may prove detrimental to the series in the long run, especially with its viewership and reception.

Sakamoto Days’ trailer had critics eating their words

Sakamoto Days is a much-awaited and anticipated anime of 2025. From fights to character development, it screams iconic in more ways than one. The anime is set to highlight Yuto Suzuki’s brilliance in most aspects.

This holds especially true for Suzuki’s impeccable art style along with his intricate panels. It isn’t surprising to see anime adaptations fumble when it comes to replicating elements from manga. The series, however, might be an exception to that.

Recently, most readers and viewers were quick to judge the book by its cover. Most fans commented on the lackluster animation as a response to the first teaser. And while this makes sense, for the most part, fans may have spoken too soon.

The final trailer’s release had most fans as well as critics tucking their tails in shame. This is evident with the battle choreography which is nothing short of marvellous. To say the least, most Internet users would vouch for its promising feat.

The anime’s final trailer had viewers bedazzled on X. This is how most of them responded.

AND THIS IS WHY YOU WAIT BEFORE YOU JUDGE https://t.co/7Wfkanwc36 pic.twitter.com/rffQgHqozl

— Bam²⁵ (@The25thNigga) January 9, 2025

IM SAYING. This trailer was fire

— lotus (@burnermaybe1340) January 9, 2025

Catching bullets with chopsticks is so cold😭

— Muktar (@Kozuki_Oden19) January 9, 2025

Saw the opening and thought it was gonna be Ass💀💀 pic.twitter.com/BlvjVAewjI

— 👑 Kènny✞ (@KaizenXIX) January 9, 2025

These people had no patience fr like jeez

— Haaze (@HaazeNation) January 9, 2025

By and by, the trailer looks promising in more ways than one. It overshadows the criticism for the most part. But there’s a catch to that as well, especially with how TMS may have screwed the pooch.

The studio might be skating on thin ice with fans’ responses, reviews, and its recent move in the trailer. And though the anime silenced the deafening criticism, it raises major concerns.

TMS might be skating on thin ice with its recent move

Before working on Sakamoto Days, TMS produced notable works. Their roster includes a diverse range of anime including Kamisama Kiss, Dr. Stone, Baki, and Fruits Basket. It is lesser known compared to the animation giants such as MAPPA and Toei.

Regardless of that, the studio is set to notch up Suzuki’s manga in every possible way. With the final trailer, the studio outlined its finesse in recreating the iconic battle sequences and the brilliance of badass action scenes. And while it shuts the critics, the studio is skating on thin ice nonetheless.

In retrospect, anime adaptations have grappled with the major issue of pacing, animation as well as translation. While TMS eloquently laid out the groundwork through its finesse, it may have flatlined several elements.

Shin’s character along with the art style had most fans calling it dull and lackluster. While it seems flatlined, the studio may have overexceeded people’s expectations with the final trailer. This defeats the purpose of storytelling.

Above all, though, Sakamoto Days getting a mixed bag of reviews is understandable. This is evident with the overhyping strategy along with the inability to sustain mystery. The recent trailer left no room for surprise. Regardless of that, the series might surpass itself eventually.

Sakamoto Days is set to premiere on 11th January 2025 on Crunchyroll. The manga is available on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app.