Otaku Culture

Netflix to do the 'never seen before' with Sakamoto Days

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The long awaited anime 'Sakamoto Days'based on the popular manga Yuto Suzukifinally has a confirmed release window Netflix. The series, which has generated great enthusiasm among manga and anime fans, is distinguished not only by its unique story, but also by a significant change in release strategy adopted by the streaming giant.

In the official trailer released on Netflix's YouTube channel, we are introduced to Tarou Sakamoto, a former elite assassin who left behind his life of danger and thrills to become a family man, running a convenience store. Despite his current appearance, which is a far cry from the intimidating assassin figure of his youth, Sakamoto still possesses lethal skills that have placed him at the top of his field. This contrast between his past life and his current existence promises to offer a captivating mix of high-stakes action and comedysimilar to the successful formula of series like 'SPY x FAMILY'.

However, what is really catching the attention of fans and the industry is the change in Netflix Episode Release Template. Contrary to its traditional strategy of releasing an entire season at once, Netflix announced that 'Sakamoto Days' to Release New Episodes Weekly Starting in 2025. This decision marks a major departure from the mass release policy that has been characteristic of Netflix since its foray into original content production.

Dias Sakamoto

This tactic has been criticized by the anime community and beyond, as many feel that it impedes the development of a strong and active online presence for new series. The strongest criticisms center on how this approach can limit the cultural impact of new shows, a notable example being 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean'whose reception took a hit when Netflix opted to release the entire season at once in 2021.

This isn't the first time Netflix has experimented with this new format. The anime 'Delicious in the dungeon'based on the manga Ryoko Kui and produced by the renowned animation studio ACTIVATEwas also released weekly throughout its 24 episodes, starting on January 4, 2024. With 'Sakamoto Days,' it seems like Netflix is adjusting its strategy, perhaps adapting it based on the type of content and fan expectations.

This weekly approach will allow viewers to enjoy and digest each episode, encourage online discussion and analysis, and empower the growth of a passionate fan community throughout the season. For fans of 'Sakamoto Days' and anime in general, this is an excellent opportunity to see how events unfold week after week and to enjoy Tarou Sakamoto's story in a format that many consider more suited to episodic anime storytelling.

Source: Press release