The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Sakamoto Days—one of the biggest manga in Shōnen Jump—has generated significant excitement, thanks to its innovative action sequences and visually stunning artwork. The manga has garnered a devoted following due to its dynamic storytelling and unique blend of humor and action. As a result, expectations for the anime have been high, with many hoping that a capable animation studio would bring this fan-favorite to life in a way that would cement Sakamoto Days as a must-watch series. However, the recent release of the anime’s first full trailer has sparked skepticism, with many fans questioning the quality of the adaptation. While some concerns may be exaggerated, it’s clear why the trailer has caused a wave of uncertainty about the anime’s potential.
Expectations vs. Reality: Animation Quality Falls Short
Fans had been hoping for an action-packed adaptation with smooth, fluid animation reminiscent of other hit series like Jujutsu Kaisen and One-Punch Man (Season 1). Instead, the trailer showcased slow-paced action sequences that closely replicate the manga’s static scenes rather than elevating them through creative animation. While the visuals aren’t inherently bad, many fans are disappointed by the lack of dynamic movement and “sakuga” (highly detailed, fluid animation), which is often a hallmark of successful action anime.
The studio behind the adaptation, TMS Entertainment, may bear some responsibility for the perceived lack of energy in the trailer. With a busy 2025 ahead—including work on Dr. Stone Season 4, the new Detective Conan movie, and the second half of Blue Box—TMS Entertainment may be stretched thin, limiting the resources allocated to Sakamoto Days. While understandable, this could mean the series may not receive the focused attention it needs to meet fan expectations.
Unrealistic Expectations and Unfair Criticism
That said, it’s important to note that the criticism of Sakamoto Days’ animation, while valid in some respects, may be overly harsh. Based on the trailer, the animation seems competent, managing to capture the essence of the manga without completely falling flat. While it may not reach the visual heights of other top-tier anime like Jujutsu Kaisen or Mob Psycho 100, calling the animation “bad” is an exaggeration. The expectations surrounding Sakamoto Days may simply be out of line with the reality of most anime adaptations.
In recent years, the bar for animation quality in anime has been set extraordinarily high, with many fans expecting every series to meet the standard set by the most visually stunning shows. However, it’s important to remember that not every anime can afford—or require—such lavish animation. Sakamoto Days, with its unique blend of comedy and action, might offer a different kind of viewing experience that doesn’t rely solely on hyper-stylized animation.
Hope for Improvement as Release Date Approaches
Ultimately, much of the current discourse around Sakamoto Days seems driven by an overblown sense of expectation. While the trailer may not have wowed audiences in the way some hoped, there’s still plenty of time for the show to find its footing. The series is slated to premiere in January 2025, and fans remain hopeful that the final product will better showcase the potential of the manga’s adaptation.
Given its compelling storyline and engaging characters, Sakamoto Days still has the opportunity to live up to the considerable hype surrounding its anime debut. As more footage is released closer to the premiere, it’s likely that fan excitement will be reignited, provided the animation studio can find ways to enhance the production value in the lead-up to its full release.
With its January premiere on the horizon, Sakamoto Days remains a series to watch closely—both for its animation quality and its potential to redefine what audiences expect from action-packed shōnen anime.
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