How ‘Sakamoto Days’ Set Itself Apart From Its ‘John Wick’ Influence

Western viewers may recognize ‘Sakamoto Days, which’ tells the tale of Toru Sakamoto, a modest family man who owns a convenience shop with his wife, Aoi. He used to be the most deadly assassin in the world, but his quiet life conceals a troubled history. He now has a bounty on his head and has to defend himself against the Yakuza’s unrelenting hitmen.

‘John Wick’, ‘Taken’, and vintage Westerns like ‘Unforgiven’ all use the well-worn motif of the retired killer being compelled to return to combat. Yuto Suzuki, the creator and a devotee of Hollywood action movies, has mentioned ‘The Equalizer’ and ‘John Wick’ as sources of inspiration. But in a genre full of similar tales, ‘Sakamoto Days’ manages to differentiate apart.

Sakamoto’s physicality is one significant distinction. Sakamoto has adopted a more laid-back lifestyle and put on weight as a result of his love of food, in contrast to other action heroes who maintain optimal fitness. 

Image Courtesy: ComicBook.com

He seems innocuous due to his modest dad-bod, yet underneath his plump façade lurks a fierce combatant. This contrast highlights the fact that he still has his family to lose while also giving his character depth and comedy. The fact that Sakamoto fights to protect rather than to kill, in contrast to many protagonists motivated by retaliation, heightens the suspense in the action scenes.

Another distinctive feature of the series is its world-building. ‘Sakamoto Days’ skillfully incorporates criminal elements into daily life, in contrast to movies like ‘John Wick’, which depict an underground world of assassins hidden from civilization. Because the action takes place in broad daylight and without regard for public awareness, the series has a unique tone that puts character development ahead of realism.

‘Sakamoto Days’ is fundamentally about penance rather than retribution. Toru was a vicious murderer before discovering his humanity via his family. He now demonstrates that it’s never too late to start anew by assisting others in doing the same.

–Farheen Ali