Sakamoto Days has recently announced that it’s producing a live-action adaptation of the hit ongoing manga series, and now, it has found its legendary hitman through this Japanese idol. Ren Meguro, singer of the Japanese boy band Snow Man, will be playing the younger version of Taro Sakamoto in the live-action adaptation, and its new teaser trailer showcases him in action.
The trailer was posted on Toho Movie’s social media account, where it was reminiscent of the opening scene from the manga, introducing Taro Sakamoto when he was still an active hitman. The trailer didn’t reveal much about who else is appearing in the feature, but it did share its director. Also attached to the project is Yūichi Fukuda, who has previously worked on other live-action films, including the live-action Gintama film and its sequel, as well as Once Upon a Crime. The film is scheduled to hit Japanese theaters around Japan’s Golden Week in 2026. However, a U.S. release date has yet to be announced.
Meguro has a few acting credits under his belt. He starred in the live-action adaptation of My Happy Marriage, playing the lead male role, Kiyoka Kudou. He also appeared in other projects such as Trillion Game and Phases of the Moon. The Japanese idol won numerous domestic awards for his various performances, including a Japan Academy Film Prize nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and was named “Newcomer of the Year” in 2023. He also won multiple domestic TV acting awards for his supporting role in the show Silent.
What’s ‘Sakamoto Days’ About?
Sakamoto Days is an ongoing manga series by Yuto Suzuki that follows a retired hitman named Taro Sakamoto. Once called the Legendary Hitman and a member of the Order, he gave it all up when he fell in love and decided to run a convenience store with his family. Five years after he left, a bounty of ¥1 billion was placed, offering a reward to those who could kill him. It’s up to him and his allies to find out who caused it and to have it removed, while also following his wife’s “no kill policy” or risk divorce.
The anime adaptation was released on Netflix in January 2025, starring Matthew Mercer, Dallas Liu, and Rosalie Chiang, and it became an immediatestreaming hit. All 22 episodes of Season 1 have already been released, and it’s currently unknown if the show will receive a second installment.
The live-action adaptation of the Sakamoto Days movie is scheduled for release in Japanese theaters in 2026. In the meantime, all episodes of Sakamoto Days Season 1 are available to stream on Netflix.
Release Date
January 11, 2025
Matthew Mercer
Taro Sakamoto
AloJapan.com