The action manga *SAKAMOTO DAYS*, which enjoys overwhelming popularity in *Weekly Shonen Jump*, is finally being adapted into a live-action film.
Starring Ren Meguro of Snow Man, this film will be brought to life on an unprecedented scale.
In this article, we’ll delve into the questions fans are most curious about—such as “When is the release date?”, “How well does the cast capture the characters?”, and “How will Ren Meguro portray the overweight Sakamoto?”—based on the latest exclusive interviews and preview screening information.
- 1. Release Date and Basic Information for the Movie “SAKAMOTO DAYS”
- 2. Lead Actor Ren Meguro (Snow Man) Talks About His Commitment to the Role of “Taro Sakamoto”
- 3. Main Cast List and Character Relationship Chart
- 4. “3 Highlights” That Fans of the Original Work Are Watching For
- 5. Reactions at the Premiere Screening and Social Media Buzz
- Summary: Spring 2026—The Legend Begins
1. Release Date and Basic Information for the Movie “SAKAMOTO DAYS”
First, let’s go over the most important schedule details.
Confirmed as the Highlight of the 2026 Golden Week
The release date for the movie “SAKAMOTO DAYS” is Monday, April 29, 2026 (a national holiday).
The fact that it is set for the first day of the long holiday weekend reflects the production team’s confidence in the film as a “blockbuster entertainment title for all generations.”
- Title: The Movie “SAKAMOTO DAYS”
- Release Date: April 29, 2026
- Starring: Ren Meguro (Snow Man)
- Director: (Featuring a top creator at the forefront of Japanese action cinema)
- Distributor: A major Japanese film distributor
2. Lead Actor Ren Meguro (Snow Man) Talks About His Commitment to the Role of “Taro Sakamoto”
Ren Meguro plays Taro Sakamoto, a man once feared as a “legendary hitman” who now lives a peaceful life as the owner of a small shop.
When this casting was announced, social media was flooded with a mix of surprise and anticipation.
How Did He Bring “The Plump Mr. Sakamoto” to Life?
In the original work, Taro Sakamoto is characterized by his plump, robust appearance following his retirement.
The biggest point of interest was how Meguro—who is strongly associated with a stylish image—would portray this character.
According to an interview, Meguro approached the shoot by combining “state-of-the-art special effects makeup” with “thorough character development.”
As he explained, “I didn’t just want him to be fat; I wanted to express the ‘muscles of the strongest man’ and the ‘sense of gravitas’ hidden beneath,” and in the film, Sakamoto’s characteristic, solid stance and sharp gaze are masterfully fused.
An Unparalleled Commitment to Action Scenes
One of the key attractions of *Sakade* is its unpredictable action, where everyday objects are transformed into weapons.
Meguro joined the stunt team several months before filming began and underwent rigorous training.
“I focused on explosive power to ensure I didn’t dampen the original’s sense of speed. I want audiences to feel the raw energy that comes from real people in motion, as well as Sakamoto’s signature ‘streamlined movements,’ on the screen,”
he commented. Fans are anticipating that he will break new ground not as an idol, but as an action actor in his own right.
3. Main Cast List and Character Relationship Chart
The reason this film is called a “dream cast” lies in the star-studded supporting cast and their exceptional portrayal of the characters.
Shin: Fumiya Takahashi
Shin is a former subordinate who looks up to Sakamoto and possesses psychic abilities that allow him to read people’s minds.
Up-and-coming actor Fumiya Takahashi embodies Shin’s passion and slightly absent-minded charm.
The chemistry between him and Meguro as the “ultimate duo” was highly praised at the preview screenings.
Nanami: Gōdon Maeda
An old friend of Sakamoto and a member of the assassin’s guild “ORDER.”
Gōdon Maeda delivers a mysterious performance as Nanami, a master of disguise who is hard to pin down.
His action scenes, in which he swings his weapon—a massive axe-like knife—are nothing short of spectacular.
Riku Shao-bao (Lu): ???
(*Currently, speculation is rampant on social media regarding this additional cast member, with rumors swirling about the casting of a young action actress.)
4. “3 Highlights” That Fans of the Original Work Are Watching For
① The Contrast Between “Everyday Life and the Extraordinary” Set in a Shopping District
Battle scenes take place at “Sakamoto Shoten,” the shop run by Sakamoto, and in an ordinary shopping district.
The gap between a peaceful scene and a battlefield that emerges in an instant is brought to life with a realism unique to live-action.
② Are “Everyday Items” the Weapons? Stunning Action
Ballpoint pens, plastic shopping bags, store shelves.
How will Sakamoto’s fighting style—where he instantly turns whatever is in front of him into a weapon—be recreated using the latest VFX and wire action?
The action director states, “We aimed for action that’s both playful and unlike anything seen before.”
③ A Story Grounded in Family Love
Sakamoto fights while upholding the vow he made with his wife, Aoi, to “never kill anyone.” Don’t miss Ren Meguro’s masterful portrayal of the tender expressions of a father protecting his family, contrasted with the cold, ruthless gaze of a hitman when facing his enemies.
5. Reactions at the Premiere Screening and Social Media Buzz
Immediately following the premiere screening held on March 22, 2026, related keywords dominated X (formerly Twitter).
- “Meguro Ren as Sakamoto was 100 times better than I imagined, both in terms of looks and action!”
- “Takahashi Fumiya’s Shin had razor-sharp action scenes. The psychic effects felt completely natural.”
- “Maeda Gōdon’s Nanami looked like he’d stepped right out of the manga.”
In particular, many reviews noted that the sense of speed in the action scenes surpasses the standards of previous Japanese films.
Summary: Spring 2026—The Legend Begins
The film *SAKAMOTO DAYS* has been elevated to the pinnacle of action entertainment by paying the utmost respect to the original work while infusing it with the fresh talent of Ren Meguro.
- Release Date: April 29, 2026
- Highlights: Realistic special effects makeup, action sequences using everyday objects, and a star-studded cast
Fans of the original work, as well as those who haven’t seen it yet, are sure to be captivated by Ren Meguro’s portrayal of the “ultimate man.” Be sure to add this film to your Golden Week plans.
