After much anticipation, the hit manga Sakamoto Days has finally made its way to the screen, bringing with it all the charm, humor, and intense action fans have come to adore. In its very first episode, the anime wastes no time in delivering a moment that has the internet buzzing. Taro Sakamoto, the retired hitman turned humble convenience store owner, recalls his ᴅᴇᴀᴅly past in a sequence that feels straight out of a John Wick film. A brief yet thrilling scene shows Sakamoto imagining dispatching a man with nothing but a pencil, a direct nod to one of John Wick’s most legendary moments.

This unexpected homage has ignited speculation about whether Sakamoto Days will continue to draw from the stylized action and dark humor of Keanu Reeves’ iconic franchise. With its blend of quirky slice-of-life antics and lethal combat, the anime has already established itself as a unique contender in the action-comedy genre.

John Wick’s Iconic Pencil Scene Re-imagined

How Sakamoto Days Pays Tribute to John Wick

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John Wick’s reputation as a ᴅᴇᴀᴅly ᴀssᴀssin precedes him, and Viggo Tarasov’s infamous line about Wick killing three men with a pencil remains one of the series’ most quoted moments. The sheer audacity of using such a mundane object as a weapon captured audiences’ imaginations and became a defining element of Wick’s story. This scene symbolizes his resourcefulness and relentless determination, traits that made him both terrifying and admirable.

Sakamoto Days pays homage to this moment by placing its retired hitman in a similar scenario. While Sakamoto doesn’t actually carry out the act, the pencil scene serves as a clever nod to the legacy of resourceful ᴀssᴀssins in popular culture. It is a moment that acknowledges Sakamoto’s ᴅᴇᴀᴅly potential while keeping the tone lighthearted, staying true to the series’ signature blend of comedy and action.

A Bold Start for Sakamoto Days

Balancing Comedy, Action, and Heart

This reference sets the tone for what fans can expect from the anime. By drawing from such a recognizable scene, the creators are signaling that Sakamoto Days is unafraid to embrace its action-packed roots while also poking fun at the genre’s tropes. Taro Sakamoto is not just a ᴅᴇᴀᴅly ᴀssᴀssin, but a man trying to balance his dangerous past with his mundane present, creating many opportunities for comedic moments.

With its strong debut and a clear respect for its genre’s greats, Sakamoto Days is already off to a thrilling start. By blending heartfelt humor with sharp action, the anime promises to deliver a viewing experience as unique and versatile as Taro Sakamoto himself. If the John Wick reference is any indication, fans are in for a ride filled with both laughter and jaw-dropping moments.

Source: @animenewscentre on X