Legendary Hitman Taro Sakamoto Returns: Live-Action Film Sets April 29, 2026 Release Date

The cinematic adaptation of Yuuto Suzuki’s popular manga, Sakamoto Days, has generated significant anticipation with the official confirmation of its theatrical debut and the release of a new preview trailer. This announcement was made across the series’ official digital platforms on December 10, 2025. The live-action feature is scheduled to premiere in Japanese cinemas on April 29, 2026. This date is strategically set to coincide with the highly anticipated Golden Week holiday period, ensuring the franchise maintains its strong cross-media presence following the successful conclusion of the anime’s second cour.

Casting and Character Portrayals

The film stars Ren Meguro, the celebrated idol from Snow Man, who takes on the challenging role of Taro Sakamoto. Sakamoto is depicted as a retired, lethargic, yet exceptionally skilled assassin now living a quiet suburban life. Meguro has publicly stated his deep commitment to the role, aiming to deliver a performance rooted in artistic integrity. Supporting him are key figures from the manga narrative: Fumiya Takahashi plays the energetic young operative Shin Asakura, Aya Ueto portrays Sakamoto's devoted wife, Aoi, and Miyu Yoshimoto embodies their daughter, Hana. This ensemble cast aims to provide a visual representation that aligns closely with the source material’s established aesthetic.

Guiding this ambitious project is director and screenwriter Yūichi Fukuda, who is well-known for successfully adapting unconventional manga into live-action features, such as Gintama. Fukuda has expressed confidence in the film’s quality, noting that the raw footage, even before final effects and scoring, already possesses the necessary cinematic impact. This suggests a focus on practical and impactful action sequences. The fight choreography is managed by Keiya Tabuchi, whose previous credits include the intense action of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0. Audiences can therefore expect fight choreography that effectively captures Sakamoto’s signature, seemingly effortless brutality.

Trailer Highlights and Production Status

The recently released teaser trailer effectively highlights the contrast between Sakamoto’s peak lethality, showing him dispatching multiple threats with fluid precision, and his current domestic existence, which is constantly interrupted by danger. Rapid-fire sequences introduce Shin and Aoi amidst spectacular chaos, mirroring the high-octane energy seen in recent anime trailers and significantly increasing fan anticipation. The film is a collaborative production between CREDEUS and Avex Pictures. Shot on location in Tokyo, the feature is currently deep within its post-production phase.

Since its debut in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump in 2020, Sakamoto Days has captivated readers with the unique partnership formed between Sakamoto and Shin at their convenience store headquarters. The franchise has seen substantial expansion, including companion novel releases, a smartphone puzzle game launched in April 2025, and the ongoing TMS Entertainment anime series directed by Masaki Watanabe, which premiered its first season in early 2025. The live-action movie marks the franchise’s first venture into film, arriving at a time of peak global recognition, especially as fans await news regarding an animated second season. This film is positioned to be a significant addition to Japan’s growing live-action adaptation landscape. The premiere date of April 29, 2026, should be noted by all enthusiasts for this anticipated cinematic event.