Why does Taro Sakamoto from Sakamoto Days look old? The titular character from Sakamoto Days is a feared legendary hitman who chose to walk a path no gangster would ever consider: becoming a mild-mannered family man. But even though he looks like a middle-aged man, he can still take down anyone with his bare hands.
So, how old is Taro Sakamoto, and why does he seem to have aged significantly since his retirement? We’ll answer all of that below!
Why Taro Sakamoto Looks Older Than His Age
TMS Entertainment’s Sakamoto Days centers on Taro Sakamoto, the ultimate hitman turned loving husband and father.
With the early episodes already showing his wife still looking as if she's in her 20s and a young daughter by her side, it hasn’t been that long since he retired. However, there’s no denying that Sakamoto appears to have seen better days.
But how old is Taro Sakamoto, really? The ex-hitman is actually only 27 years old at the time of his retirement. Despite this, he was designed to resemble a middle-aged man, complete with a plump figure and a white mustache.
The creator of the series, Yuto Suzuki, explained the reasoning behind Sakamoto’s design in an interview for the Jump Giga 2023 Winter issue.
He mentioned that he found it intriguing to portray Taro Sakamoto as a character with two extreme traits, appearing old or overweight yet remaining incredibly strong.
Yuto Suzuki ultimately decided to make Taro Sakamoto “the strongest fat guy,” incorporating features of an older man into his design.
Interestingly, many fans have noticed similarities between Taro Sakamoto and Mitsuyoshi Anzai, the beloved coach of Shohoku in Slam Dunk.
Given that Yuto Suzuki has admitted to being a fan of Slam Dunk, it’s possible that Sakamoto’s design pays homage to Coach Anzai.
Now, within the story itself, Taro Sakamoto’s older appearance might be explained by the lifestyle he adopted after retiring.
When he was still active, his unparalleled combat skills were constantly in demand, requiring him to stay on the move and survive on small portions of food, as Shin Asakura noted in Episode 1. This gave him a youthful look at the time.
In contrast, his domestic life transformed him into a trusted, dependable figure with an old and approachable look. To achieve this, he ties his hair back and maintains a mustache. This appearance encourages those around him to seek his help without hesitation.
Moreover, his wife Aoi’s excellent cooking contributed to his weight gain, further enhancing his older appearance.
Why You Should Watch Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Days is one of the most acclaimed action-comedy titles of the 2020s, and the controversies surrounding it before its release reflect its popularity.
Fans of the manga were initially skeptical about whether TMS Entertainment’s adaptation of Yuto Suzuki’s work would receive proper care.
However, the first few episodes have been widely praised for perfectly capturing the series’ humor and charm while showcasing brilliantly animated fight scenes, just as fans had hoped!
Taro Sakamoto’s incredible speed, strength, and focus aren’t the only otherworldly elements in the series. He also encounters individuals with psychic powers and shape-shifting abilities.
The world that Sakamoto once knew has become even more perilous. With the bounty on his head — and that of his crew — doubling, it’s up to the ex-assassin to safeguard the peace he and his family hold dear.
If this piques your interest, you can catch Sakamoto Days on Netflix, with new episodes added every Saturday.
What do you think of Sakamoto Days so far? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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