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Netflix’s anime library just added another record to its shelves, with Yuto Suzuki’s beloved mangaSakamoto Daysdebuting to record-breaking numbers and garnering 8.6 million views within the first week. The series has surpassed long-standing Netflix anime benchmarks, standing tall as one of themost-watched shows in the streaming giant’s history—Squid Game. It’s a remarkable feat for a debut series, particularly when it’s challenging industry stalwarts likeBaki HanmaandDragon Ball: Daima.
The Rise of Sakamoto Days: From Anticipation to Record-Breaker
A Rocky Start Turns to Triumph
Before its release, there was widespread skepticism among fans about whether TMS Entertainment could do justice to the manga’s vibrant and chaotic energy. Trailers and promotional materials hinted at potential, but some fans remained unconvinced.
However, the doubts quickly evaporated when the first episode ofSakamoto Dayspremiered on July 19, 2025. The adaptation proved to be everything fans could have hoped for: dynamic fight sequences, spot-on characterizations, and a balanced mix of comedy and action that paid homage to the source material.
Netflix’s Strategic Gamble
Netflix’s gamble to secure exclusive streaming rights forSakamoto Dayspaid off in spades. By the end of its debut week, the series hadsurpassedBaki Hanma’s premiere recordof 6 million views, topping the charts in Japan and securing the #2 spot in Netflix’s non-English TV category, just behindSquid GameSeason 2. Globally, it ranked #4 across all shows, an extraordinary achievement for a fledgling anime series.
Sakamoto Days Sets A New Benchmark for Netflix Anime
Sakamoto Dayshas somehowmanaged to outpace popular titles likeDandadan(4.3 million views),Dragon Ball DAIMA(3.2 million views), andRecord of RagnarökSeason 2 (3 million views). These numbers are particularly noteworthy as many of these competitors had built-in fan bases and extensive media coverage leading up to their premieres.
Manga Success Fuels the Fire
The anime’s success has also reignited interest in the manga, which has beenserialized in Weekly Shonen Jumpsince November 2020. With over 7 million copies sold across 20 volumes, publishers are already issuing reprints to meet the growing demand fueled by the anime’s success.
