To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the serialization of Suzuki Yuto's popular manga "SAKAMOTO DAYS," which is currently being serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha), five major projects were announced in the magazine's 2026 issue 2, which went on sale on December 8th. The issue also features a special conversation with Takehiko Inoue, whom Suzuki has great respect for. Illustrated by Inoue of Sakamoto Taro from "SAKAMOTO DAYS" and by Suzuki of Hanamichi Sakuragi from "SLAM DUNK" were also released. A collaboration between "SAKAMOTO DAYS" and "Me & Roboco" was also announced in the issue.
A project has begun in which readers will vote to determine the "No. 1 Battle" from the battles that have taken place over the five years of serialization. The best bouts chosen by Ren Meguro of the popular group "Snow Man," who plays the Gege Akutami from "Jujutsu Kaisen Tomokazu Sugita ," Kohei Horikoshi from " My Hero Academia " will also be released. The voting results are scheduled to be announced around spring 2026. Suzuki will draw original illustrations for the top battles, and a battle PV will also be produced.
Meguro chose the match between Sakamoto Taro and Boyle in episode 9, commenting, "I love the contrast between Sakamoto's chubby self and his skinny self! And the two on the Ferris wheel at the end were so cool! It was really difficult to choose just one (laughs)." Sugita chose the match between Sakamoto Taro and Asakura Shin in episode 1, commenting, "It really made an impression on me because it felt like the story of 'SAKAMOTO DAYS' really started to move. His meeting with Aoi was a one-sided defeat, so I don't count it as a battle."
Issue 2 of 2026 features "SAKAMOTO DAYS" on the cover and in color, and comes with a special enclosed supplement: a paper craft of Sakamoto's pistol.
"SAKAMOTO DAYS" began serialization in November 2020 in "Weekly Shonen Jump." The story follows Sakamoto Taro, a former legendary assassin who runs a shop after retiring, as he fights against approaching assassins with his friends to protect the peaceful daily life he lives with his beloved family. The series has gained popularity due to its spectacular battle scenes featuring unique characters. The total number of copies of the comic series worldwide has exceeded 15 million.
It was adapted into a TV anime this year, with the first season airing from January to March and the second season from July to September. A live-action film starring Meguro will be released during Golden Week in 2026.
