The Power of Entertainment
Gathering Around the Challenging
Film “SAKAMOTO DAYS”

The hit manga “SAKAMOTO DAYS,” currently serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump,” follows Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary hitman feared by all villains. One day, he falls in love at first sight with Aoi, a convenience store worker, and promptly retires. After getting married and welcoming a daughter, Sakamoto—now with a fuller figure—runs the “Sakamoto Store,” but one villain after another begins to close in. To protect his peaceful life with his beloved family, he battles a series of incoming enemies in this “ordinary × extraordinary” solid action story. The work has been adapted into a live-action film starring Ren Meguro of Snow Man, with Yuichi Fukuda serving as director and screenwriter. For this highly anticipated film set to release in April 2026, we spoke with producers Tsuyoshi Nishiyama and Miki Omori about how Avex Film Labels Inc. (AFL) has been involved and what thoughts they have brought to the project.

Rising Expectations:
Both Pressure and Momentum

“SAKAMOTO DAYS,” created by Yuto Suzuki, began serialization in 2020. Its unique blend of comedy and serious storytelling, dynamic action scenes with inventive compositions, and compelling characters have driven its immense popularity. In 2025, its anime adaptation expanded its fanbase beyond Japan to Asia, the United States, and the Middle East. The original manga has surpassed 15 million copies in global circulation (as of August 2025). For the live-action adaptation, AFL has taken the lead as the coordinating company within the production committee.

Nishiyama "At AFL, we mainly handle the planning, production, investment, and acquisition of live-action films and dramas, often participating in projects as producers. For this work as well, we are involved as producers alongside the production company Creedus and the original publisher Shueisha. Films are typically produced through a production committee system funded by multiple companies. In the case of “SAKAMOTO DAYS,” AFL serves as the coordinating company, responsible for bringing together investors and ensuring the smooth operation of the committee. We also handle contract agreements, fundraising, and profit distribution."

Nishiyama "As the coordinating company, we patiently made numerous adjustments to bring the project to life, and after a long period, we have finally reached its release. Both in production and promotion, we have worked flexibly to maximize synergy among all participating companies, ensuring that the project’s success becomes a shared outcome."

They have advanced the project by respecting each company’s intentions and strengths, while also maintaining deep respect for the original work.

Omori "In adapting the globally supported “SAKAMOTO DAYS” into live action, both the cast and staff have placed great importance on maintaining respect for the original work."

Nishiyama "The original work is powerful both as a story and in terms of fan enthusiasm. In addition, we have an outstanding cast led by Ren Meguro, director Yuichi Fukuda—known for hits like “Gintama” and “From Today, It’s My Turn!!”—and the production company Creedus, which has worked on the “Kingdom” series, “Golden Kamuy,” and “Kokuhou.” With such a lineup, we strongly feel the high expectations both within the companies involved and from the public."

With the combined strength of the original work and the cast and staff, expectations are extremely high. For the production team, this serves as both pressure and momentum, allowing them to aim for greater heights.

What strengths and characteristics define the structure of this production committee?

Nishiyama "One key feature is that Avex has significant discretion as the coordinating company. Also, because the number of stakeholders is relatively small, we were able to proceed with a high degree of flexibility. At the same time, we recognize that this comes with substantial responsibility for Avex."

Inspiration and Insights
from the Heart of Entertainment

With high expectations and a powerful team capable of meeting them, “SAKAMOTO DAYS” stands as one of AFL’s flagship projects this term. The scale of the production is immense, offering the team many fresh experiences and inspirations.

Nishiyama "At every turn, I felt that the scale was completely different from anything we’ve done before. Opportunities to work on a project of this magnitude are rare, so everything has been both a learning experience and deeply rewarding."

Omori "I’ve visited many sets before, but few have been on this scale. Seeing the sets in person made me truly realize the magnitude of the production. It has brought many opportunities to learn, while also making me feel the weight of the responsibility and expectations."

They have also been feeling a strong sense of enthusiasm from within Avex itself.

Nishiyama: "Because we are aiming for a high goal, I felt that the level of attention within the company was naturally very high as well. Recently, with the theatrical release approaching, we offered advance screening tickets internally, and they were completely gone in less than two minutes after applications opened online."

Amid their busy schedules, many employees had been waiting for the application to open and rushed to apply, which surprised him and made the strong internal expectations clearly visible once again. So, what aspects of this project reflect “Avex-ness”?

Nishiyama: "We’re not particularly conscious of expressing ‘Avex-ness,’ but as the lead company in the production committee, I believe it’s an important role to respect the individuality and strengths of the companies and creators who have come together for this project."

That said, there are certainly areas where they feel Avex’s unique strengths are evident.

Nishiyama: "I think Avex’s strengths are clearly reflected in the fact that Ren Meguro stars as the lead and that Snow Man performs the theme song. In addition, cast members such as Meru Nukumi and Kasumi Yamaya, who belong to Avex Management Agency, are also appearing, allowing us to effectively leverage internal synergies."

Omori previously worked in the management division, serving as a manager for artists including Ai Otsuka, and was also involved in artist character businesses as well as sales activities for actors affiliated with agencies to TV stations and production companies, gaining experience across a wide range of roles in the entertainment field.

Omori: "Until now, I’ve been involved in film and television productions from the standpoint of a talent agency, but now that I’m on the side of delivering a work, I’m gaining many new realizations."

Within the Avex Group, there is also a system that supports motivated internal transfers. We asked Omori what kind of synergy she feels can be gained from experience across multiple fields.

Omori: "Even when working on the same project, what people value differs depending on their position, and the way they see things changes. I’ve felt this myself through my experience working in different roles."

Meanwhile, when asked about Omori’s strengths as a producer, Nishiyama points to her “communication skills.”

Nishiyama: "For example, I think she has a distinctive way of building trust with creators and engaging in ongoing dialogue. There are many types of producers, but Omori is the kind who moves forward while staying close to the creators. I believe that comes from her experience in artist management. After a long production period, when a film is completed and released, the project reaches a milestone, but if strong relationships have been built, it creates momentum to work together again. From a business perspective, that kind of continuity is very important."

Having worked on a project of unprecedented scale, both have gained a great deal from the experience. So, what kind of lineup and goals does AFL envision going forward?

Omori: "I’m also working on another film this year titled “mentor,” set to be released on October 16. It is a completely original work written and directed by Keisuke Yoshida, known for films such as “Himeanole,” “Intolerance,” and “Missing” It’s a new kind of entertainment piece that depicts two young men who grow into adulthood while being trapped in their past, and the presence of a ‘mentor’ who quietly but surely distorts their fate. Hayato Isomura and Seiya Suezawa from Aぇ! group star as double leads, with Go Ayano playing the role of the mentor. While it differs in style from “SAKAMOTO DAYS,” I hope to continue working to bring the unique appeal of each project to as many people as possible."

Nishiyama: "As long as we are in the position of production, creating a hit will always remain our most straightforward and important goal. In addition to that, expanding overseas is another key objective. This is also a guiding principle set by the Avex Group, and we at AFL want to develop live-action content from Japan that can resonate with audiences around the world."

Of course, “SAKAMOTO DAYS” is also being developed with a global expansion in mind, and they are already beginning to feel a strong sense of potential in that direction.

Finally, when asked once again about the key highlights of the film—

Omori: "While staying true to the appeal of the original work, we’ve depicted the intensity and speed of the action on a scale that only live-action can achieve. I hope audiences will experience that sense of realism and tension on the big screen in theaters."

Nishiyama: "This film will also be released in large formats such as IMAX and SCREENX. Toho has arranged a large-scale rollout, so we hope audiences will enjoy it across a variety of viewing formats."

During Golden Week 2026, the live-action film “SAKAMOTO DAYS” finally opened in theaters nationwide. This project, into which AFL has poured its passion, will surely bring a fresh new wind to Japan’s entertainment industry.