REVIEW: ‘Sakamoto Days’ Episode 18 – “Kanaguri”

The greatest detail lost in translation between the source material and adaptation is evident in the fun yet limiting Sakamoto Days Episode 18. It’s something that’s been nagging since the start of the series. It’s not a lack of artistry or skill, but a significant choice to smooth out the rough edges of Yuto Suzuki’s illustrations. 

Sakamoto Days Episode 18 is action-packed as it finds Shin (Nobunaga Shimazaki) continuing his fight with Mafuyu (Daiki Yamashita) before a last-minute appearance throws the entire plane into further turmoil. From the fight between Shin and Mafuyu (with the former being the victor) to the free-fall of the two of them, Sakamoto (Tomokazu Sugita), and Akira (Mao Ichimichi) as they plummet towards the ocean below, “Kanaguri” operates at a surface-level breakneck speed. It ticks all the boxes of what makes a strong action anime, but can’t quite hit the heights of its contemporaries. 

And all of this boils down to what the series’ fundamental flaw is: it erases the scrappiness of the manga. Suzuki’s work is detailed, but not in the way each character is drawn or a setting is featured. The detail comes through the movement of the action and how our characters change over time. Sure, Shin’s original design is a little blocky, but the manga quickly updates to allow for someone more lithe in their physicality – feral in their approach to attack. 

The character design and production are all too neat. 

Everyone is just a little feline in their movements – a little frenzied, a little desperate. Because, despite the inherent comedy of the premise and the lunacy of the world they live in, these characters are very often fighting for their lives. They should look harried.

However, the Netflix adaptation has committed itself to an overtly clean, sleek aesthetic that draws more from espionage films and spy thrillers than it does slice-of-life and/or action flicks. Our protagonists, regardless of their professions, are brawlers, and it does the story a disservice to be so consumed by these neat and tidy lines. 

And it’s especially apparent with Shin’s character, who, in any given arc, is increasingly rundown and ragged-looking. His will to continue standing back up and improving himself is part of his charm.

Akira is the next major addition to the series. 

Regardless, Sakamoto Days Episode 18 is hardly bad. It’s generally enjoyable. However, it highlights the long-standing issues the series has faced. The action is more decisive, aided by the way in which Mafuyu and Shin fight, but it doesn’t reach the fluidity and highs of Episode 17. However, the fight does allow for a fun new development with Mafuyu attaching himself to Shin after the latter spares his life. 

Sakamoto Days Episode 18 is clearly establishing the new faces. Order member Kanaguri arrives as the latest antagonist, interested only in directing a new film based on the turmoil the applicants face, going so far as to sabotage the test, which sends the plane free-falling. 

Then there’s Akira, another teenager who looks to Sakamoto for guidance. However, she soon demonstrates her own resolve and skill, saving them by sewing together a makeshift parachute that slows their descent to the ground.

Sakamoto Days Episode 18 marks a pivotal part of the story. 

While there are no real thrills in their descent, it is fun to see how Akira acclimates to the challenge and how quickly Sakamoto and Shin are willing to trust her, their confidence emboldening her decision-making. 

Moreover, it prompts Sakamoto to ponder who she is, based on what he considers a superhuman ability. With such an immediately established ensemble early on, it’s fun to see how the world expands with the arrival of new faces and how they go on to impact the protagonist’s story. Sakamoto Days Episode 18 fully shakes off the hang-out comedy vibes of the earlier installments as it readies itself for the next, integral leg of the story. 

Sakamoto Days Episode 18 gets by through winsome humor and strong characters who anchor the story. The production leaves much to be desired due to unfortunate stylistic preferences. That said, it’s still an improvement, so with that and the increasingly interesting story, here’s hoping the show continues to carve its own path. 

Sakamoto Days Episode 18 is out now on Netflix. 

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