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Netflix’s ‘Aema’ is a South Korean comedy period drama series created by Lee Hae-young. Set in 1980s Korea, the narrative follows Jeong Hui-ran, an influential star who gets into trouble with Shinsung Pictures. On top of being unfriendly, she is also known for being blunt when it comes to taking a stand for what she considers right. Due to her dispute with the studio, she loses her part as the lead in the most anticipated film in the country — ‘Madame Aema.’ However, since she signed a contract with the production studio, she is cast in a supporting role. Meanwhile, Shin Joo-ae, who auditions for the titular role, is cast as a replacement for Jeong.

Superman Worldwide Box Office: Beats Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning has been enjoying the 5th rank among this year’s top Hollywood grossers for quite some time, but it now belongs to Superman. James Gunn’s film has finally cracked the top 5 highest-grossing Hollywood films list this year and is headed towards its final major milestone worldwide. Keep scrolling for the deets.

This year has been relatively slow regarding box office revenues, but it picked up during the summer with films like Lilo & Stitch and Jurassic World Rebirth. Although more was expected from the Tom Cruise-starrer Mission: Impossible 8, it failed...

Shin Godzilla Specialty Re-Release North America Box Office ( Photo Credit – Prime Video )

Shin Godzilla, originally released in 2016 and directed by Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno, has had quite the successful run at the United States box office, with the film being re-released in theaters by GKids in 1,290 theaters. The weekend haul at the box office, per Box Office Mojo, was a respectable $1.63 million, for a cumulative total of $2.48 million.

Shin Godzilla was produced during the interim between Anno’s other high-profile film series, known as Rebuild of Evangelion. The film originally grossed $77.9 million worldwide during its initial box office run back in 2016, per Box Office Mojo. The fact that...

Sakamoto decides to take a look back at the past to tackle the present crisis, as in order to learn Slur’s true motive behind attacking Jaa and putting a hit out on him and his family, he decides to return to the assassin academy, Jcc, in the seventeenth episode. Previously in Sakamoto Days, the vicious ambush by Slur and Gaku resulted in the deaths of numerous employees of the Jaa Kanto region HQ, until Sakamoto and Takamura decided to step in. Even though Sakamoto struggled against Slur, whom he recognized as his old Jcc batchmate, Kei Uzuki, the veteran swordsman Takamura single-handedly almost took down Slur and his crew. Uda, one of Slur’s lackeys working undercover in Jaa, sacrificed his life as a suicide bomber to provide Slur and Gaku a chance to escape. From fellow member of the Order, Hyo, Sakamoto was able to learn that the...

HBO Max Adds Your Name, Perfect Blue, Shin Godzilla & More Anime Films To Its Library This September (Photo Credit – Prime Video)

HBO Max is making this year exciting for anime fans. The streaming platform is adding a big batch of Japanese films through a partnership with Gkids, bringing both well-known hits and hidden gems to its library. The deal builds on HBO Max’s existing collaboration with Gkids, the distributor behind titles like Belle, Inu-Oh, and Mirai, along with live-action hits such as Shin Godzilla and Studio Ghibli favorites like Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron.

Rare and Underrated Japanese Films Join HBO Max

The lineup will feature three movies from Makoto Shinkai, including the globally popular Your Name, along with Children Who Chase Lost Voices and The Place Promised in Our Early Days, per Collider.

‘Your Name’ is coming to HBO Max on September 1st! pic.twitter.

Alright, so Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8, which is technically Episode 19 overall, is releasing on August 25 (in Japan) and then globally on September 1, 2025. Buckle up for a huge plot twist. With the stage already set by Episode 7’s big reveals and comedic chaos, this upcoming episode is gonna have even crazier action, character growth, and deeper involvement from The Order.

When Will Episode 8 of Sakamoto Days Part 2 Release in Different Time Zones?

Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8 is scheduled to be released on Monday, August 25 (for Japan), at 12:00 Am sharp, and then it will stream globally on September 1, 2025, on platforms like Netflix. As it has always been with the other episodes, if you live outside of Japan, you will need to wait for a while, depending on where you are located.

Exact times may vary slightly depending on your streaming service, but this gives a good idea of when to be ready with popcorn in hand.

Dandadan has managed to exceed Sakamoto Days in its own game. Sakamoto Days had an outline that was meant to be the perfect mix of action and comedy. However, with its impressive blend of supernatural horror, action, and heartfelt moments, Dandadan thrives at balancing the different genres.

As modern Shonen, both Dandadan and Sakamoto Days stand out as masterpieces of the genre; however, despite the similarities when it comes to masterfully blending high-stakes action with slice-of-life moments, Dandadan comes out on top.

Sakamoto Days might have incredible potential and a setup that is perfect for constant humor, but the anime seems to diverge from that angle and does not play to its advantages.

Dandadan Perfectly Balances Heart and Horror

Dandadan is unique in its execution. Despite the high-intensity action or thrill scenes involving aliens and ghosts, it is when the gang comes together for laughs or the subtle moments of...

Sakamoto Days -- Tms Entertainment's anime adaptation of Yuto Suzuki's hit action-comedy manga -- is currently one of Shonen Jump's most popular next-generation IPs. However, it is now consistently being overtaken in the anime streaming war by Science Saru's Dandadanseries.

Per Netflix's streaming report for Aug 4-10, Sakamoto Days is currently the platform's 10th most-watched "Non-English" show worldwide, with over seven million watch hours accrued over 1.1 million views. Comparatively, third-place winner Dandadan has amassed 6.2 million watch hours from 2.5 million total views. Moreover, unlike Sakamoto Days, Dandadan is available on other platforms for international viewers, making its high Netflix ranking even more impressive. The only other anime to earn a spot in Netflix's Top 10 is Studio Hibari's supernatural dark fantasy series Tougen Anki, which sits at a modest seventh place. Cour 2 (or Part 2) of Sakamoto Days premiered on July 14 -- roughly one week after Dandadan's Season 2 debut.

The last decade has been very good to Godzilla fans. The famous Japanese kaiju has roared back to life in Legendary’s Hollywood MonsterVerse, but every so often, Japan delivers its own vision of the iconic Titan — and one of those, 2016’s Shin Godzilla (Godzilla: Resurgence), is widely considered one of the best Godzilla films ever made. Now, U.S. audiences are about to experience it in the highest quality possible, thanks to a newly announced streaming deal and a theatrical return.

Gkids has acquired North American distribution rights and will release a never-before-seen 4K remaster of Shin Godzilla in theaters today, giving fans a chance to see its city-levelling destruction on the big screen before it stomps onto HBO Max in 4K. The streaming arrival is part of Gkids’ expanded partnership with HBO Max, which also includes 20 additional live-action and animated titles. The first wave of content hits the...

Sakamoto Days has released a key visual showcasing multiple characters relevant in the season, but there is no sign of Lu Shaotang. This indicates that the anime might be continuing on the flawed path set by the source material. Yuto Suzuki, the author of Sakamoto Days, sidelined a key character, Lu Shaotang, from the series for an extremely long time, disappointing a lot of fans.

The absence of Lu in the visual makes it clear that the anime is going to faithfully adapt its source and not make any changes, dashing the hopes of Lu fans and forever breaking up the Sakamoto trio. It is disheartening that a character as lively, hilarious, and vital as Lu can simply be relegated to anonymity and be forgotten.

Lu Shaotang Had Incredible Potential in Sakamoto Days

Sakamoto Days is wasting Lu Shaotang’s potential by not letting her be a part of the story.

Like many of you, I loved Godzilla Minus One, but I equally love Shin Godzilla. Its weird, body horror-y take on the King of the Monsters makes it different from any installment that preceded it, and Godzilla's decimation of Tokyo in this film is among the series' most terrifying moments. This film was also the first Godzilla movie that I had the privilege of seeing in Japan, giving it an extra special place in my monster kid heart. So, I'm very excited that we're getting a 4K release of the film, which is hitting theaters on August 14th (with a home media release to follow).

I also had a chance to briefly catch up with Shinji Higuchi to discuss the film during a Comic-Con junket, learning about the parallels between Shin Godzilla and The Return of Godzilla, and he briefly discusses that end scene that keeps everyone guessing (spoiler...

The new villains in Sakamoto Days are reminiscent of the lively cast from Jujutsu Kaisen, as we once again see a bunch of serial killers wreaking havoc around the city. The destructive tendencies and madness are not the only traits commonly shared by the villains of both series. The internal dynamics of both villain groups are mainly what make them somewhat identical to one another.

In the latest episode of Sakamoto Days, the relationship dynamics between the villains were at the forefront. It was apparent that Slur cares about his teammates and understands them on a deeper level. His interactions with Gaku made this clear, and the wholesomeness, albeit twisted, is turning things around for the anime.

Both Jjk and Sakamoto Days Have Serial Killers With Wholesome Dynamics Jujutsu Kaisen villains are more selfish than the group in Sakamoto Days | Credits: Studio Mappa

Jujutsu Kaisen had twisted characters like Mahito and Geto,...

Spoiler Alert !!!This Article Contains Minor Spoilers From Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 6 & 7.

Following the insanity that episode 6 brought to the table, you might be eager to watch episode 7 of Sakamoto Days Part 2 as soon as possible. But sadly, if you’re outside Japan, you’ll have to wait an extra week for its eventual Netflix release.

In Japan, episode 7 will be released next Tuesday, August 19 (midnight), but according to Netflix’s worldwide Sakamoto Days Part 2 release schedule, it will be available on August 25.

Episode 6 was arguably one of the best episodes so far, in the 2nd Cour of the series. The episode was jam-packed with some top-notch action, following the most anticipated clash between X and Sakamoto in episode 5. Now, what’s about to happen next in episode 7?

When Will Episode 7 of Sakamoto Days Part 2 Release in Different Time Zones?

As already mentioned, if you follow the anime’s official Netflix release schedule,...

As expected from the buildup in the previous chapter, the sixteenth episode of Sakamoto Days, titled ‘Slice Slice Dance,’ turns out to be the most thrilling, action-packed twenty minutes the series has offered so far. Previously, Sakamoto defeated Apart—the final member of Slur’s hired killer crew—and decided to spare his life. Upon questioning, Apart reveals Slur’s nefarious plan to Sakamoto—as the mysterious X-mark killer kept the Order distracted with death row serial killers to set an ambush on all the Jaa bases across the country. In the final moments of the last episode, Slur and one of his lackeys, Gaku, enter Jaa’s Kanto division to begin their vicious rampage, while Sakamoto plans to visit the base to meet the person who put a bounty on him and his family.

Spoilers Ahead

Takamura Stops the Bloodbath

Slur and Gaku begin their rampage, killing anyone who...

Back in March, it was confirmed that the anime adaptation of Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You. would continue into a second season. Now a new key visual is here to depict the four boys at the center of Mizuho's complicated love story. We also learned that the new season is set to premiere sometime in 2026, with Junichi Yamamoto confirmed to return as director. Check out the new art, featuring Shin, Shuugo, Airu and Kizuki sitting by the pool: Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You. Season 2 Key Visual Related: Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You. Season 2 Plans Confirmed Junichi Yamamoto directs Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You . at studio Typhoon Graphics and returns to helm the second season. The first season also featured Yu Murai ( Haigakura ) on series composition, Io Shiiba on character designs and Keiji Inai ( Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion ) on music.

Part 2, Episode 5 was a blast, both literally and figuratively, which has made everyone stoked for Episode 6. Sakamoto Days has escalated the amount of violence and gore it shows in the anime adaptation, although the animation still leaves much to be desired. We wonder what Sakamoto and Shin will face in Part 2, Episode 6.

As Slur and Gaku mobilize their plan to destroy the Jaa, with the latter killing many of the assassins, Takakura arrives and puts him in his place. His arrival was cold and mesmerizing to see. His swordsmanship is the best we’ve seen in Sakamoto Days.

Sakamoto, Shin, and Apart arrive, but unfortunately, Slur plays dirty. The protagonist is hospitalized, but more determined than ever. In the next episode, he and Shin will be off to the Jcc. What awaits them next?

When Will Part 2 Episode 6 of Sakomoto Days Release?

Sakamoto Days Season 1 Part 2 has an unusual release schedule.

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains spoilers from Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 5.

Okay, I need to rant about Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 5. This episode not only knocked me off my feet, but it also completely broke me into a whirlpool of feels, insanity, and random outbursts of laughter.

You know that feeling when an anime episode grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go? Yeah. That’s this episode. So, let’s break this chaos together, shall we?

Gaku Went Absolutely Feral and I Was Loving It

Let’s begin with Gaku, because What A Menace. This man destroyed three levels of the Jaa headquarters in like two minutes. That’s not a fight, that’s a massacre with a timer attached. He’s flipping, slicing, and just mass-murdering like a pro while the so-called ‘elite guards’ are dropping like flies.

But the wildest part of this Sakamoto Days episode?...

In the latest episode of Sakamoto Days, Slur’s real plan behind sending the crew of killers comes to the surface as Sakamoto faces off against Apart in Tokyo Tower. Previously, Nagumo was able to easily overpower and kill Minimalist, while Sakamoto engaged in a battle with Apart. Thanks to veteran healer Granny Miya blocking his transformation, Sakamoto learns to push his fat physique to the limit to gain optimum fighting ability even in his out-of-shape state. Compared to the last three episodes, this one is not as eventful, but during the final moments it does build up the hype for the next battle Sakamoto has to take part in.

Spoilers Ahead

Apart’s Tragic Past

Sakamoto Days episode 15 begins with Shishiba having a discussion with Osaragi in the ruined shrine, where she fought and killed Dump. Shishiba receives a call from Nagumo, who shared that Slur had planned for...

Funko has been releasing a lot of figures based on anime recently, and another line-up has been added to its collection. As Sakamoto Days has resumed airing its Season 1 episodes on Netflix, Funko has announced new Pop Figures based on this anime series. This collection features five figures, with one of them having a chase variant.

The characters featured in Funko's Sakamoto Days collection include Taro Sakamoto, Shin Asakura, Lu Shaotang, Nagumo, and Heisuke with Piisuke, all listed for $14.99 each. If you pre-order the Taro Sakamoto figure, customers have a chance to get its chase variant, which is his slim version as seen in Episode 5. These figures are available for pre-order on sites like Entertainment Earth and are scheduled to arrive in October 2025.

The second half of Sakamoto Days Season 1 started on Netflix on July 15, continuing the "Death Row Prisoners Arc" that was set up during the first half of the show.

In the romantic comedy “I Fell in Love with a Z-Grade Director in Brooklyn“, the Kenichi Ugana showcases his passion for American underground cinema and tells a classical “boy meets girls” story set in the punky environment of New York City.

I Fell in Love with a Z-Grade Director in Brooklyn is screening at Fantasia International Film Festival

Mizuhara Shina is the upcoming star of the Japanese film industry. The big success of “Rebellion of Love” gives her all the opportunities and puts her in the limelight of the press. But fame does not satisfy her. Despite all the attention she gets, Shina is demotivated and cannot find passion for her profession. She leaves her agency and moves to New York with her boyfriend, Ren.

Making their way to all the tourist sights, the couple realises that their relationship is built upon superficiality and they break up. When Shina loses her luggage,...

Within the anime industry, there are very few characters who have made an impact as big as Dragon Ball’s Piccolo. The Namekian is one of the best-written characters within the Dragon Ball franchise, and what made him an even bigger name was the voice behind his character, which was loved by the entire fandom. For those who don’t know, Piccolo was voiced by legendary voice actor Toshio Furukawa.

Furukawa is known for a lot of iconic roles. From playing Shin in the Fist of the North Star to voicing Portgas D. Ace in One Piece, Furukawa has showcased his talents in multiple anime series. However, none of them became as big as Piccolo from Dragon Ball. But what fans might not know is that at first, Furukawa didn’t believe he was the right fit for the role.

During Anime NYC last year, Furukawa reflected on his job...

Head Over Heels: Love, Loss & Unexpected Turns In Cho Yi-Hyun’s K-Dram ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Spoiler Alert

tvN’s drama Head Over Heels premiered its finale episode on July 29, 2025. The series stars Cho Yi-Hyun as Park Seong-a, a high schooler by day and powerful shaman by night, and Choo Young-Woo, who portrays Bae Gyeon-u, a high schooler in danger. When Gyeon-u comes to Seong-a’s shrine with his grandmother, she realizes that he will die within 21 days, but as she falls in love with him, Seong-a decides to help him.

The next day, she sees Gyeon-u at her school, where he joins a new transfer student. At that moment, she decides to save and protect him at any cost. As days pass, Seong-a tries her best to save him from every evil force and ghost, be it a water ghost, a fire ghost, or even a suicide ghost. With time,...

The Sakamoto Days manga had almost everything it needed to be a successful anime adaptation. Its truly immaculate vibe, along with its cool art style, had readers falling in love with the series. However, there has also been one prominent issue with the storyline that can’t be overlooked. Despite being a Shonen series filled with intense action sequences, it lacks a well-defined power system.

Some fans have also pointed out how unsettling some of its characters often come off. For that, even the anime has essentially become a superhero series with no clear rules or regulations. The adaptation was already marred with setbacks and flaws from top to bottom from the first cour of season 1, and now, with this inherent issue at hand, things have taken a turn for the worse.

The Seemingly Non-Existent Power System of Sakamoto Days

The characters in Sakamoto Days are ridiculously strong, to say the least.

The latest episode of Sakamoto Days Season 1 Part 2 has already been released in Japan. It offers one of the most disturbing backstories we’ve seen on a villain, with Apart’s disturbing childhood and how he became who he is. This cour seems to love ending at a cliffhanger for each episode.

After Sakamoto defeats Apart and lets him live, he reveals some vital information about X’s Organization. They plan to attack the Jaa, and we witness Slur and Gaku go there at the end of the episode.

Sakamoto decides they should head to Jaa, suggesting that the next episode will feature a confrontation with two of the most dangerous antagonists. Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 5 might be the most action-packed and gore-filled one so far.

When Will Part 2 Episode 5 of Sakomoto Days Release?

The unusual schedule for the second part of the first season has caused some mix-ups. You...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains some of the spoilers from Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 3.

Alright, listen up, I just watched Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 3, and I’ve got a few Big thoughts to share. If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like if absolute chaos, comedy, fakeouts, and savage character moments had a baby together, it’s this episode.

I mean, Tms Entertainment went all out and said, “Let’s make things ridiculously cool and finally give Nagumo the spotlight he totally deserves.” After the mid-season break had me mildly panicking that the pacing might drop, this episode straight up punched me in the face, like, in the absolute best way ever! Let’s break it down.

Nagumo From Sakamoto Days: The Snarky Assassin King We Needed

Right, so remember how Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 2 ended with Minimalist cornering Aoi like he was about to make the...

The second phase of Sakamoto Days is getting more exciting with each episode, with top-notch action sequences, brutal clashes, and great buildup to each major fight—I don’t feel like complaining about the lack of humor anymore. Previously, Shin and Shaotang were able to defeat Slur’s hired killer, Saw, who was later killed by the Order member, Hyo. Osaragi, another member of the Order, faced Dump in a battle and killed her, showing the clear difference in skills between them. The threat on Sakamoto’s family looms larger as the most dangerous killer of Slur’s crew, Minimalist, reached Sakamoto’s convenience store in his absence and approached his wife, Aoi, in the final moments of the previous episode. The fourteenth episode revolves around an unexpected matchup, while Sakamoto learns to use his supposed weakness as his advantage.

Spoilers Ahead

The Team Meets Granny Miya

Following the battle with Saw,...

The title of Lee Il-ha‘s “Horoomon”—a term once used to describe discarded offal, now considered a delicacy in Japanese cuisine—initially seems a clever metaphor for the position of Zainichi Koreans in modern-day Japan. Despite Korean pop culture being omnipresent, the presence of ethnic Koreans in Japan remains fraught with tension and invisibility. However, as the documentary progresses, it reveals a far more sinister truth: in today’s world, those in power can manipulate the media to implant dangerous ideas into an unsuspecting public.

Horoomon is screening at New York Asian Film Festival

At the center of the story is Sugok Shin, a third-generation Korean born and raised in Shibuya. Her mother and grandmother also lived in Tokyo, and while her early life was largely assimilated, Shin gradually reconnects with her Korean heritage, embracing it with pride. Her assertiveness and refusal to be silent set her apart, as...

Toho’s Shin Godzilla is stomping into theaters next month with a brand new 4K remaster courtesy of Gkids, and they’ve released a stunning new trailer for the release.

Look for Shin Godzilla in theaters on August 14, with a home release to follow.

The film, originally released in 2016, will be released in its original Japanese language with subtitles, including restored text cards and a 4K remaster that has never before been released in North America.

In Shin Godzilla, “The Prime Minister of Japan pleads with the public to remain calm after a horrific creature of tremendous size makes landfall in the city, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Then, it evolves. The government assembles a motley task force to combat the monster when an envoy from the US Department of State delivers a folder of classified documents. On its cover is written ‘Godzilla.’”

Hideaki Anno (“Neon Genesis Evangelion...

After six years of nonstop action, sharp humor, and stylish violence, Sakamoto Days is reportedly heading toward its conclusion. Weekly Shonen Jump has confirmed that the manga will begin its “Final Battle” arc in Issue #36/37, marking the beginning of the end for Yuto Suzuki’s breakout hit. While an official end date has not been revealed, this signals that the series’ long-running story is finally approaching its climax.

Since its debut in 2020, according to @WSJ_manga on X, Sakamoto Days has built a loyal fanbase by blending comedic slice-of-life moments with brutal assassination showdowns. At the center is the titular Taro Sakamoto, once a feared hitman, now a chubby, lovable convenience store owner with a wife and kid. But as enemies from his past keep pulling him back in, Sakamoto’s retirement has been anything but peaceful.

The Final Battle Begins for Sakamoto and His Crew Sakamoto Days Enters Its Last Act,...

Yuto Suzuki’s Sakamoto Days has been one of the most entertaining stories of the modern era, bringing a new perspective to the world of assassins. The manga first started in 2020, and for almost five years, the series has been entertaining fans with thrilling plotlines, masterful combat sequences, and subtle slice-of-life moments.

However, the story is finally coming to an end, as according to new updates, Sakamoto Days manga is entering the final battle arc of the narrative. This is a big and sad development for Sakamoto Days fans who have been thoroughly enjoying Taro Sakamoto dealing with threatening assassins while he also manages his life as a common man.

The final battle arc will be a big one as it will mark the climax of the Sakamoto Days storyline, and all the heavy hitters from the story will feature in the upcoming battle. It will be exciting to see...

Paramount has set untitled K-Pop Movie from Hybe America with Ji-young Yoo and Eric Nam (The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender and Transplant) starring.

Benson Lee (Seoul Searching) is directing for a Feb. 12, 2027 theatrical release. The movie is expected to be the first major American studio film shot entirely in South Korea.

Eileen Shim wrote the latest draft. Previous writers include Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians), Elyse Hollander and Lee. The movie follows a young Korean-American woman, who defies her family’s wishes to compete in a televised competition to find the next K-pop girl group.

“This film is my love letter to K-pop – its energy, passion, magic, and the incredible community behind it. I’m deeply grateful to Paramount Pictures for championing the project, to our producers for their unwavering dedication, to our talented and dynamic cast, and to the legends of the genre...

Paramount and Hybe America’s untitled K-pop film has found its stars and landed a release date, Paramount announced Tuesday.

Ji-young Yoo (KPop Demon Hunters) and Eric Nam (The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender) are set to star in the Benson Lee-directed film. Eileen Shim wrote the script’s latest draft.

“This film is my love letter to K-pop – its energy, passion, magic, and the incredible community behind it,” Lee said in statement. “I’m deeply grateful to Paramount Pictures for championing the project, to our producers for their unwavering dedication, to our talented and dynamic cast, and to the legends of the genre helping us bring this story to life.”

In North America, the movie will open in theaters Feb. 12, 2027, the beginning of the lucrative Presidents Day/Valentine’s Day weekend, opposite TriStar’s buzzed-about book adaptation The Nightingale, starring Elle and Dakota Fanning (that film’s...

Sakamoto Days part 2 episode 3 will feature what will happen to Aoi since she is alone at the store when Minimalist visits. However, she isn’t nearly as defenseless as she looks, and Minimalist will have an unpleasant surprise waiting for him. Meanwhile, in episode 2, Saw is already having a hard time defeating Shin and Lu’s combined forces.

Lu’s new drunken form is ruthless, and both her behavior and voice have changed. She is no longer the cutesy Lu, but a killing machine forged by the mafia. On the other hand, Shin has become way more powerful as well, but the toll on their bodies is heavy.

Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 3 Release Date Lu’s newfound powers take a toll on him | Credits: Tms Entertainment

Sakamoto Days part 2 episode 3 will be released on July 28 at 8 am Pst. The episodes are broadcast a week ahead in Japan, so episode 3 is...

Okay, let’s not even pretend I didn’t lose my mind during this episode. Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 2 totally brought the chaos, carnage, and comedy that make this series so addictive. For real, how does one show manage to fit dad jokes, psychic powers, bloody fights, and pet store brawls without losing its mind? I’ll tell you how. It’s Sakamoto Days, man, and they don’t miss.

This episode of Sakamoto Days was like a three-course meal: Shin and Lu were cooking something up in the pet shop, Osaragi serving a cold dish of annihilation, and The Order out here casually road-tripping to murder town. Let’s break it all down because my brain is still spinning, and honestly, I really need to vent about it somewhere.

Shin Got That Future Vision Dlc Upgrade and I’m Screaming

So, remember how Sakamoto Days Episode 12 ( titled ‘Just Desserts...

After a phenomenal start to the second leg of the first season of Sakamoto Days, the thirteenth episode maintains the momentum by wasting no time in initiating the conflict between the Order and Slur’s mass murderer crew. In the previous episode, viewers were introduced to both the members of the Order and the death row escapees hired by Slur, as Sakamoto continued to prepare for his upcoming battles. One of the killers for hire, Saw, ambushed Shin and Shaotang inside a convenience store. The mortal fear he experienced, coupled with a drive to protect Sakamoto’s family, resulted in a revolutionary transformation in Shin’s powers—imbuing him with future sight ability. Shin toyed with Saw during the rest of the battle, and as the clash resumes in the present episode, Shaotang is revealed to have unlocked a unique ability as well.

Spoilers Ahead

What Happens to Saw?

Shin...

Streaming service Netflix -- the most popular platform worldwide for anime viewers -- recently released its latest Engagement Report, detailing the biggest titles among global audiences from January through June 2025, with one anime coming out clearly on top.

Per Netflix's own internal reporting, Sakamoto Days has officially become the most watched anime globally of 2025 so far. The hit series has had its first season streamed over 24.4 million times by fans on the platform. In total, Sakamoto Days surpassed the 106.4 million hours streamed mark, which has only gone up in the hours between the time the news first broke and the time of writing. It was trailed by Mashle: Magic and Muscles (7.9 million views), The Apothecary Diaries Season 1 (7.8 million views), Dandadan Season 1 (7.5 million views) and Solo Leveling Season 1 (7.4 million views).

Sakamoto Days Dominates Netflix Anime in 2025 Streaming Rankings (January-June) Image via Tms Entertainment

Based on Yuto Suzuki's ongoing manga of...

The 29th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, came to a close on July 13, marking the end of its grand journey.

This year, Bifan kicked off on July 3 and ran for 11 days, screening 221 films from 41 countries across 16 screens at 9 theaters. The festival achieved a remarkable final seat occupancy rate of 88.7%. Among the 221 films, 143 titles (64.7%) were premieres — including 54 World Premieres, 11 International Premieres, 31 Asian Premieres, and 47 Korean Premieres.

Training 10,000 AI Filmmakers! Opening of the AI Film Institute Bucheon — Bucheon Emerges as a Hub for Cutting-Edge Cinema

This year, Bifan continued its international AI competition section, just as it did last year. The opening film, About a Hero by director Piotr Winiewicz, was scripted by AI, further solidifying Bifan’s pioneering stance in the realm of artificial intelligence.

One of the highlights of Bifan 2025 was the establishment of the AI Film Institute Bucheon, with a bold five-year goal to train 10,000 AI filmmakers. Ahead of the festival,...

The hype was undeniably there. When the Sakamoto Days anime first came out, fans claimed it to be the next big thing in the industry. And honestly, they were not wrong. The series had all the green flags for it to work: a strong cast of characters, brutal action scenes, sick art style, a chilling murder mystery, with also a sweet touch of slice-of-life comedy gold.

It was like the perfect amalgamation of everything that makes a manga popular. Then where did it go wrong? Why did the anime not live up to any of the expectations that fans had put on it? Although part 2 of the anime is already here, it’s crazy how little people are talking about Sakamoto Days now. Unless the studio decides to make some changes, it’s only going to go downhill.

The Sakamoto Days Manga Has Fallen Victim to a ‘Mid’ Adaptation

There...

Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Episode 2 is all set to continue the battle between the Sakamoto gang and the death row inmates. In episode 1, the inmates were introduced one by one, showing their psychopathic tendencies. By the end of the episode, the attacks have already commenced.

Sakamoto, Lu, and Shin are all on the list of targets, and each of them needs to be careful, especially the latter two. However, they also need to be faster than the Order if they want to extract any info about Slur out of the inmates. Cour 1 of Sakamoto Days was already filled with plenty of battles, but the current cour has a lot planned ahead.

Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Episode 2 Release Date Nagumo warns Sakamoto about the death row inmates | Credits: Tms Entertainment

Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Episode 2, titled ‘Just Desserts’, will be released on July 21, 2025. Netflix has already streamed the second episode along with the first one on July 14 in Japan.

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains some of the spoilers from Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Episode 1.

Okay, let’s get into it. Sakamoto Days is back from that three-month nap, and you’d think it’d return swinging with budget upgrades, sakuga madness, and god-tier fight choreography, right? Well, not exactly. We’re back where we left off, in the middle of the chaos with serial killers, power levels, and Shin freaking out and snuggling puppies.

And hey, look, I love this show, but I’m also gonna call it like it is. The Cour 2 premiere? It’s fine. It’s decent. But honestly, it’s also playing it a little bit too safe. But hey, at least we got a better opening theme this time, so small wins, right? Let me break it down.

Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Episode 1 Dropped Us Right Into the Madness

So Sakamoto Days Cour 2 Episode 1 doesn’t waste even a second.

The world of Assassins in Sakamoto Days has always attracted fans. While the hype was already there in the manga community, the subsequent anime adaptation further catapulted its popularity. Now with the 2nd cour of season 1 almost upon us, it’d be advised to recall past events from cour 1 that would be relevant in this upcoming installment.

From the very 1st episode, the rules of this anime were set. Taro Sakamoto, a former legendary hitman, now spends his calm life with his wife and daughter, running a convenience store in Japan. The transition may seem unfathomable at first, but this is to show how overpowering love can be. It was just one random day when Sakamoto fell in love with a convenience store clerk named Aoi, and his life took a 180-degree turn after that.

The Rules and Promises Aoi and Taro Sakamoto | Credits: Tms Entertainment

The Sakamoto family has...

The first part of Sakamoto Days ended by teasing Slur’s plan of having Sakamoto and his associates, Shaotang, Shin, and Heisuke, murdered, as the mysterious ‘Killer of Killers’ brings four deadly death row inmates into Japan by faking their deaths and breaking them out of prison. Stakes are already at an all-time high as the second part begins with the twelfth episode; the quartet of killers have started wreaking havoc. Even though the clandestine group of high-echelon assassins known as the Order are already planning to confront the killers to maintain equilibrium in the underworld and get to Slur, who has killed a number of Jaa members already, Sakamoto needs to watch his back.

Spoilers Ahead

An Encounter Between Slur’s Killers and the Order Is Imminent

Sakamoto Days episode 12 begins on an ominous note, as one by one, all four killers hired by Slur display their expertise in hunting their prey,...

The latest anime adaptation of the classic Fist of the North Star manga released a new teaser trailer today, alongside announcing the primary cast members with a new piece of character art for Bat and Rin. The series is scheduled to debut in Japan in 2026 . The newly announced main cast includes: Kenshiro voiced by Shunsuke Takeuchi Bat voiced by Daiki Yamashita Rin voiced by M・A・O Fist of the North Star Teaser Trailer Fist of the North Star Rin and Bat character art Related: New Fist of the North Star Anime Unveils Visual, 2026 Premiere The original Fist of the North Star manga was published from 1983 to 1988 in Weekly Shonen Jump. Buronson wrote and Tetsuo Hara illustrated the series, which was also released in 27 collected volumes. Viz Media publishes an English-language version of the series. The series has previously been adapted into numerous anime and video games, a 1995 live-action film...

Since its publication in 2020, Yuto Suzuki’s manga “Sakamoto Days” has gained a reputation as one of the best action series on the market. Bold and detailed, yet possessing a fluidity of movement that makes the drawings come to life, it presents a unique challenge for adaptation. An anime based on this kind of manga necessitates a level of animation that does justice to the artwork.

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Taro Sakamoto was once the most feared of hit men—a legendary killer who always got the job done. But everything changed when he fell in love with a kind-hearted convenience store clerk and left behind a world of violence for a quiet family life as a portly shopkeeper. Years later, faces both old and new, such as psychic fellow hitman Shin and mafia family heiress Lu, come calling, and one thing becomes...

Ahsoka's Ivanna Sakhno opened up regarding how it feels to reunite with her castmates and reprise her role as Shin Hati. For Sakhno, Shin Hati is the only character she's reprised, and the actress is deeply grateful for the chance to continue being part of Star Wars.

Her time as Shin Hati means a lot to Sakhno, who became visibly emotional when she asked about filming season 2.

"I'm returning to London tomorrow to be back with my family and continue telling Shin's story," Sakhno revealed in a recent interview while promoting her latest movie, M3GAN 2.0.

Ivanna Sakhno gets teary eyed talking about returning to Shin Hati for season 2 of Ahsoka pic.twitter.com/LdX0sQCpx4

— McKay (@LA_McKayy) July 2, 2025

When asked how it's been emotionally and physically returning as Shin Hati, a teary-eyed Sakhno confessed, "Shin means so much to me, and this family means so much to me.

It’s time to spice things up on this year’s 4th of July! Keeping the festive atmosphere at full go, what would be a better way than diving deep into some awesome anime recs that just vibe with the spirit of freedom and independence? After all, who doesn’t love a good underdog story of some hero rebelling against the odds?

No matter if you’re a seasoned anime fan trying to find something to rewatch or just looking for some fresh shows to binge, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 anime shows that resonate with the themes of freedom fighting and independence that you must not miss. All of these deliver a perfect blend of action and drama, which is best suited to keep you entertained during this Independence Day weekend.

1. Attack on Titan

Just the sheer premise of Attack on Titan alone is an enough indicator of its greatness.

Shin Hati actor Ivanna Sakhno has an encouraging update on Ahsoka Season 2, which is currently filming in London. Sakhno has been busy promoting her upcoming movie M3GAN 2.0, but she has been going back and forth between that and the filming of Ahsoka.

Sakhno was asked if she could reveal anything about Ahsoka, and as anyone would expect, she remained tight-lipped on what to expect. Via Swnn.Net, in a conversation with GamesRadar, she provided an encouraging update on how Season 2 is shaping up. Sakhno is thrilled to be back with the cast and revealed, "It’s such an exciting time for us to be back together, and we’re currently in the middle of filming."

“All I can say is that it is bigger and even more in-depth, and I’m really excited for people to see it. It means the world," she added.

Ahsoka season 2 will also feature the return of Rosario Dawson,...

Ivanna Sakhno can't say much about Ahsoka Season 2. But the actor, who also stars in M3GAN 2.0, recently offered some insight into the upcoming installment of the Star Wars spinoff series.

"We've been going quite nonstop, at the moment. We're in London, so I just flew in a few hours before the premiere, and I'm going right back into filming," Sakhno told ComicBook when asked for a progress update on the series. "I really wish that I could share anything with you, but I have to be honest, you won't get anything from me. I just have to say, though, that it's really exciting. A lot of heart is put into it. We're trying to honor the world and the story as much as possible and have some really cool fights coming up, hopefully."

Like Ahsoka, M3GAN 2.0 gave Sakhno a more action-heavy role as Amelia, a government robot gone...

South Korean entertainment giant Cj Enm is betting big on artificial intelligence to create its future film, TV and animation hits.

The company, which distributed the Palme d’Or and Oscar-winning Parasite,outlined its AI strategy at a presentation in Seoul today (June 30) and premiered an original AI animation series, Cat Biggie.

Shin Keun-sup, chief strategy officer at Cj Enm, said AI would help the company be more competitive in the digital content landscape.

The company, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, also demonstrated two proprietary AI production systems that it is using in its workflows,‘Cinematic AI...

Ahsoka star Ivanna Sakhno addresses the Baylan Skoll recast and how it impacts season 2. Ray Stevenson, who played Baylan in season 1, passed away in May 2023, only months before the show's Disney+ debut. Since Baylan is still an essential piece of Ahsoka season 2's story, the decision was made to recast the character, with Game of Thrones' Rory McCann taking on the part.

Sakhno, who plays Baylan's apprentice, Shin Hati, worked closely with Stevenson in season 1, and is now working alongside McCann for season 2. Both characters were still on the planet Peridea in another galaxy when Ahsoka season 1 ended. Filming for season 2 is currently underway in London.

While speaking with ScreenRant's Liam Crowley about M3GAN 2.0, Sakhno was asked about whether she and McCann have discussed what their dynamic will be like in season 2. Sakhno reveals that McCann has "immense respect" for Stevenson's performance while "bring[ing] his own into Baylan's shoes.