Ren Meguro Stars in Live-Action SAKAMOTO DAYS as Both Plump and Sleek Sakamoto, Directed by Yuichi Fukuda

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of SAKAMOTO DAYS has officially announced that Ren Meguro (JP: 目黒蓮), a member of Japan’s top dance-vocal group Snow Man, will take the lead role. Meguro will portray Taro Sakamoto in two contrasting forms: the 140-kilogram retired hitman through special effects makeup, and the sharp, legendary assassin in his prime. The film is scripted and directed by hit comedy filmmaker Yuichi Fukuda and is slated for release in late April to early May 2026.

Serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha) and created by Yuto Suzuki, SAKAMOTO DAYS is one of today’s most popular manga. Following the live-action announcement on September 22, social media was instantly flooded with excitement: “I can’t wait for the adaptation,” “Who will play the cast?” and “How will Sakamoto’s duality be portrayed?”

Meguro takes on the role of Taro Sakamoto, once feared as the strongest assassin, who retires to live a peaceful family life and gains weight, reaching about 140 kilograms. However, when serious danger arises, he burns enormous calories in combat, regaining his former sleek physique. On days portraying his heavier form, Meguro endured nearly four hours of special makeup to embody the dramatic transformation with authenticity.

Yuichi Fukuda, known for the Gintama film series and From Today, It’s My Turn!! The Movie, blends comedy and action with his signature flair, bringing the manga to life through dynamic direction and striking visuals.

Meguro, who enjoys wide popularity as part of Snow Man and has acted in acclaimed dramas such as Silent, Where does the Sea Begin, and Trillion Game, will star alongside Minami Hamabe in Soon, Hodonaku Owakaredesu, releasing in February 2026. This marks his first collaboration with director Fukuda.

Under the guidance of action director Takeya Tabuchi (renowned for his work on Attack on Titan, Revolver Lily, Shin Kamen Rider,) and his long-standing partnership with Fukuda on Gintama and Under Ninja, Meguro also tackles intense, superhuman action sequences with unprecedented precision and power.

Meguro expressed his determination:
“In the past, I often took on heavier works where I wanted to convey something meaningful to viewers. But with SAKAMOTO DAYS, I wanted to do this project for myself. I’ve never challenged this level of action before and discovered a new side of myself and a confidence I never had. It’s a story full of comedy, action, and love, and I believe audiences will laugh, feel refreshed, and leave with warmth. Above all, I’ve done more action than ever before, so please look forward to it!”

Director Fukuda also shared his enthusiasm:
“Producer Matsuhashi suddenly messaged me, ‘Ren Meguro might take the role, what do you think?’ and I shouted, ‘No way!!!’ It was like a dream. I never imagined Ren would join my team. Even though editing isn’t fully complete and CG or music aren’t added, we already feel it could go to theaters as it is. It’s insanely fun. Please wait until next year’s Golden Week!”

Alongside the announcement, a 30-second teaser and new visual were revealed. The striking design contrasts the plump Sakamoto with his sharp assassin form, highlighting his piercing gaze in battle-ready mode. As expectations rise, the film positions itself as a new era of action-entertainment epic portraying the “daily life at stake.”

Teaser Trailer

Ren Meguro’s Full Comment (Snow Man)

“It is truly an honor to star in SAKAMOTO DAYS, a manga and anime beloved by so many. I first heard about this role during the filming of a primetime drama last year. When I read the original manga years ago, I thought, ‘This is so fun and cool. If it ever became a movie, who could play him? It must be impossible in live action.’ Never did I imagine I’d be offered the role myself.

Sakamoto Taro is a character once feared as a legendary assassin, yet now he is a gentle father who prioritizes his family. That contrast is his greatest charm, and I find him truly inspiring. This was my first time doing this level of action, and I discovered new confidence that may become my strength as an actor moving forward. I even felt I wanted to become the kind of actor who could rival anyone in action.

Working with Fukuda-san for the first time, I initially wondered if I could handle comedy, but he kept making thoughtful suggestions and proved to be such a warm person. On set, I was amazed at how much trust he placed in both cast and crew, which helped me trust him right away. His perseverance, even in tough situations, inspired everyone, and in the end, people were moved to tears saying, ‘I’m glad we pursued perfection.’

I poured everything into respecting the world of the manga and its characters while adding my own feelings. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the story, I hope it reaches your heart. This film is packed with comedy, action, and love, so I believe you’ll laugh, feel refreshed, and leave warm inside. Most of all, I’ve taken on the most action I’ve ever done, so please look forward to it!”

Yuichi Fukuda’s Full Comment (Scriptwriter & Director)

“I usually don’t watch serialized dramas, but because my friend Murase was the producer, I happened to watch The Beginning of the Sea. That was when I first saw Ren Meguro. I thought, ‘Who is this actor I want to keep watching forever?’ The impact was overwhelming, and I even posted about it on X. Fans recommended many of his works, and I ended up binge-watching them all, posting nonstop about how much I loved Ren Meguro.

Around that time, we started casting for SAKAMOTO DAYS. My one condition for Producer Matsuhashi was, ‘An actor who can play both fat and slim Sakamoto, and who looks incredibly cool when slim.’ He asked if such a person even existed. I had no idea either, and casting dragged on. Then one day, Matsuhashi suddenly messaged, ‘Ren Meguro might do it!’ I screamed, ‘You’re kidding!!!’

Honestly, when I was endlessly posting about how much I loved Ren Meguro, I never dreamed he’d actually join my team. I know this is a long comment, but I couldn’t hold back my excitement. On the first day of filming, I even declared, ‘I’d risk my life for Ren Meguro!’ That story I’ll share elsewhere.

As of now, editing is finished, and even without CG or music, it already feels ready for theaters. It’s unbelievably fun. Please look forward to it next Golden Week!”

Source : ORICON NEWS