Sakamoto Days opens with a retired hitman whose past threatens the quiet family life he has built—a premise that invites the “John Wick: the anime” comparison. Netflix lists episode 1 as “The Legendary Hit Man,” a 25-minute action-comedy setup. The analogy fits the broad retired-assassin hook, but official sources do not establish that John Wick inspired the series or that the stories are interchangeable.
What happens in Sakamoto Days episode 1?
Netflix’s episode synopsis says Taro Sakamoto is enjoying retirement with his family when an old colleague demands that he return to the assassin world or face consequences. Netflix’s series logline describes him as once the greatest hitman, retired for love, and now fighting to protect his family as his past catches up with him. That logline is Netflix’s wording, not a quote attributed to a named creator.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Sakamoto Days, Vol. 22 | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sakamoto Days (Vol. 1-21) Complete Manga Series Collection | 21 Books Set by Yuto Suzuki | $199.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Sakamoto Days, Vol. 1: The Legendary Hit Man | $8.72 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Sakamoto Days Manga 12-book Set Vol.1-12 by Yuto Suzuki | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Sakamoto Days, Vol. 2 | $9.59 | Buy on Amazon |
The episode is titled “The Legendary Hit Man” and runs 25 minutes in Netflix’s listing. The reviewed official pages do not provide a scene-by-scene account, so the reliable starting point is the premise rather than a detailed plot breakdown.
Why the John Wick comparison works—and where it stops
The comparison works at the premise level: a former professional killer has left that life behind, built a quieter existence, and is pulled back toward danger when the past intrudes. That is a useful shorthand for the setup, not evidence that the two works share a plot or that one directly influenced the other.
#1 Best Overall
Netflix classifies Sakamoto Days as anime, action, comedy, and a TV show based on manga. The action-comedy label matters: the official classification itself signals that the series should not be reduced to a straight action-thriller comparison. The official sources reviewed do not confirm a John Wick influence, or establish equivalent tone, violence, or story structure.
What to know about the series
- Source material: Netflix Media Center identifies Yuto Suzuki as the manga’s creator and says it has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump since 2020.
- Production: Netflix Media Center credits Masaki Watanabe as director, Taku Kishimoto for series composition, Yo Moriyama for character design, and TMS Entertainment for animation production.
- Series listing: Netflix’s listing contains 22 episodes; that is the count shown on the page checked in 2026, not a claim about future catalog changes.
How to watch episode 1 or continue with the manga
Netflix’s official listing includes episode 1 and says the series is available to download. Catalog access and download availability can vary by region or change, so check the live listing in your location: watch Sakamoto Days on Netflix.
Rank #2
If you want to continue with the source material, VIZ identifies Sakamoto Days, Vol. 1 as the series debut and provides a route to the manga. Availability and purchase options depend on the retailer and region: Sakamoto Days, Vol. 1.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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