Introduction
Are you a fan of Assassination Classroom or Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro? Do you also have a penchant for historical stories? If so, Yuusei Matsui's latest work, The Elusive Samurai, should be on your watchlist this season!
The Elusive Samurai (逃げ上手の若君 Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi) is a historical fantasy/comedy manga by Yuusei Matsui, serialized since January 2021 in Weekly Shonen Jump. The animated adaptation, produced by CloverWorks, started airing in July 2024 and has quickly become one of the standout anime of the season.
Why should The Elusive Samurai be on your watchlist this season? Here’s why:
A Unique Historical Setting
This was Kamakura before it met its bad fate and was burned to the ground.
The Elusive Samurai is set during the Kenmu Restoration (1333-1336) and the early Nanboku-chō period (1336-1392) of Japanese history, a tumultuous era marked by shifting political power and warfare. This period is often overshadowed by more prominent historical events, making it a fresh and intriguing backdrop for the series. The anime's depiction of this era is both educational and engaging—true to his style, Matsui infuses these elements with his signature bizarre flair, presenting historical figures and events with a creative twist that adds depth and intrigue to the story.
Yuusei Matsui’s meticulous research into this era is evident in the series. While it incorporates fantasy elements, such as Suwa’s ability to see the future and the somewhat demonic traits of Takauji, it also respects historical accuracy, bringing to life the customs, politics, and warfare of the time. This blend of historical detail with imaginative storytelling offers viewers a unique perspective on a lesser-known period of Japanese history.
Interesting Cast of Characters
Tokiyuki Hojo, our young protagonist.
Young Tokiyuki and Takauji Ashikaga, the series’ antagonist.
The hero of the story is the eight-year-old Tokiyuki Hojo, who is based on a somewhat forgettable historical figure whose name you won't remember after a history exam. The young lord, kind and unfit for war, was content to be a puppet leader like his father until his entire family was overthrown and slaughtered by the armies of the warlord Takauji Ashikaga. As his hometown of Kamakura is captured, Tokiyuki must flee to survive with the help of Yorishige Suwa, a shady priest who claims to see the future. With a few eccentric young retainers, Tokiyuki must evade capture, learn the ways of war, and seek revenge to restore his family's former glory. His only weapons? An extraordinary love for evading death and a superhuman ability to flee and hide.
Tokiyuki is a breath of fresh air in the realm of shonen anime. Unlike the typical hero with a background of intense training or extraordinary powers, Tokiyuki is an eight-year-old boy who relies on his remarkable talent for escaping danger. This unusual skill sets him apart from conventional heroes and offers a unique narrative hook.
Tokiyuki falls from above as the people below him are waiting to kill him.
Despite the tragedy, Tokiyuki retains his innocent and somewhat naive demeanor, creating a contrast between his tragic circumstances and his upbeat personality. His quest for revenge and personal growth is driven by a combination of resilience and an endearing lack of pretension, making him a relatable and compelling protagonist.
While Tokiyuki is the central figure, the supporting characters also add significant charm to the series. Yorishige Suwa, a mysterious priest with the ability to see the future, becomes Tokiyuki’s ally. His enigmatic nature and whimsical behavior add a layer of intrigue and humor to the story. The interactions between Tokiyuki and his eccentric retainers provide both comedic relief and emotional depth.
The main cast.
The supporting characters, though not as deeply explored as Tokiyuki, each bring their own unique traits and humor to the series. Their quirks and dynamics with Tokiyuki contribute to a rich and entertaining ensemble that keeps the story engaging and multifaceted.
Stunning Animation and Artistry
The Elusive Samurai, while not receiving the same level of buzz as Roshidere or Oshi no Ko Season 2, has garnered significant attention from sakuga enthusiasts for its impressive visuals and animation. The series boasts a color palette reminiscent of ‘90s anime, characterized by its vibrant and bright hues. Though it incorporates some CGI in certain scenes, it is less intrusive compared to other series and is generally well-executed.
This scene used CGI, but it’s of high quality that you won’t even mind it that much.
CloverWorks, known for their work on Wind Breaker, Spy x Family, and My Dress-Up Darling, has truly excelled with The Elusive Samurai. The animation quality is outstanding, featuring meticulously detailed backgrounds and fluid character movements that effectively bring the historical setting to life. The action sequences stand out for their dynamic choreography and expressive visuals, capturing the intensity of the battles with finesse.
Tokiyuki evades every single one of his attackers.
The anime’s art style merges traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern animation techniques, resulting in a visually striking experience. The rich colors and elaborate character and setting designs enhance the historical atmosphere while retaining a contemporary appeal. This fusion of traditional and modern elements ensures that The Elusive Samurai is as visually captivating as it is narratively engaging.
Balancing the Comedy, Drama and the Pacing
Suwa provides most of the comic relief from the series.
An unexpected Dragon Ball joke appeared!
One of the best things about The Elusive Samurai is how it balances comedy and drama. Tokiyuki's quirky personality and the ridiculous situations he ends up in add humor that lightens the serious parts of the story, making it enjoyable even during intense or sad moments.
The humor is naturally woven into the story, reflecting Tokiyuki's viewpoint and making him more relatable. It’s not forced, but a natural part of his interactions, providing a nice contrast to the darker themes of revenge and loss.
Aside from evading and running away, Tokiyuki is surprisingly good at archery.
The storytelling in The Elusive Samurai is engaging and well-paced. It mixes historical drama, comedy, and action in a way that keeps you hooked. The balance of action, humor, and character development keeps the story dynamic, and the pacing lets you explore Tokiyuki's character and his relationships gradually, keeping you invested in both the main plot and the individual character arcs.
A Strong Connection to Yuusei Matsui’s Previous Works
Fans of Yuusei Matsui’s previous works, such as Assassination Classroom and Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro, will find familiar elements in The Elusive Samurai. Matsui’s signature blend of humor, unique protagonists, and inventive storytelling is evident in this new series. While TThe Elusive Samurai stands on its own, it also reflects Matsui’s distinctive style, making it a must-watch for fans of his previous works.
Tokiyuki is exhilarated by the thrill of evading his enemies by sheer skill—one of the traits he shares with Assassination Classroom’s Nagisa Shiota, who has a natural talent for assassination.
The connection to Matsui’s earlier series adds an extra layer of anticipation and excitement for viewers familiar with his work. The thematic and stylistic similarities provide a sense of continuity while offering a fresh and innovative take on historical and fantasy elements.
The Elusive Samurai | OFFICIAL TRAILER
The Elusive Samurai | OFFICIAL TRAILER #2
TVアニメ『逃げ上手の若君』ノンクレジットオープニングムービー｜DISH//「プランA」
The Elusive Samurai is a must-watch this season, blending historical drama, comedy, and action with captivating characters and stunning animation. Its unique storytelling and vibrant visuals make it a standout for fans of both historical and fantasy genres. Don't miss out on this entertaining series, and if you want more, check out the manga and merchandise available at ZenPlus, shipped to you straight from Japan!
What do you think?
Will Tokiyuki ever succeed with his plans and defeat Takauji?
Why does Suwa have the ability to see the future?
Why is Tokiyuki the only survivor when they obliterated the entirety of the Hojo Clan?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
ZenPlus is your one-stop shop for all things Japanese. Check out our marketplace for manga volumes, cosplay, figures, and other merch from The Elusive Samurai franchise!
You can watch The Elusive Samurai on Prime Video, Netflix and Crunchyroll.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
