How and Where to Watch The Elusive Samurai – Streaming Info and Availability

The highly anticipated anime adaptation of The Elusive Samurai (逃げ上手の若君) has finally hit screens, bringing the beloved manga by Yusei Matsui to life. Produced by CloverWorks, the anime aired from July to September 2024, and is based on the historical adventures of Hōjō Tokiyuki, a young samurai seeking revenge after the betrayal and downfall of his family. Since its debut, The Elusive Samurai has captivated both history buffs and anime fans alike with its mix of historical context, intense action, and relatable characters.

Premise

Set during Japan’s transition between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, The Elusive Samurai follows the journey of Hōjō Tokiyuki, a noble boy on the run. After the powerful Ashikaga Takauji betrays his family and helps overthrow the Hōjō shogunate, Tokiyuki flees with only a shady priest, Suwa Yorishige, and a few loyal followers by his side. His mission? To get revenge on Ashikaga and restore his family’s honor. Despite being just a child, Tokiyuki has a remarkable talent—he’s not only an expert at hiding and running but also an elusive warrior capable of dodging almost any attack. Armed with these abilities, he sets off on a dangerous path to reclaim his family's legacy.

Key Characters

1. Hōjō Tokiyuki – The protagonist and heir of the Hōjō clan. Though young and often underestimated, his sharp survival instincts and ability to dodge enemies make him a unique warrior.
2. Suwa Yorishige – A mysterious priest with the ability to foresee the future. He guides Tokiyuki and serves as both mentor and strategist in the battle to reclaim the Hōjō’s honor.
3. Shizuku – Yorishige’s adopted daughter and a shrine maiden with the ability to see spirits, providing valuable spiritual and logistical support.
4. Nezu Kojirō – A swordsman predicted to be Tokiyuki’s future military commander.
5. Ashikaga Takauji – The powerful samurai who betrayed the Hōjō family, becoming Tokiyuki’s main antagonist as the story unfolds.

Anime Adaptation

Directed by Yuta Yamazaki, with scripts supervised by Yoriko Tomita, the anime adaptation of The Elusive Samurai dives deep into historical drama while keeping viewers on the edge with intense action scenes. The series aired in Japan on Tokyo MX, with the English dub premiering on Crunchyroll in August 2024, bringing the captivating journey of Tokiyuki to international audiences. Fans are raving about the striking animation, character development, and emotional depth that the show brings to the table.

Episode Breakdown for The Elusive Samurai Anime TV Show

The Elusive Samurai anime adaptation has captivated audiences with its blend of historical intrigue and thrilling action. Here's a breakdown of the episodes, offering insight into Tokiyuki’s journey and the challenges he faces as he fights to reclaim his family’s honor.

Episode 1: "May 22nd"

Original Air Date: July 6, 2024
In the first episode, Tokiyuki’s carefree life as the heir to the Hōjō regency is shattered when Ashikaga Takauji leads a coup against his family. As his world collapses, Tokiyuki is forced to flee with the help of Suwa Yorishige, a priest who foresees Tokiyuki’s potential to become a hero.

Episode 2: "The Gentle Uncle"

Original Air Date: July 13, 2024
Tokiyuki learns of his uncle Muneshige's betrayal, leading to his brother’s execution. With a desire for vengeance, Tokiyuki sets out on a mission to confront Muneshige, joined by new allies, including the skilled swordsman Kojirō and the powerful Ayako.

Episode 3: "A Forest Inhabited by a God"

Original Air Date: July 20, 2024
Tokiyuki trains under Yorishige’s guidance while learning to trust his eccentric companions. The group faces their first challenge in a forest filled with dangerous creatures, marking the beginning of Tokiyuki’s transformation into a skilled warrior.

Episode 4: "Sadamune Appears!"

Original Air Date: July 27, 2024
Ogasawara Sadamune, a dangerous archer and ally of Takauji, enters the scene. Tokiyuki competes in a dog-shooting competition, cleverly using his agility to outmaneuver Sadamune. The stakes are raised as Tokiyuki realizes the true threat posed by his enemies.

Episode 5: "Settling the Score! A Dog-Shooting Competition and then..."

Original Air Date: August 3, 2024
Tokiyuki secures a narrow victory over Sadamune in the competition, forcing the archer to leave Suwa. However, tensions rise when Sadamune threatens to confiscate parts of Suwa, prompting Tokiyuki to team up with the thief Genba to steal an imperial decree.

Episode 6: "Steal the Imperial Command from Ogasawara's Residence at Night"

Original Air Date: August 10, 2024
In a high-stakes heist, Tokiyuki and Genba infiltrate Sadamune’s mansion to steal the decree. When their plan goes awry, they must use quick thinking to escape while deepening their bond as allies.

Episode 7: "Children in Winter"

Original Air Date: August 17, 2024
While investigating an attack on a village near the Suwa border, Tokiyuki and his team meet Fubuki, a skilled warrior who has been defending the village’s children. Tokiyuki’s resolve to protect the innocent grows, and Fubuki joins the Elusive Warriors.

Episode 8: "A War of Hide and Seek"

Original Air Date: August 24, 2024
Shōkan, a ruthless bandit leader, attacks the village. Tokiyuki uses his elusive abilities to outsmart Shōkan in a tense duel, demonstrating how far he has come as a warrior. The episode showcases the growing camaraderie among the Elusive Warriors.

Episode 9: "My Buddha"

Original Air Date: August 31, 2024
Tokiyuki and his allies successfully defend the village against Shōkan’s forces, with Genba arriving just in time to save the day. Sadamune's reinforcements retreat, but tensions continue to build as Tokiyuki prepares for the greater battles ahead.

Episode 9.5: "History"

Original Air Date: September 7, 2024
This special recap episode provides a summary of the major events in the first nine episodes, setting the stage for the next phase of Tokiyuki’s quest for revenge.

Episode 10: "A Perverted Kid and Disturbances of Holy Power"

Original Air Date: September 14, 2024
Tokiyuki grapples with strange tasks assigned by Yorishige to restore his divine powers. Meanwhile, Shizuku reveals the mystical creatures inhabiting Suwa’s holy land, leading Tokiyuki to question the nature of his mission.

Episode 11: "Samurais Who Are Eager to Die and an Elusive Samurai"

Original Air Date: September 21, 2024
Tokiyuki and his team intervene in a revolt led by Hoshina Yasaburō against the oppressive Kiyohara Shinano-no-kami. As Tokiyuki faces new enemies and difficult choices, the Elusive Warriors’ strategies are put to the test in a high-stakes battle.

Episode 12: "Hang in There, Tokiyuki, Until the Day You Retake Kamakura"

Original Air Date: September 28, 2024
The season finale sees Tokiyuki helping Yasaburō’s forces retreat to safety after a fierce battle. With the Elusive Warriors victorious, Tokiyuki’s resolve to reclaim Kamakura and confront Ashikaga Takauji is stronger than ever.

Reception and Impact

The anime adaptation has garnered praise for staying true to the original manga’s spirit while enhancing it with CloverWorks’ stunning visuals. Critics have noted the show’s balance of historical themes with heart-pounding action and well-rounded characters, making it one of the standout series of 2024. The manga itself, which won the prestigious 69th Shogakukan Manga Award, has seen a surge in popularity since the anime’s release, crossing over 3 million copies in circulation.

Whether you're a long-time fan of the manga or new to the series, The Elusive Samurai is a gripping story of revenge, loyalty, and survival. It's a unique blend of history, action, and heart that will leave you both entertained and moved.

1. What is The Elusive Samurai about?
   The Elusive Samurai follows the story of Hōjō Tokiyuki, a young samurai from the Kamakura period who is forced to flee after his family is overthrown. He embarks on a journey to reclaim his family’s honor, with a unique ability to escape danger and hide from enemies. The series combines historical elements with supernatural twists.
2. Is The Elusive Samurai based on real events?
   Yes, the story is loosely based on real historical events from Japan's Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Hōjō Tokiyuki, the protagonist, was a real figure, and the anime draws inspiration from his attempts to fight back against the Ashikaga clan.
3. How closely does the anime follow the manga?
   The anime adaptation remains faithful to the manga’s storyline and character development. Produced by CloverWorks, the show captures the essence of the manga's art style and action scenes while condensing some chapters for pacing.
4. Where can I watch The Elusive Samurai?
   The anime series is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, where the English subbed and dubbed versions are accessible. The show is also licensed by Aniplex of America for North America, and Muse Communication in Southeast Asia.
5. How many episodes are in The Elusive Samurai anime?
   As of the first season, there are 12 episodes that aired from July to September 2024. There is also a recap episode (9.5) that summarizes the events of the first nine episodes.
6. What is the connection between the anime and manga?
   The anime is an adaptation of Yusei Matsui’s manga, which started in Weekly Shōnen Jump in January 2021. The manga offers deeper dives into the characters and world-building, while the anime brings these elements to life visually.
7. How many manga volumes are there of The Elusive Samurai?
   As of September 2024, there are 17 collected tankōbon volumes of The Elusive Samurai. The manga continues to release new chapters, with the anime adapting content up through some of the earlier volumes.
8. Who are the main characters in The Elusive Samurai?
   The story centers on Hōjō Tokiyuki, a boy with extraordinary abilities to escape and evade. His allies include Suwa Yorishige, a priest with divine powers, and a group of loyal retainers like Shizuku, Nezu Kojirō, and Fubuki, who help him fight the Ashikaga clan.
9. What makes The Elusive Samurai unique among other anime?
   The series blends real historical events with supernatural elements. Tokiyuki’s ability to hide and escape rather than face enemies head-on adds a fresh twist to the traditional “young hero” trope. The series also offers humor, strategic battles, and a deep dive into Japanese history.
10. Will there be a second season of The Elusive Samurai?
    While there hasn’t been an official announcement, the anime has received positive feedback, and with the ongoing manga, there’s a good chance that a second season could be in the works to adapt more chapters.
11. Who created The Elusive Samurai manga?
    The manga was written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui, the same creator behind the hit series Assassination Classroom. His signature art style and storytelling are evident throughout The Elusive Samurai.
12. What awards has The Elusive Samurai won?
    In 2024, The Elusive Samurai won the prestigious 69th Shogakukan Manga Award, one of Japan's top honors for manga. This award further cements its place as one of the standout series in recent years.
13. Who are the key voice actors in the anime?
    The Japanese cast includes Asaki Yuikawa as Hōjō Tokiyuki, Yuichi Nakamura as Suwa Yorishige, and Hinaki Yano as Shizuku. In the English dub, Abby Trott voices Tokiyuki, and Ricco Fajardo voices Suwa Yorishige.
14. How does The Elusive Samurai explore Japanese history?
    While the series takes creative liberties with supernatural elements, it delves into significant moments in Japanese history, including the fall of the Kamakura shogunate and the rise of the Ashikaga clan. Historical figures like Ashikaga Takauji are central to the plot.
15. What themes does The Elusive Samurai explore?
    The series focuses on themes of loyalty, betrayal, survival, and revenge. It also highlights the growth of a reluctant hero, who must rely on strategy, cunning, and the support of his friends to achieve his goals.